About Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park
The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park - now known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park - was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site on 1 December 1999. It is considered South Africa's third largest park and extends from Mapelane (Cape St. Lucia) in the South, to Kozi Bay Nature Reserve in the North.
Did you know? The iSimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park incorporates Lake St Lucia, the St Lucia and Maputaland Marine Reserves, the Coastal Forest Reserve and Kosi Bay Nature Reserve.
The park has 280km of near pristine coastline and comprises of 328 000 hectares of magnificent scenery. Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park encompasses an immense mosaic of habitats ranging from marine systems (coral reefs and beaches) and coastal forests (from salt and fresh water marshes to the open estuarine waters of Lake St Lucia itself) from lush coastal plains to the drier woodland areas. This is a remarkably beautiful place in South Africa.
The park is situated in the southern end of the Mozambique coastal plain near the towns of St Lucia, Mtubatuba, Hluhluwe, Mkuze, Mbaswana and Manguzi. This is a transitional zone in terms of fauna and flora between the temperate forms of the south and the tropical forms in the north and many species are endemic to this coastal plain. The protected area is home to the largest population of hippopotamus and approximately 1,000 crocodiles as well as a wealth of plant and animal life.
The largest mammal found in the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park is the humpback whale and on land the African Elephant. In 2001 Elephant was introduced into the wetlands system and this has brought this area closer to "big five" status and has re-introduced a key ecological vector. Other mammals include Buffalo, Rhino, Zebra, Eland and Kudu. Wildlife Safaris on horseback is an extraordinary experience as the game see you as part of the horse and don't frighten easily which affords you the opportunity to get up close to the animals.
Of great interest is the staggering array of birdlife to be found in the St Lucia Wetlands. Over 500 different species of birds are resident or pass through the wetland system annually and comprise of marine, wetland and forest birds.
The park has one of the most diverse variety of frogs and their choruses can often be heard at night and on dull rainy days. The highly endangered gaboon adder and a large variety of other snake species reside in this subtropical coastal dune forest.
Other reptiles, such as the marine turtles, the Leatherback Turtle and Loggerhead Turtles utilise the protective beaches of the St Lucia Wetlands Park to breed in November of each year.
The St Lucia Wetlands Park is a popular destination and offers a wide range of activities. Fishing, boating and bird-watching, scuba-diving, hiking and camping are all on offer and the region offers marvellous photographic opportunities to the amateur and professional photographer alike.
Need to Know
WhereGreater St Lucia / iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia, Elephant Coast, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in St Lucia Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your reserve, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
- Best Places to Stay on the Elephant Coast, South Africa’s True Wilderness Revealed
- Everything You Need to Know to See the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Properly
- Best Places to Stay in Hluhluwe – the doorstep of iSimangaliso Wetland Park & Hluhluwe-iMfolozi
- 10 rivetting reasons to visit the Elephant Coast
- Top 5 wildlife parks in South Africa (other than Kruger)
- Top Reserves of the Elephant Coast
Game & Nature Reserves in KwaZulu Natal
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in St Lucia

The Bridge 11
The Bridge 11 offers St Lucia self catering accommodation in a secure complex. If you love fishing, nature and beautiful secluded beaches, then t...

St Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse
International reputation, conveniently located in the safe and visitor friendly residential village of St Lucia, an appealing gateway to the worl...

At Heritage House
At Heritage House is situated in the heart of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Enjoy the refined style and modern comforts that the house has to offer....

17 Manzini Holiday Resort
Situated in a secure complex on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary, 17 Manzini Holiday Resort offers accommodation for three adults and two childr...

Urban Glamping
Urban Glamping is situated on the main road of St Lucia, the gateway to the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. This Luxury tented lodge is not what you w...

Stokkiesdraai
Located in the main street, this St Lucia accommodation is within walking distance of convenience stores, a launderette, restaurants and a bank. ...

