From bush to beach: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife launches new adventure route in KwaZulu-Natal!

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the provincial agency mandated to carry out biodiversity conservation and associated activities in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province, has launched the new "Beach2Bush" adventure route. It connects the vibrant Indian Ocean coastline of St Lucia-iSimangaliso Wetland Park with the untamed wilderness of Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park. This exciting route offers a unique travel experience from coast to bush, highlighting the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of KwaZulu-Natal.
The "Beach2Bush" adventure route begins in the wildlife-rich bushveld of Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, where travellers can immerse themselves in the region’s iconic Big Five safari experience. From there, the route moves towards the pristine beaches of St Lucia at iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South Africa’s most biodiverse regions. This stunning park is home to over 6,500 plant and animal species, including nesting leatherback turtles, hippos, and over 500 bird species.

Along the "Beach2Bush" route, visitors can explore several must-see Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife sites, including:

• Hilltop Lodge: Offering panoramic bush views and a variety of accommodation options, including self-catering, non-self-catering, and universal access chalets. Guests can also enjoy the restaurant, bar, and lookout point.
• Game Capture Museum: Delve into the origins of wildlife management in Africa and learn about conservation efforts.
• Guided and Self-Drive Tours: Navigate the route at your own pace, whether solo or with experienced guides.
• Emaphumulo Picnic Site: Discover a historical site linked to King Shaka Zulu.
• Emagangeni View Point: A stunning spot to enjoy sundowners with sweeping bush views.
• Esiweni Samakhosikazi: A picturesque open-air picnic and brunch site.
• St Lucia Estuary Boat Cruise: Cruise through the estuary to spot crocodiles and hippos and visit the nearby crocodile centre.

Accommodation options range from self-catering chalets to family lodges like Mthwazi, Gqoyeni, Hlathikhulu, and Masinda, offering various levels of service, including private cooks and guided drives.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is also investing in facility upgrades to enhance the visitor experience. Recent improvements at Hilltop Lodge include chalet refurbishments, restaurant deck upgrades, and pathway lighting. Upgrades at Mthwazi Lodge are also planned to provide an even more comfortable stay for guests.
Experience the ultimate KwaZulu-Natal adventure – from the wild bush to the ocean – on the new "Beach2Bush" route. For bookings and more information, contact Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Renovations underway at these two jetties following rain damage!

The management of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has announced that renovations are currently taking place at the Sugarloaf Jetty and Sunset Jetty. The boardwalks of the two jetties are getting renovated following damage from recent rainfall experienced in KwaZulu-Natal. The management of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park urges all guests not to use these facilities as they are still under construction.
The Sugarloaf Jetty and the Sunset Jetty provide visitors with access to the St. Lucia Estuary, offering opportunities for activities such as estuary boat cruises, where one can observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. Spanning over 328,000 hectares and 220 km of coastline, it features Africa’s largest estuarine system, ancient coastal dunes, coral reefs, and diverse ecosystems ranging from wetlands to savannas. Visitors can enjoy activities like game drives, bird watching, snorkeling, turtle tours, and boat cruises. Home to iconic wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, rhinos, and over 530 bird species, iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers a truly unique and unforgettable natural experience.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: The St Lucia Estuary Mouth breaches naturally once again! [update]

update (25 April 2025): The management of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal confirmed on X that the St Lucia Estuary Mouth is still open!

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal has announced that the St Lucia Estuary Mouth has naturally breached to the ocean once more. Interestingly, this occurred near the same spot as the previous breach, close to the renowned Maphelane dune—the tallest vegetated sand dune in Africa and the second tallest in the world.
Heavy rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal during January 2025 played a significant role in this process. Floodwaters from the uMfolozi River flowed into the St Lucia Estuary, contributing to the natural breaching of the estuary mouth on the morning of 10 January 2025. Notably, the estuary mouth had remained closed since August 2024.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park regards this natural breaching as a positive ecological event aligned with the Estuary Management Plan. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park continues to monitor the St Lucia system, which involves the participation of other partners and stakeholders.
For context, the St Lucia Estuary Mouth also naturally breached on 14 April 2022, before closing again on 25 August 2024.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Cape Vidal reopened!

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority announced the re-opening of the Cape Vidal facility on the Eastern Shores section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park near St Lucia on 31 October 2023. Cape Vidal, as well as other sections of the National Park, was temporarly closed to the public due to the destruction caused by the recent heavy terrestrial rainfall which affected most of KwaZulu-Natal especially in the uMkhanyakude District in the North Coast.
The damages to infrastructure such as Eskom power lines and houses at various points forced the management of iSimangaliso Wetland Park to temporally close access to certain sections of the Park in the interest of public safety. The electricity has since been restored, logs and debris removed, other restorative maintenance work is ongoing to normalize the situation in the facility.
Pre-emptive monitoring of the ecological impact as a result of the recent heavy rains is ongoing which includes impact to the St Lucia Lake ecosystem and the estuary mouth which will remain open.

