Information on iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal north of Durban. It is South Africa's third largest protected area and made up of pristine natural ecosystems. The park was formerly known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, the word 'isimangaliso' is Zulu for 'a marvel'

The park includes the St Lucia Game Reserve, Kosi Bay, False Bay Park, Lake Etrza Nature Reserve, Lake Sibhayi, St Lucia Marine Reserve, Maputaland Marine Reserve, St. Lucia Marine Sanctuary, Sodwana Bay National Park, Mapelane Nature Reserve, Cape Vidal, Ozabeni, Mfabeni, Mkuze Game Reserve and Tewate Wilderness Area.

The iSimangaliso Wetlands Park was declared a world heritage site in 1999. The park was proclaimed a world heritage site because of the tremendous biodiversity occurring in a relatively small area. The reason for the vast diversity is the wide variety in different ecosystems on the park, ranging from sandy beaches and coral reefs to subtropical dune forests, wetlands and savannas. Animals on the park include elephants, leopard, white and black rhino, buffalo, and in the ocean, dolphins, whales, and marine turtles including the loggerhead and leatherback turtle. The park is also home to Hippopotami and Nile Crocodiles.

There are large outcroppings of underwater reefs which are home to brightly coloured corals and fish. Some of the most spectacular coral diversity in the world is located in Sodwana Bay. The reefs are inhabited by colour changing octopi and squid ready to ambush unsuspecting prey. Occasionally whale sharks can be seen gliding through the water.