isimangaliso_wetland_park

St. Lucia, south_africa

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a biodiversity hotspot covering 3,280 km². It features coastal dunes, wetlands, savannas, and coral reefs, supporting a vast range of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, rhinos, elephants, and over 500 bird species. The park is home to Lake St. Lucia, Sodwana Bay (a top diving destination), and Cape Vidal (pristine beaches). Visitors can enjoy boat safaris, snorkeling, whale watching, turtle tours, and game drives. The best time to visit is May–September (dry season) for safaris and November–March for turtle nesting. Entry fees start at $6 per person, and the park is accessible via Richards Bay or Durban (3-hour drive).