South Africa: iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal to increase gate & activity permit fees!

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority has announced the annual price increase of gate tariffs and activity permits. Effective 01 December 2022, the entry tariffs for iSimangaliso Wetland Park will increase by approximately 8%. New fees for international visitors will also be introduced as of 01 December 2022. Based on prevailing market conditions, fees for activity permits will also be increased as of 01 December 2022. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in the slow growth of South Africa's domestic and global economy particularly after and the ban on international travel due to the lockdown, iSimangaliso Wetland Park has not increased its tariffs since 2020.

Increase in activity permits effective 01 December 2022:

• Deep Sea Charter Fishing Permits
• R 2000.00/day
• Scuba Diving Permit  
• R 2000.00/day
• Spear Fishing
• R 1500.00/day
• Eastern Shores / Cape Vidal Game Drives
• R 1000.00/day
• uMkhuze Game Drives
• R 1000.00/day
• Western Shores Game Drives
• R 1000.00/day
• Bike rides guided–False Bay
• R 100.00/day
• Snorkeling
• R 600.00/day
• Boat cruise - Kosi Bay
• R 400.00/day

Increase in gate tariffs effective 01 December 2022:

 

Overnight Accommodation – A charge of R 12.00 applies per person per night.
Tour Operators – A daily permit is required to conduct tours within iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This permit can be purchased at the gates.
Community Conservation Levy – A levy of R 7.00 per person is payable. This levy goes towards our many social and conservation programmes. 

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal. It is South Africa's third-largest protected area, spanning about 280 km of coastline, from the the border with Mozambique in the north to Mapelane south of the Lake St. Lucia estuary.

KwaZulu-Natal: Temporary road closure in iSimangaliso Wetland Park!

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority has announced that the road from the Main Beach (Jabula Beach) to Ingwe Beach in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is temporally closed since 26 August 2022. This is due to floods that happened around April 2022 that resulted to potholes and other road damages. The estimated period for the road to be constructed is 2-3 weeks (approx. 09-16 September 2022). Alternatively, visitors to iSimangaliso Wetland Park are urged to use the road passing the Rochelle Lodge to access the beach. We'll keep you posted!

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal. It is South Africa's third-largest protected area, spanning about 280 km of coastline, from the the border with Mozambique in the north to Mapelane south of the Lake St. Lucia estuary.

KwaZulu-Natal: iSimangaliso Weltland Park implements the amended level 1 lockdown restrictions!

The management of iSimangaliso Weltland Park in South Africa's province of KwaZulu-Natal introduces several measures to meet the tighter level 1 lockdown restrictions, which became effective in the country on 14 December 2020. Between today (16 December 2020) and 03 January 2021, the following measures apply:

• The management of iSimangaliso Weltland Park strictly enforces upper limits of 250 people for outdoors activities, as per regulations, in all of its facilities.
• All overnight guests and concessionaires within iSimangaliso Weltland Park are allowed to operate within the constraints of the regulations.
• Roadblocks are conducted at various points across the iSimangaliso Weltland Park to enforce compliance.
• No alcohol is allowed within iSimangaliso Weltland Park and control points are in place.
• No vehicles are permitted to enter iSimangaliso Weltland Park if occupants are not wearing face masks and adhere to all health protocols.
• All visitors and guests to the iSimangaliso Weltland Park are subjected to temperature tests, and based on the results the management reserves the right to refuse entry.

 

KwaZulu-Natal: iSimangaliso Wetland Park is getting ready to reopen! [update]

update (08 June 2020): iSimangaliso Wetland Park has been reopened! 

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority just announced that the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, is planning to re-open on 08 June 2020.* The preparation process of getting iSimangaliso Wetland Park ready for opening  commenced on 01 June 2020. Besides staff returning to work, the preparation includes deep cleaning of the offices and public facilities. Additional work will be done by rangers and conservationists, including cutting back of trees and removing logs from roads. Once compliance requirements are met and the park has been declared safe for visitors, iSimangaliso Wetland Park will open for self-drive excursions.

*According to South Africa's Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy, the public will be given seven days’ notice of iSimangaliso Wetland Park's reopening for self-drive excursions once compliance requirements are met and the park has been declared safe for visitors.

KwaZulu-Natal: iSimangaliso Wetland Park has increased gate access fees!

