Isimangaliso ~ Miracle and Wonder
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is in the northern region of KwaZulu-Natal, under three hour drive from King Shaka International Airport where several car hire companies are available (we drive left hand side of road) you don't need a 4 x 4 vehicle a sedan car will do fine, tour operators do offer transfers and package tours.
Planning a trip to this region I personally suggest no less than a week, members of RCI will be able to find self-catering accommodation in the town of St Lucia, there is a wide variety of hotels, self-catering, back-packers accommodation and camping on offer, shop around to find what suits you best.
Self driving is mostly on tar roads inside and outside of the wetland park, adventuring on your own affords you time explore at your own pace. Tour operators in the region are listed on iSimangliso site.
Whether you select tour operators or self driving, venturing a little further north (approximately 45 minute drive) to Hluhluwe/iMfolozi National Parks is well worthwhile, day trip. National Parks do offer overnight accommodation which would need to be arranged directly with National Parks.
St Lucia Tour Operators offer drives through parks game/bird viewing, deep sea fishing, snorkeling/diving, boat cruises on the estuary, horse riding on beaches, game walks or deep sea fishing trips can be arranged. Seasonal whale watching or seeing turtles visit beaches.
Fishing is allowed both from the shores and deep sea, obtain a fishing license (from Post Office or KZN Office in St Lucia) for duration of visit, allowing you rock, or surf angling as well as salt-water fly fishing.
Our first short visit into the Igwalagwala Forest Walk was a "taster", let's explore some of what is available on the Eastern and Western Shores. Keep in mind the loops going from St Lucia to Cape Vidal are all one way traffic, some are gravel or strip roads, it is advisable to do the loops on the way up to Cape Vidal moving from one loop to the next, loops only offer one direction single traffic in and out.
Maximum of 120 vehicles are allowed into either Eastern/Western shores per day with specific summer and winter times shown for entry/departure to the park, once you leave St Lucia there are no shops nor petrol available, so remember to fill up with petrol, pack a picnic lunch, extra refreshments enabling you to enjoy the day to the full.
The Best of Beach and Bush
Eastern Shores area offers unique views Vlei Loop, Mission Rocks has a lookout point and beach, Mfazana Hide, Catalini Bay lookout, Dune Loop, Mfabeni view point, slowly ambling into Cape Vidal with amazing beaches, slow drive with stops through loops after early start, arrival at Cape Vidal is normally around lunch time.
Stop off points where you are allowed to walk do have modern ablution blocks available (most are wheelchair friendly) on both the Eastern and Western Shores.
Hippo on the waters edge 2013, this pan was totally dry during our 2016 visit, below is a photo taken early 2018, after the drought, slowly starting to recover with Waterbuck visiting.
Some photography to show what is to be seen in the area, possibly wet your appetite to visit.
Rhino are being poached daily, every effort is being made to save animals, wherever possible please support if you are able.
Always a moment that knocks your breath away, majestic animals we do not even know when next, if ever we will see them again. Most no longer have horns to protect their species... What is man doing to the animal kingdom?
Photo taken when water was abundant, many water birds seen on the pans.
Next up is on the road to Mission Rocks at the look out point, enjoying time together, each will alert the other to danger a monkey, mongoose and very shy red duiker.
Arriving at Mission Rocks the tide was up reflecting the rocks along this area, abundant in marine life.
Planned a visit at low tide, exploring tidal pools, a highlight for young and old....
Along these drives we have seen buffalo, kudu, wildebeest, signs of elephant, antelope of all shapes and sizes, dung beetles, surprising number of animals and birds, too many photo's to share. This is a taste of what you may find exploring the region.
Enjoy Africa's largest estuary and some of the world's highest coastal vegetated dunes, which are 25 000 years old. Hear the Fish Eagles cry above, feel the warm welcome of the morning sun and soft sigh of spiritual wind whispering through the trees.
Slowly completing the loops arriving at Cape Vidal one can enjoy a lunch in picnic areas along the way, do not feed wildlife and be aware the monkeys do come down and steal. Mongoose have taken to arriving of late along with the odd sea-gull, so word of warning protect animals by making them go back into the bush to feed themselves.
Western Shores
Western Shores has been reclaimed from farming forestry plantations, after years of rehabilitation, opened in December 2013 to the public. Dukuduku Gate is situated over the bridge from St Lucia town, includes game drives via uMphathe Loop (with its Kweyezalukazi Lookout) and uMdoni Loop. The uMthoma Aerial Boardwalk overlooks Lake St Lucia’s narrows and has views as far as Cape Vidal in the north and Maphelane in the south.