Kings Palace
Kings Palace is situated in the beautiful, tropical town of St Lucia, in the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. Ideal for an overnight stop, your annual...

Lodge Afrique
Lodge Afrique Guest House offers eight free standing luxurious thatched suites, each with full Afro / Victorian bathrooms. Lodge Afrique can cate...

Sunset Lodge
Sunset Lodge is situated on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary, a world heritage site. The accommodation is ideally located and is within walking ...

The Bridge 38
The Bridge 38 is an air conditioned apartment located at The Bridge Resort in St Lucia. The complex is situated in the hub of St Lucia, overlooki...

AmaZulu Lodge
AmaZulu Lodge, an "all African lodge", completely thatched, offers you the best of St Lucia Wetlands Park. Built around a huge, tropical inner ga...

Sparrow @ Leopard Tree
Sparrow Apartment offers accommodating in St Lucia at Leopard Tree Lodge. The lodge is located in the street closest to the beach, within hearin...

Pumba's Den
Pumba's Den offers accommodation in an apartment for four guests. The apartment can be found at Manzini Chalets in St Lucia. Pumba's Den has gard...

Cheese Farm & Lodge
Cheese Farm & Lodge is situated 10km from Mtubatuba and 20km from St Lucia and offer self catering accommodation. Surrounded by green forest, the...

The Bridge 29
The Bridge 29 is a self catering holiday apartment for accommodation in St Lucia. The main bedroom has a Queen-size bed and the second bedroom ha...

Santa Lucia Guest House
Santa Lucia Guest House is situated in the area of St Lucia and offers luxury rooms with home comforts and personalised service. This unique home...

Manzini Chalet 5
Manzini Chalet 5 offers Elephant Coast self catering within a very secure complex based on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary. The complex has 24h...

The Bridge 8
The Bridge 8 is an upstairs apartment with stunning views of the St Lucia Estuary. The St Lucia Estuary has one of the highest concentrations of ...

Flamboyant Apartments
Flamboyant Apartments are affordable self-catering holiday apartments in St Lucia located in a secure complex. St Lucia is home to South Africa's...

Turtle Bay Lodge
Turtle Bay Lodge offers luxury accommodation in the serene area of St Lucia only a short walk from the town centre and the estuary. Choose from o...

Manzini Chalet 34
Manzini Chalet 34 is a self catering cottage for four guests in two bedrooms in the Manzini Chalets complex in St Lucia. The complex has a commun...

A La Mer Holiday Home
Situated in St Lucia, A La Mer holiday home offers accommodation just a few minutes' walk from the beach and is perfectly located to enjoy all th...


The Estuary Guest Chalets
The Estuary Guest Chalets is situated in the heart of St Lucia on the North Coast making it the ideal getaway for a vacation or long weekend for ...

Maputaland Guest House
Maputaland Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in the area of St Lucia. We are well known for our warm hospitality, comfortable ac...

The Bridge 19
The Bridge 19 is located in a secure resort on the bank of the St Lucia River mouth. The apartment is fully equipped for a self catering holiday ...

Rhino Coast Guesthouse
The Rhino Coast Guesthouse is an upmarket, luxury Bed & Breakfast situated in the town of St. Lucia. It offers a tranquil escape for the discerni...

The Bridge 17
Set in The Bridge Holiday Resort in St Lucia, The Bridge 17 offers comfortable accommodation for four guests. The apartment is situated on the ba...


Serene-Estate Guesthouse
Serene-Estate Guesthouse is situated at the edge of St Lucia bordering the famous iSimangaliso Wetland Park and only 10 minutes walk from all the...

Elephant Lake Hotel
The Elephant Lake Hotel is located on the shores of the St Lucia Estuary in the town of St Lucia, KwaZulu Natal, surrounded by the iSimangaliso W...

Weaver @ Leopard Tree
Weaver at Leopard Tree offers accommodating in St Lucia at Leopard Tree Lodge. Being located on the edge of the forest / greenbelt area surround...

