iSimangaliso Wetland Park stretches along the northern KwaZulu-Natal coast from Maphelane to the Mozambique border. It brings together beaches, coral reefs, coastal forests, dunes, lakes, wetlands, estuaries, grasslands, and savanna within one protected landscape. The park is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes several separate conservation areas linked by their ecological systems. Its name, iSimangaliso, is an isiZulu word associated with miracles and wonders. The park is also important for conservation, with communities living around it involved in tourism, enterprises, and other activities connected with its management.

The area has a long human history, with archaeological evidence showing that people have lived in and around its wetlands and coastal environments for thousands of years. Fishing traditions remain important, particularly around the coastal and lake systems, while local communities maintain connections with the land through agriculture, crafts, guiding, and cultural activities. The park’s name reflects local heritage and the importance of isiZulu language and identity in the region. Community participation is also a central part of the park’s management, with land claims, employment, tourism businesses, and conservation initiatives incorporated into its broader approach.

Lake St Lucia is one of the park’s defining features and forms part of Africa’s largest estuarine system. Other notable areas include Sodwana Bay, known for its coral reefs and marine life; Kosi Bay, with interconnected lakes, channels, and wetlands; and uMkhuze, where savanna, sand forest, and wetlands support diverse wildlife. The park protects long sandy beaches and high coastal dunes, while its marine environment provides habitat for dolphins, whales, turtles, and numerous reef species. Visitors can take boat trips, hike, kayak, dive, fish, watch wildlife, and explore the coastline and wetlands.

iSimangaliso supports an exceptional range of wildlife, including hippopotamuses, crocodiles, elephants, rhinos, lions, and numerous antelope species. More than 520 bird species have been recorded, including waterbirds associated with the park’s lakes, estuaries, and wetlands. Loggerhead and leatherback turtles nest along the sandy coastline, while humpback whales migrate through offshore waters. The park also protects the southernmost coral reefs of the African continent. Food traditions around the region include fresh fish and seafood, maize-based dishes, stews, and other KwaZulu-Natal specialties, reflecting the coastal and rural communities surrounding the protected area.