Re-introduction of historically occurring game including elephant, serval, tsessebe, giraffe, nyala, white and black rhino, buffalo, zebra, red and grey duiker, and wildebeest, appearing throughout awe inspiring to become one with animals and birds.
Above the Nyala my first sighting of one, bird life content was posted here previously.
Incidents that catch one off guard with climate change, Charter Creek jetty during 2014 compared to the drought period of 2016
Same jetty 2016
Animals on both sides seeking water, eastern shore buffalo, and western shore the zebra. Climate change is a priority on anyone's calendar.
What Else In St Lucia
Staying for a week one can safely plan day trips by shopping in town the evening before, making up a picnic basket to leave early, spending a day minimum for each of the shores, more often than not visiting eastern shore more than once, allowing time for beach walks or going to tidal pools.
Forest walk, broadwalk a boat cruise not to be missed. St Lucia beaches, Main, Jabula, Ndlovu, Ingwe and Estuary beaches are pristine, three spots have parking and toilets. Strong sea currents (rip tides) are known in this area, never swim alone or venture too far out into the sea. Early morning or late afternoon beach walks be aware you are with the national park so hippo, crocodile or sharks may be sharing the beach with you.
Interesting historical fact; Catalina Bay was used during the second world war, flying-boats were stationed on Lake St Lucia to patrol the east coast for German, Japanese and Italian U-boats, assisting to keep African sea route open. Nearby Mount Tabor housed a radar station with military personnel quarters situated on the western slopes of the dunes close to the flying-boat station.
No access to this historical place to my knowledge, however when droughts occur you are able to see some remains of accident site that occurred in June 1943 close to Mitchell Island.
Current interesting facts; Tree Labeling Project is ongoing, Eastern Shore region with kuMfazana Hide; Mission Rocks Picnic Site; kuMziki Picnic Site and Lookouts (lower and upper); Cape Vidal resort area; Amazibu Hide; Catalina Bay visitor area; kwaNkoboyi Picnic Site has helped learning about what trees you are looking at.
My top 2 Trees in this region shared previously:
Broad leaf resin tree Cape Ash Tree Aerial Boardwalk
Thanks to SANBI and iSimangaliso authorities for listing trees to identify when out walking, Western Shores: uMthoma Aerial Boardwalk; uBhejane Picnic Site; kuMgadankawu Hide; Dukuduku Gate Complex
Fast Facts on the iSimangaliso Wetland Park:
Lake St Lucia is Africa’s largest estuary
The greatest congregation of hippo and crocodiles in South Africa
The last significant breeding ground for the giant leatherback and loggerhead turtles
8 interlinking ecosystems
3 major lake systems
350 kms of water surface
220 kms of coastline and beaches
190 kms of marine reserve
100 species of coral
1 200 species of fish
25 000 year old coastal dunes
700 years of traditional fish traps
36 snake species
80 dragonfly species
110 butterfly species
526 bird species
A balance between conservation benefiting the local communities is a model being introduced, many parks in Africa will be run like this in the future. South Africa has a lot to offer, most visitors rush to the Cape (also beautiful) or Kruger National Park (because it is well known).
This region offers the Eastern (coastal side) with marine species, high sand dunes and higher rainfall compared to western side, appreciated for it's estuary and drier palm-veld, rich with raptors, both will mesmerize without traveling great distances nor being confined to a car all day!
The word iSimangaliso is an isiZulu word meaning “miracle and wonder”, how little we know about this hidden ancient gem in Zululand, a place where children learn along with adults about wildlife, coral reefs, eco-systems, dunes and swamp forest, an outdoor life!
Want a day off from animals, I cannot think why, perhaps you wish to take on a challenge of hiking up the largest dune in the region Maphelane, situated in southern part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the highest vegetated dune in Africa at 183m for a great view.
All photography is my own, I am in no way affiliated to any links within this content, purely added to assist others wishing to visit.
Thought for Today: "The wise traveler leaves his heart at home." ~ African Proverb
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WOw what an amazing place both beach and the wildlife all int he one area, your shots showcase what an amazing place it is
Thanks for joining Wednesday Walk
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Totally hidden gem up in the north, close to international airport makes it a good destination for travelers interested in finding peace and quiet, thanks for visiting.
It does seem such an amazing place and well worth visiting
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Oh wow Joan, we have not been up that way for a very long time, lovely post with amazing photos, brings back fond memories of holidays up there with our children! Your photos are wonderful!
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Convenience of self-catering or going to a restaurant, having reserves right on your doorstep to visit, or walk the beaches it really has become one of my favourite places to visit @lizelle
Can you believe that I have never been there Lady Joan and I can kick myself as I worked on the towers that ended up at the allusaf smelters. Been to Richards Bay, Empangeni and St Lucia, but never to the wetlands. Maybe I should make a bucket list? Or a list of some sort?