Pelican's Nest Holiday Home
Pelican's Nest Holiday Home St Lucia is a spacious self catering holiday home in St Lucia. The house has three bedrooms and sleeps up to six gues...

St Lucia Hilltop Guest House
Hilltop Guest House is a modern guest house with an antique twist. We have combined natural elements to our property and we offer a service that ...

Flamingo Holiday Flats
Flamingo Holiday Flats is situated in St Lucia and offers accommodation within safe walking distance from the numerous restaurants and shops in t...

The Bridge 21
The Bridge 21 offers self catering accommodation in a secure complex in St Lucia overlooking the St Lucia Estuary. The St Lucia Estuary has one o...

Parkers Cottages
Found in the town of St Lucia, Parkers Cottages offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a number of rooms and cottages. The accommodation is ju...

Lidiko Lodge
Lidiko Lodge is a 4 star lodge situated in the village of St Lucia, surrounded by the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Set above the Great St Lucia...

Umfolozi River Lodge
Umfolozi River Lodge offers ideal accommodation for both businessman and family alike and is situated on 13 hectares of lush forested hillside ov...

Ndiza Lodge and Cabanas
A panoramic view of the Indian Ocean, famous Maphelane dune (second highest dune in the world), the Umfolozi River mouth and part of famous Lake ...

La Dolce Vita 1
Make La Dolce Vita your home away from home (sleeps 2 - 8 guests). This is the perfect accommodation option for families or a group of friends vi...

Ingwenya Lodge
Ingwenya Lodge is situated in St Lucia on the border of the nature reserve, with a view of both the sea and the estuary and offers six self cater...

African Dreamz
African Dreamz is an Elephant Coast guest house located in the quaint little town of St Lucia, bordering the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. Discover ...

Kiewiet at Leopard Tree
Kiewiet Apartment in St Lucia is located in the street closest to the beach, within hearing distance of the ocean, and on the edge of the forest ...

Kingfisher @ Leopard Tree
Kingfisher Apartment offers comortable holiday accommodating located on the edge of the forest/greenbelt area surrounding St Lucia, provides the ...

Villa Mia 8
Villa Mia 8 offers accommodation in St Lucia in a small resort where family and friends can gather and enjoy a variety of activities. The apartme...

57 Pelican Street
57 Pelican Street provides pet friendly, self catering accommodation in St Lucia. The house consists of four bedrooms and three full bathrooms. T...

Leopard Corner Lodge
Leopard Corner Lodge borders the St Lucia Wetlands, which starts right beside the guest house. Often our guests are lucky enough to catch sight o...

Sandpiper Guest House
Sandpiper Guesthouse is a bed and breakfast bordering the indigenous forest in the village of St Lucia surrounded by the Isimangaliso Wetland Par...

Makakatana Bay Lodge
Makakatana Bay Lodge is a family owned and run lodge offering accommodation on the western shores of Lake St Lucia, within the iSimangaliso Wetla...

Afrikhaya Guest House
Afrikhaya Guest House is a tastefully decorated Bed & Breakfast in St Lucia offering warm hospitality, spacious and stylish well appointed guestr...

Little Eden St Lucia
Little Eden offers up market and tastefully decorated self catering accommodation bordering the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, with real hospitality ...

33 The Bridge
33 The Bridge is a holiday apartment providing accommodation for up to six guests with a view of the estuary in St Lucia. Guests may even get luc...

Thonga Beach Lodge
This intimate, luxury 24 bed lodge is nestled on the pristine coast of Maputaland, within the Isimangaliso Park. It's the ideal place to explore ...

Perna Perna
Perna Perna offers accommodation in a secure complex which is ideally situated a few minutes' drive from the town's restaurants and tour companie...

Bhangazi Lodge
Bhangazi Lodge is set in the scenic, tranquil tropical St. Lucia town, surrounded by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, offering 4 star graded Bed & ...