The management of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, has increased the gate access fees as well as the fees for activity permits on 01 December 2018. The gate access fee at Bhangazi Gate (Eastern Shores), Ophansi Gate, eMshopi Gate (uMkuze), Dukuduku Gate and Nholzi Gate (Western Shores) is now R51.00 for adults and R37.00 for children (under the age of 12). The vehicle entry charge got increased to R61.00 (1 - 5 vehicles). The fee at Sodwana Bay is R23.00/R19.00/R32.00, at Coastal Forest R28.00/R16.00/R29.00, at Maphelange and False Bay R45.00/R27.00/R20 and at Kosi Bay R55.00/R28.00/R56.00. The Community Conservation Levy remains at R5.00/person. For more information, including the increased fees for activity permits, see the download section of iSimangaliso's website.

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iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Temporary closure of Cape Vidal ablution block!

The management of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, has announced that the ablutions at Cape Vidal boat launching area will be temporarily closed from 28 May 2018 due to a new conservancy tank being installed. The installation of the tank is expected to be finished by the last week of June 2018. The Park's management recommends to make use of the northern car park ablutions and showers during this construction phase.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Temporary road closure in the uMkhuze section!

The management of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, has announced that there will be no access for tourist vehicles south of the Loop Road from 14 May 2018 due to road maintenance in the Park's uMkhuze section. The repairs are expected to last until late August 2018, weather permitting. Elsewhere in the uMkhuze section, routine maintenance is underway but it is not foreseen that this will cause any further closures. We'll keep you updated!

Mozambique: African Wild Dogs have been reintroduced into Gorongosa National Park!

After an absence of more than 25 years, African Wild Dogs have been reintroduced into Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique by the South African Wild Dog Advisory Group (SAWAG). The founding pack of fifteen animals consists of nine males, which naturally dispersed from their natal pack in the uMkhuze Section of the iSimangaliso National Park in South Africa in 2016, and six free-roaming female wild dogs, also originating from the region.
African Wild Dogs are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and continue to face threats in many countries and landscapes in Africa. The pressures facing this charismatic species include loss of suitable habitat, persecution, snaring within existing game reserves, and disease.
 

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: No parking on beaches!

Parking on the beaches of South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal, is currently not (!) permitted due to the hatchling season of the endangered Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles who return every year to lay their eggs on the beaches of the Park. The season is expected to extend right through to the end of April 2018. If there are any incidents to report the management of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park asks the public to contact their emergency line 082 797 7944 with details.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: uMkhuze temporary road closures

The uMkhuze section in South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal, has received over 273 mm of rain in the past 5 days and is expecting more significant rain in the coming days. Due to the unprecedented rainfall, some of the Park access and visitor roads got damaged and have therefor been temporarily closed until the damage has been assessed or repaired.

• Outside of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the access road to the eMshophi Gate has been damaged and it is not advisable for sedans or low clearance vehicles to use this road. The Department of Transport is aware of the problem and has been requested to intervene urgently;
• The Ophansi Gate access route from the R22 is also in a poor state and wis not advisable to attempt to access this by sedan. High clearance and 4×4 vehicles would still be able to access these entrances subject to road works and repairs that may result in further temporary closures;
• The road down south at the Mlambamude crossing has been closed by the South Loop turn off due to the bridge being undercut and more than half the road washed away;
• The road to iNsumo Pan (hides and picnic site) has been closed due to dangerous river crossings and flooding subject to further assessment as waters recede;
• Loop Road and the road to the Lebombo Tower area have been badly eroded. Only vehicles with high road clearance i.e. bakkies and bigger SUVs will be allowed until the road has been graded.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: The three uMkhuze game viewing hides have been reopened!

The three uMkhuze game viewing hides in South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal, have been reopened due to popular demand although some infrastructure work at the hides entrance gates and parking areas needs to continue for at least the next three weeks. This work consists of the building of three timber "eco-loos" and will result in some noise associated with such work.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: uMkhuze section to close during the annual iSimangaliso MTB 4 Day!

The uMkhuze section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal will be closed to the public from the evening of 16 August 2017 to the morning of 18 August 2017 due to the annual iSimangaliso MTB 4 Day mountain biking event that takes place in the Park as well as in the surrounding conservation and adjacent community areas from 17 August to the 20 August 2017. The ride starts in the Park's uMkhuze section on 17 August 2017 and then proceeds via the Phinda Private Game Reserve, the False Bay section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, several private reserves and community lands to reach the Park's Western Shores on 19 August 2017 and the Park's Eastern Shores on 20 August 2017. The end point of the iSimangaliso MTB 4 Day is at the Sugarloaf campsite in the seaside resort of St Lucia.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Road works and closures!

update (14 July 2017): The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is busy with the construction of the new Bhangazi Entrance Gate complex to the Eastern Shores section of the Park. 

South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal, is continuing with routine road maintenance and repairs throughout the Park.