This is indeed a great post and very well detailed.
Blessings!
It is easy to understand why people miss it, it really is only once you stay in the area and familiarize yourself you become aware of this hidden gem. Well worthwhile hitting any nature lovers bucket list!
True and besides, I was working every day, so there wasn't any time to run around. Will have to wait and see what the future holds!
Blessings!
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Great photos, appreciate your effort in naming the species. When I take photos I can't even remember the name of the plants or animal.
(Sorry I had no idea my phone didn't complete the comment)
Oh you can go cycling in the region as well, they have so much to offer @pushpedal take notes on your phone at then end of each day to remember pertinent points LOL....
Thanks Joan for sharing all those amazing photos of animals.
It infuriates me that humans would disfigure or kill an animal for a horn or tusk. Those kind of people should be deal With severely by law.
Problem is getting to the syndicate leaders, there is so much money involved. Only the small fry, poachers are caught, all should end up in jail to stop the trade worldwide.
Amazing animals
Thanks @ianstevenson great to see you again.
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Blimey! That looks absolutely fabulous! Great photos!
Cheap destination, come visit!
Absolutely awesome post here Joan! I can see why you need more than week to explore this, the wildlife is typical Africa but that is in itself extraordinary! I'd definitely have to hike up to that tall dune, you know me, ever the hiker!
Thanks for taking us on a walk through this wonderful part of Africa!
There are some epic hikes in the region Nicky, one I would do (if I knew I could make it) is to the bat cave, timing walk has to be at low tide to reach these caves.
Dune hike from the village of St Lucia is approximately 11 km via the beach, when went along the beach the river mouth was open so could not cross with crocodiles and hippo in the region, heck throw in a shark as well who knows it may have been lurking beneath the waves LOL.
Ooo a bit of low tide danger thrown in to the mix, I know that feeling as well. I did a hike in New Zealand which required low tides but I'll get to that at a later blog.
11km isn't too bad but I guess there's a lot of hills and all the hungry wildlife you mentioned... It may be a run instead of a hike!
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Hopefully only the low tide to contend with, never done the hike but it sure sounds good.
Wildlife is the least of ones worries, easier than dodging drivers on the roads.
What an absolutely phenomenal experience that is! To get so close to the wildlife to be able to capture them in their natural habitat like you have— what a dream. Miracle and wonder is about right. ⭐️
Seeing animals in their natural surrounding leaves you feeling you are but a small part in life, yet we are destroying natural habitat at an incredible rate daily.
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Wow! What an amazing place to visit with all the wildlife! So many animals that I had only seen in the movies! That is some wonderful photography!
Interesting that they limit the number of vehicles into the loops (good on them!)
Thanks also for sharing the different views with the droughts and the more lush and wet years - what a change!
It breaks my heart to think of those magnificent rhinos being poach and their horns taken!
How very fortunate you are to be able to visit a place like this!
Thanks so much for sharing this!
Yes limiting the number of people is good, security going in and out keeps tight control in the area, Mission Rocks only allows 25 cars at a time, those going for a day fishing normally go in early.
Drought affected the area badly, it was shocking to witness! Before going into the area we checked, then took bottled water up with us, fortunately the place we stay at has a borehole so 5 liter bottled water containers were given to the staff at accommodation who carried water home with them every day since they had no water coming into their homes.
Most of the Rhino in this area no longer have horns, to save their lives the horns are removed, the young family of Rhino we saw still had horns perhaps staff will wait till the little one is a bit older before removing the horn.
South Africa has become unruly, visitors do need to be cautious, my love of the country knows no bounds, it is home.
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Whoever has captured these pictures, i just wanna adore the efforts of the photographer!
its just amazing,thanks for sharing👍🙂
Thank you for you kind words, a passion for nature as an amateur photographer over the years, so glad you enjoyed the content @solaiman
You are wellcome fellow!😊👍
Astonishing landscapes and variety. That's a really unique geography and climate, looks very lush.
Lush along the coastline, go inland a couple of kilometers and it is dry savannah (veld), thanks for visiting.
So much eye candy awesomeness, Joan! You have some truly amazing captures - I said, "Oh, WOW!" at least a half dozen times while scrolling through them all. Yet again, I'm wishing I had the money to travel to SA to see these sights in person. Thanks for sharing this amazing beauty!
Photo's can never do them justice it really is something to experience in real life, SA is a cheap destination well worth a visit Traci.
I love each one of your photos, but without a doubt I love the rhinoceros photos!