18 Villa Mia
Located in St Lucia, 18 Villa Mia provides accommodation for six guests. The complex has a communal swimming pool and braai area which guests are...

Umlilo Lodge
Umlilo Lodge is a guest house situated in the small village of St Lucia, the only private village in the world to be completely surrounded by a W...

Timone's Retreat
Timone's Retreat is a lovely two bedroom chalet offering St Lucia self catering in the Manzini Chalets complex. Timone's Retreat is close to vari...


St Lucia Ocean View Lodge
St Lucia Ocean View Lodge offers log cabin accommodation set in a beautiful garden where many species of birds and small animals can be found. A ...

Lake St Lucia Villas
Lake St Lucia Villas is family friendly and offers ground floor, second floor and duplex apartments, which are ideal for a self catering holiday....

Kwalucia Private Safari Retreat
Located in the beautiful town of St Lucia, Kwalucia Private Safari Retreat offers accommodation in four suites. Kwalucia Private Safari Retreat i...

Wagtail @ Leopard Tree
Wagtail at Leopard Tree is a self catering holiday apartment in St Lucia sleeping four guests. The lounge has comfy seating, a TV with DStv and W...

The Bridge 31
The Bridge 31 is a comfortable three bedroom apartment which is located in St Lucia. This is the ideal place for a family wanting to get away for...

6 Villa Mia
6 Villa Mia is located in a mini resort offering guests a wide range of opportunities and activities. 6 Villa Mia is the only holiday accommodati...

The Bridge 41
41 The Bridge offers self catering accommodation for six guests. The unit is set amongst trees and a marsh; the bird life is abundant. The unit h...

Meet Mekaar Resort
Regard Meet Mekaar Resorts as your new oasis - everything is at your disposal and everything is included for you to bask in the glory of authenti...

St Lucia Kingfisher Lodge
St Lucia Kingfisher Lodge is situated at the edge of town which means that whilst the shops, restaurants and other amenities are only a 10 minute...

Pelican Pad @ St Lucia
Pelican Pad @ St Lucia offers accommodation in St Lucia, this lovely little resort is secure, comfortable and friendly. Nicely secluded, the reso...

Forest Villas
Forest Villas is an upmarket Lodge in the town of St Lucia, iSimangaliso world heritage site. Each room has a patio which overlooks the tropical ...

Kosi Forest Lodge
Kosi Forest Lodge is the only private lodge in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve - an unspoilt wilderness that is part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park...

Marlin Lodge
Marlin Lodge is a Bed & Breakfast in St Lucia, KwaZulu Natal. The spacious rooms each have an outside entrance and open onto the patio leading on...

The Bridge 18
The Bridge 18 offers St Lucia self catering accommodation in a secure complex. St Lucia is the ideal place to get away from it all, where guests ...

Leopard Tree Lodge
Situated in St. Lucia, one of the most beautiful unspoiled areas and the first World Heritage Site in South Africa, a warm welcome and personal s...

Villa Mia 9
Villa Mia 9 is a comfortably furnished self-catering holiday apartment in St Lucia ideally located in the secure Villa Mia holiday complex. The c...

iGwalagwala Guest House
iGwalagwala Guest House is located in The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, now known as Isimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first natural Wor...

Robin @ Leopard Tree
Robin Apartment is an open-plan apartment in St Lucia. The main bedroom is furnished with a Queen-size bed and a bunk bed. There is also a sleepe...

Livingstone Lodge
St Lucia Livingston Lodge, situated in the heart of St Lucia, offers accommodation in luxury suites with free capped Wi-Fi. There is a stunning p...

Hillhouse Farm House
Hillhouse Farm House is set on eight hectares up on a hill overlooking the beautiful sugar cane farms in Monzi. We are 10 minute drive to St. Luc...

St Lucia At Home
St Lucia At Home is a Holiday Apartment in St Lucia offering self-catering stays for four guests. The complex is secure and offers a communal swi...

