National park · South Africa
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Enter iSimangaliso Wetland Park for R200 per adult (check) and hike the 10 km (6.2 mi) St Lucia to Cape Vidal trail (moderate, 4 h) in May–Oct for best wildlife and low crowding.Enter iSimangaliso Wetland Park for R200 per adult (check) and hike the 6.2 mi (10 km) St Lucia to Cape Vidal trail (moderate, 4 h) in May–Oct for best wildlife and low crowding.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,800 km² (1,081 sq mi)1,081 sq mi (2,800 km²)
approximate
Established
1999
Best months
Apr–Jun, Oct
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 8Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Across the subregion, plan every road leg to arrive befor…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- Southern Africa ↗A rental car may leave its home country only with the rental company's cross-border letter, the registration papers and paid road taxes at each post; driving into Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique or Angola without them ends at the border.
- Southern Africa ↗Across the subregion, plan every road leg to arrive before sunset: livestock, wildlife, pedestrians and unlit trucks make night driving the main cause of serious visitor accidents.
- South Africa ↗Check visa and entry rules for your passport with the Department of Home Affairs or a South African mission before booking; exemptions depend on nationality, and the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is optional for most visa-exempt visitors in 2026.
- South Africa ↗Travelling with children: accompanied foreign children no longer need a birth certificate, but unaccompanied minors, South African children and some passports that omit parents' names still do; check with Home Affairs and your airline before you fly.
- South Africa ↗Driving is on the left. If your licence is not in English or has no photo, get an International Driving Permit before you travel; rental companies also check it.
- South Africa ↗National park gates open and close at fixed times; you must be inside your camp before the gate closes, and speed limits in parks are enforced.
At a glance
- Country
- South Africa
- Area
- 2,800 km² (1,081 sq mi)1,081 sq mi (2,800 km²)
- Park size varies by source; roughly 2,800 km² total, including land and marine zones (check).
- Established
- 1999
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
iSimangaliso Wetland Park spans diverse coastal and inland habitats—wetlands, dunes, mangroves, and savanna—hosting the Big‑5, abundant birdlife, and seasonal whale migrations, with self‑drive access and a network of walking trails.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 1999UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Size and age
2,800 km² (1,081 sq mi)1,081 sq mi (2,800 km²) · national park since 1999
Park size varies by source; roughly 2,800 km² total, including land and marine zones (check).
Why go
- Large wetland system with beaches, dunes, mangroves and abundant wildlife.
- Over 500 bird species and regular whale sightings May–Oct.
- Self‑drive and self‑guided walking trails across diverse habitats.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepGo
- OctBest
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanHot, occasional storms.
- FebHeat, rain possible.
- MarWarm, dry.
- AprClear, wildlife active.
- MayWhale season, pleasant.
- JunWhale season, cooler.
- JulCool, occasional storms.
- AugCool, some rain.
- SepMild, less rain.
- OctWhale season ends, good weather.
- NovHeat rises.
- DecHot, crowds.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whales (humpback, southern right)May–Oct | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Hippos, Nile crocodileAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Over 500 bird speciesMar–Oct | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Durban
Take the N2 north, turn right after ~250 km (155 mi) before Hluhluwe; follow signs to St Lucia town, the park entrance.Take the N2 north, turn right after ~155 mi (250 km) before Hluhluwe; follow signs to St Lucia town, the park entrance.
3–4 h
Open the page →
From Johannesburg
Fly to King Shaka International (Durban) then drive N2 north to St Lucia.
1 h flight + 3–4 h drive
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| St Lucia Gate | Main entrance, visitor centre, vehicle parking. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Mapelane Peninsula | Coastal mangroves, beaches, bird hides. | Self‑drive; some areas restricted. |
| Cape Vidal | Western shore, camping sites, boat launch. | Open; camping permits required. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates centred on St Lucia gate; other points approximate.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult) | ZAR 200–250 (≈ US$12–15) | person | Check official SANParks rates. |
| Vehicle entry (private car) | ZAR 400–500 (≈ US$25–30) | vehicle | Check official SANParks rates. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Guided night drives no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- R 200–250≈ US$12–15
- R 400–500≈ US$25–30
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Official iSimangaliso website before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Not allowed in the park.
- Camping
- Only in designated campsites; permits required.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited outside designated areas.
- Vehicle speed
- Maximum 50 km/h (31 mph) on park roads.Maximum 31 mph (50 km/h) on park roads.
Where to stay
Near the park
St Lucia town
Guesthouses, B&Bs, budget hotels.
In the park
Cape Vidal campsites
Basic camping sites with ablutions.
Safety
Hippo encounters high
Crocodile basking medium
Heat medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main gate and visitor centre have paved access and short walks.
- Longer trails are uneven and not wheelchair‑friendly.
Visiting lightly
- Use licensed operators for boat trips; they follow marine protection rules.
- Stay in locally owned accommodation to support community.
- Carry out all litter; no plastic bags in the park.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter iSimangaliso Wetland Park?
Adult entry is about R200–R250; vehicle entry around R400–R500. Check the SANParks website for the latest rates.
What are the best hikes in iSimangaliso Wetland Park?
The St Lucia to Cape Vidal coastal trail (≈10 km, moderate, 4 h) offers beaches, birding and sea views. It is best from April to October.
When is the best time to visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park?
April to October gives mild weather, lower heat, and whale migrations (May–Oct). Avoid the hottest months of December–February.
Can I camp inside the park?
Camping is allowed only in designated sites such as Cape Vidal; a permit is required.
Are guided night drives mandatory?
No, but they are recommended for safety and wildlife viewing; they must be booked with a licensed operator.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about iSimangaliso Wetland Park
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