Eastern Shores:

Certain sections of the tar road between Bhangazi Gate and Cape Vidal resort will be re-tarred during the course of next few weeks. This work will be done in half widths with two affected sections of 2km long each. Flagmen will utilise the Stop-Go system to maintain access for tourist traffic. Please allow up to 30 minutes extra for travel between Cape Vidal and the Bhangazi Gate, in particular before gate closing at 18:00 sharp.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Road works and closures!

update (27 Feb 2017): Eastern Shores - Cape Vidal

• The re-tarring of Cape Vidal Pass (the last narrow section down to the resort) in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park will commence on Tuesday 28 February 2017, weather permitting. The Cape Vidal Pass will be closed between 10h30 to around 14h30 each day. Visitors should please plan to arrive before or after these times to avoid inconvenience. The re-tarring is expected to take no longer than three weeks (weather dependant).
• The surfacing and rehabilitation of the entrances and exits to the roads intersecting with the main Cape Vidal Road has been planned to commence on 28 February 2017. This work will be done in half widths under flagmen to maintain access for tourist traffic.
• Mission Rocks road will be open from 01 March 2017.
• Vlei Loop will be closed on Wednesday (01 March 2017) and Thursday (02 March 2017) for remedial work.
• Pan Loop will be closed on Friday (03 March 2017) for final remedial work.
• Dune Loop will be closed for one week form 28 February 2017 for remedial work on concrete panels.
• kuMfazana Hide will be closed for the week to provide access to Forest Loop.

update (22 Feb 2017): The re-tarring of Cape Vidal Pass in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park has been delayed due to weather conditions until further notice. The surfacing and rehabilitation of the entrances and exits to the roads intersecting with the main Cape Vidal Road has been planned to commence. This work will be done in half widths under flagmen to maintain access for tourist traffic.

South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal, is continuing with routine road maintenance and repairs throughout the Park.

Eastern Shores - Cape Vidal:

• The Cape Vidal "pass" from the north side of the fishing cabins to the Cape Vidal resort camp is being re-tarred. The road will be closed for four hours per day, from 10h30 to 14h30, commencing on Thursday 16 February 2017 for a period of no more than three weeks, weather permitting. During this daily four hour period no vehicles will be allowed to use this section on the road. Overnight and day visitors should plan their arrival and departure from the resort and beach accordingly.
• The upgrade of the tar road from north of St Lucia town to Cape Vidal (32km) has commenced and will continue for a period of three months. Work is being done in 2 km sections in half-widths and traffic controlled through a ‘Stop/Go’ system.

The following roads remain closed:

• kuMfazana
• Mission Rocks
• Dunes loop

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Road works and closures!

South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal, is continuing with routine road maintenance and repairs throughout the Park.

Eastern Shores

• Dune Loop is closed since 11 January 2017
• KuMfazana Hide access road remains closed
• Mission Rocks Road is closed since 11 January 2017

Western Shores

• All roads are now open on the Western Shores

St Lucia Estuary and Beaches

• Repairs to the St Lucia and the Eastern Shores surfaced roads are done under traffic control from since 11 January 2017 
• Since 13 January 2017, vehicular access will be restricted to iSimangaliso's Estuary Beach car park due to the number of heavy vehicles and plant using it. A control boom has been erected south of Ingwe Beach and only contractor vehicles, vehicles towing boats, and persons with permits from DEA Oceans and Coasts in respect of access for disabled permits, will be granted access. The access rules and protocols will be the same as those for Bhangazi Gate. Boat users must complete the launch site register on entry and exit at the boom. All other beach users should make use of the upgraded parking and turning circle at Ingwe Beach.
  

uMkhuze

• eMshophi Gate: Construction of the new eMshophi Gate House has commenced. The new gate house is situated approximately 1km before the existing boom gate into iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Traffic control in the form of stop and go's as well as diversions around the construction works are in place.
• KuMalibala Hide: kuMalibala Hide is currently closed to the public

iSimangaliso Wetland Park to introduce new gate access system!

South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal, is set to introduce new gate access procedures. The Park's new system will become operational on 01 December 2016 at Bhangazi Gate, Dukukudu Gate, Nhlozi Gate, eMshophi Gate, Ophansi Gate and Sodwana Gate.
The new gate system will automate some of the current manual systems and assist with security in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The new features include:

• the driver's licence of the driver will be scanned when entering iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• and the car licence will be scanned when entering iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• visitors will asked to sign acceptance of the terms and condition of entry to iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• car licences will also be scanned at selected points such as St Lucia beaches and Sodwana beach ramps
• Alcohol is strictly prohibited in public places in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• vehicle searches will be conducted at check-points in iSimangaliso Wetland Park

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: New entrance fees from 01 November 2016! >>