The Bridge 51
The Bridge 51 offers self catering accommodation in a secure complex in St Lucia. If you love fishing, nature and beautiful secluded beaches, the...

The Bridge 10
The Bridge 10 offers self catering in St Lucia in a secure complex overlooking the St Lucia Estuary. The St Lucia Estuary has one of the highest ...

The Bridge 28
The Bridge 28 is an air conditioned, self catering apartment at The Bridge Holiday Resort. The accommodation is located in an area where hippos c...

Lake St Lucia Lodge
Lake St Lucia Lodge offers self catering, serviced cottages within walking distance of nearby restaurants, shops and pubs on the main street of t...

Shonalanga Holiday Apartments
Shonalanga Lodge offers you beautiful one and two bedroom self catering holiday apartments / units in this spectacular setting. Some units are of...

The Bridge 22
The Bridge 22 offers self catering accommodation with a garden view in a secure complex in St Lucia. The St Lucia Estuary is alongside the comple...

Wendy's Country Lodge
Wendy's Country Lodge is a nature lover's delight and offers Elephant Coast B&B accommodation in a property with bird life in abundance. The gues...

Lourie @ Leopard Tree
Lourie Apartment offers holiday accommodation at Leopard Tree Lodge in St Lucia. The lodge is located in the street closest to the beach, within...

Elephant Coast Guesthouse
Elephant Coast Guesthouse offers 4-star bed & breakfast accommodation overlooking the coastal dune forest of The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park. ...

The Bridge 42
The Bridge 42 offers self catering accommodation in a secure complex in St Lucia. St Lucia is the ideal place to get away from it all, where gues...

The Bridge 54
The Bridge 54 is a modern, luxurious apartment offering comfortable accommodation in St Lucia. The accommodation is located at The Bridge Resort ...

Hummingbird @ Leopard Tree
Hummingbird is an open plan apartment situated on the ground floor level of the lodge. The apartment is furnished with a double bed. There is a f...

The South Sea's Safari
The South Sea's Safari is a self catering apartment located in St Lucia where you can enjoy a sunset view. The apartment sleeps six guests in two...

Forest Lodge
Forest Lodge is set in a tropical forest and garden, which is unique to the Zululand area of KwaZulu Natal. The lodge offers 17 en-suite rooms wi...

No 6 The Bridge
Located in St Lucia No 6 The Bridge offers comfortable self catering accommodation for up to six guests. This unit is on the first floor, accesse...

Monzi Safaris Lodge
Monzi Safari Lodge is situated 20km outside of St Lucia inside the secure village of Monzi. This security complex has an abundance of bird life a...

Turaco Guest House
Turaco Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in St Lucia and a peaceful, fully rested break away from home. The location is ideal, S...

Villa Mia 5
Villa Mia 5 offers accommodation in St Lucia in a small resort where family and friends can gather and enjoy a variety of activities. The apartme...

African Ambience
African Ambience can accommodate a total of nineteen guests and is located in St Lucia which is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The beach ...

Avalone Guest House
Avalone Guest House consists of two independent houses that neighbour the nature reserve and provide the luxury of tropical gardens and very few ...

Manzini Chalet 31
Manzini Chalet 31 is located in iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the banks of the St Lucia Lake. The chalet provides accommodation where guests can e...

Bulbul at Leopard Tree
Bulbul is a semi-open plan apartment sleeping three adults and one child. The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and a lounge with a TV with ...

Hornbill at Leopard Tree
Hornbill at Leopard Tree is a self catering apartment in St Lucia sleeping up to six guests. There is a fully fitted kitchen, a sitting area with...

Annas' Bed and Breakfast
Anna's B+B is a quality 4 star guesthouse situated within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants. The large spacious house has 4 sunny ai...

The Bridge 14
The Bridge 14 offers accommodation in St Lucia in a secure complex overlooking the St Lucia Estuary. Make this beautiful ground floor apartment y...

