iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso means miracle, or the greatest thing you will ever see. You won’t be let down when you first glance at the amazing ecosystems of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Centred around the Lake St Lucia lagoon system, Isimangaliso was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999.
The Park includes the lake, beaches, grasslands, dune forests and marine reserve. It is home to an exceptional biodiversity featuring over 500 bird species. It is the largest estuarine system in Africa and includes the southernmost extension of coral reefs. Among its attractions are the world's highest forested sand dunes, large numbers of nesting turtles, whales, dolphins, whale sharks and huge numbers of waterfowl including large breeding colonies of pelicans. In recent years, buffalo and elephant have been reintroduced onto the eastern shores of the lake.
Advantage Tours 2 Hour Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise
Advantage Tours 2 Hour Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise is a 2-hour boat cruise on Lake St Lucia aboard the luxurious new double deck advantage cruiser passenger ferry. This boat has ample walking space for the avid photographer, it accommodates a wheelchair, it is baby and child-friendly and has comfortable upholstered seats. Services are amenities offered are a qualified guide, skipper, and life jackets.
Lake St Lucia
South Africa’s largest estuarine system and a world heritage site, Lake St Lucia is home to an incredibly rich wildlife, including large numbers of hippos and crocodiles. The surrounding reserve offers sightings of rhino, elephant and buffalo. The area is a bird watcher’s paradise and nesting turtles lay their eggs at night on nearby beaches. Further out, whales, dolphins and sharks inhabit the warm ocean. It goes without saying that the natural surroundings are spectacular. The world’s highest vegetated sand dunes can be found here.
Emdoneni Cheetah Project
The Emdoneni Cheetah Project began in 1994 with the purpose of rehabilitation, education and release of four of the seven big cat species of Africa. The project is funded solely by 2 daily guided tours at the Emdoneni Lodge, cat adoptions and from the owners. All funds are invested back into conservation to help ensure the continued survival of the four species.
Guests are invited to view the caracal (lynx), serval, cheetah and African wildcat, as well as see the feeding of the smaller cat species during the afternoon tour. A highlight for adult visitors is entering the cat enclosures with the guides.
Dumazulu Cultural Village
Dumazulu, meaning ‘Thunder’, is one of the main cultural villages in Zululand. Here you can be entertained by traditional Zulu dancers, gain insight into the Zulu culture, and learn more about South Africa’s tribal history.