Seeing them in their natural habitat is amazing, thanks for visiting Francis.
Nothing more than to imagine it seems to me something incredible, I love the nature, and I have had the opportunity to be near wild animals, but nothing in comparison with those that here you show!
Any animal life big or small, close or places one has to travel to see are fun to watch. Spending time outdoors sitting quietly in a garden nature will come to you, something to enjoy everyday.
Wow that is what I call an adventure and your photos are amazing! I don't think it would be a good idea to go camping on the beach here. Hippos and crocodiles could be lurking anytime. But still that beach is gorgeous.
Caravan/camping site is close to the beach, has protection around it, there are also lovely log cabins in Cape Vidal. Groups are taken out at night, you should never do it alone or you may end up _one with nature, _in more ways than intended.
Such incredible beauty in all of these photos! I have to ask, is that a bald eagle in the first photo, or an African version that looks a lot like one?
African Fish Eagle, it has a very distinctive cry, people call it the voice of Africa.
A very beautiful bird! I'm glad you've revealed it to me. Now I can read up on them!
Wouldnt this be a great holiday when steem Goes to the roof.
I love the details animal pictures, i would be the wist traveler WHO took his hart and Loonse it to this beautiful place.
Britt
Will be waiting to hear from you Britt when steem goes through the roof, it is worth losing your heart and head in this place.
My goodness @joanstewart what a wonderful adventure. A week certainly would not be enough time to see all of this. "Miracle and Wonder" definitely a perfect name for this area. Between the sea, animals, sun and skies...wow! I can't imagine seeing all of this in one area. Great post and so much wonderful information, you certainly had a great trip! :)
Many South African's are not aware of this area, we have been visiting on and off for years, with national parks close, a big cat sanctuary and hidden places there is much to explore. Thanks for visiting @birdsinparadise.
Absolutely stunning post, Joan! @joanstewart
I have not been there and to be honest, have never heard anything about its beauty until now! I knew where it was, but, never knew of what beauty it contained! Your fabulous shots and epic depiction of it all makes one dream of a journey in the making.
The only hippos I have ever seen (and ditto rhinos) are in the zoo, unfortunately. To see these in the wild is so very exciting, making my thoughts run wild. Well, so to speak, anyway. I am amazed at the pictures with the differences, this global warming thing has really gotten out of hand. The very ingredient in life we all need being shifted like this is pretty scary for conservationists.
I actually had no idea that was a breeding ground for loggerheads.
I cannot thank you enough for sharing this wonderful place with us with enough detail on the how, what, when and where to navigate my own trip there if I should so want to. Thank you!!!
Upped and Steemed
!tip
So much to see, different seasons changing moods I have seen something not seen previously on every trip up to this region Denise.
Being close to the international airport, coming from over the pond, one could fly to Durban enjoy this region, then fly down to Cape Town and visit that region or visa versa they are both great destinations.
Thanks for visiting and enjoying this content as much as I enjoyed collating it to share.
You really have such a gift for painting lovely scenery as I enjoy your pictures. Thank you!
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Sending tips with @tipU - how to guide :)
🎁 Hi @joanstewart! You have received 0.1 STEEM tip from @dswigle!wow ! these photos are great.
And very educational too.
I've never been to a wetlands as always thought its dull and creepy.
But now I too want to explore.
Mangroves have some lovely crocodiles laying around in the sun, while the hippo bellow in the water all day, they have lovely boat trips to see in relative comfort as well. Life is learning, an on-going lesson.
Excellent travel guide to the region! Thank you for doing this work!
Excellent travel
Guide to the region! Thank you
For doing this work!
- owasco
I'm a bot. I detect haiku.
Glad you enjoyed @owasco, appreciate the visit.
What an incredible place that must be! The only place I've personally ever seen any of those animals is at the zoo; that must have been breathtaking to be able to see them all in person. Awesome!
An experience that excites and knocks you into reality everytime you visit @wwwiebe thanks for visiting with me.
I heard that wild life and forests and prominent in South Africa. But this pictures speak a lot more than what I heard. Amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you found this informative @kcherukuri thanks for visiting.
🌍✈🌐 Terrific detailed information and incredible photos! I felt as though I was reading an article in a "National Geographic" magazine! @joanstwmewart I had no idea RCI has places in Africa and will need to research this for a future bucketlist vacation
Thanks for visiting, hope you do get to visit our shores one day. There are plenty of RCI places scattered around South Africa, we went to Zimbabwe using them as well.
Thank you for sharing this experience with us! Super! Just awesome photography!
What a beautiful place, animals, nature!
What a exciting journey that was how lucky you got to see the best of landscape , seascape and lots of beautiful animals just perfect 👍