Fishermans
Fishermans Flat is a two bedroom apartment that can sleep up to six people. The main bedroom has a king size bed which can be converted to twin b...

12 The Bridge
Situated in next to Lake St Lucia, in The Bridge Complex, 12 The Bridge is an apartment that accommodates up to four guests. The establishment is...

Sweetest Spot
Sweetest Spot is a spacious four bedroom self catering home in St Lucia, a popular holiday destination. The house offers comfortable accommodatio...

St Lucia Ecolodge
St Lucia Ecolodge is situated in a lavish tropical garden with breathtaking views over the St Lucia Wetlands and Estuary mouth of Lake St. Lucia ...

Monzi Safaris Backpackers
Monzi Safaris Backpackers is situated on the main road of St Lucia. We differ from every other backpacker in that we do not have any dorm rooms. ...
Things to do in the area

Beach Rides on Horse Back
We take the horses out along Iphiva Beach at the northern end of St Lucia where there are many kilometres of clean white sand with the Indian Oce...

Cape Vidal Lighthouse
A river, a forest and an ocean are all individual attractions that a good getaway can be planned around. Where there is river, brown earthy soil;...

Whale Watching with St Lucia Charters
Go on an adventure with renowned skipper Danie Bennett, who together with his qualified crew has a treasure-house full of knowledge about the wha...

Cape St Lucia Lighthouse
Despite sounding as though it should lie right on the well-known lake and conservation area, now called the iSimangaliso Wetland park, Cape St Lu...

St Lucia Beach
The unspoilt beach of St Lucia is yet another testimony to the natural splendour of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Golden sands and warm blue water...

St Lucia Market
Tucked away in St Lucia at the end of McKenzie Street you will find the most wonderful market. Here you can find a vast selection of curios and f...

Mziki Trail
Start: Mount Tabor hut, iSimangaliso Wetland ParkFinish: Mount Tabor hutDuration: 40 kmFitness: moderate to difficultOur tip: head to the Mission...

Igwala Gwala Forest Trail
Start: Eden Park, St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland ParkFinish: St LuciaDuration: 1.5 kmFitness: easy, suitable for all ages, including moms with pr...

Emoyeni Trail
Start: Mission RocksFinish: Mission RocksDuration: 63 km over five daysFitness: fairly fit, particularly as it gets humid, which adds strain to t...
Noteworthy attractions

Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is situated on the coast in the northern part of KwaZulu Natal and surrounds the Kosi Bay lake system. The system con...

Lake Sibaya
Lake Sibaya is the largest fresh water lake in South Africa with a surface area of 77 km˛ and an average depth of 13 m. The lake was previously c...

Mapelane Nature Reserve
Mapelane Nature Reserve is the southernmost reserve within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The Mapelane Nature Reserve is situated on the south ba...

Ndumo Game Reserve
Ndumo Game Reserve (adjacent to the Tembe Elephant Park) is a small but impressive game reserve. Proclaimed in 1924 Ndumo Game Reserve is one of ...

Sodwana Bay National Park
The small Sodwana Bay National Park consists of a narrow coastal strip of forest covered sand dunes. Sodwana Bay National Park was proclaimed in ...

Tembe Elephant National Park
The largest African elephants in the world, along with rhino, buffalo, leopard, hippo and antelope species in a 300km˛ park on the South Africa /...

Enseleni Nature Reserve
The Enseleni Nature Reserve is a small reserve of 293 hectares lying just inland from the town of Richards Bay, almost midway between Empangeni a...

Maputaland Marine Reserve
The Maputaland Marine Reserve lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, known as one of the 'jewels' of South Africa's coastline and a UNESCO de...

Pongolapoort Nature Reserve
Travel inland in a north westerly direction from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Heritage Site and you will reach the large Pongolapoort Dam, on th...
Accommodation near Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Elephant Coast Accommodation / St Lucia Accommodation