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Map of iSimangaliso
Wetland
Park
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Greater
St Lucia Wetland Park (iSimangaliso Wetland Park), KwaZulu-Natal, South
Africa
Covering about 240,000ha, with
a further 84,000ha in, on or under the sea, this is a large chunk of sub-tropical
paradise stretching 220km along the East Coast from St Lucia to the Mozambique
border.
As well as a mind-blowing
range of natural systems, ranging from dune, swamp and coastal forests
to rocky and sandy shores, coral reefs and submarine canyons, mangroves,
savanna grassland, thickets, woodlands, and the largest protected wetland
in southern Africa, it is a culturally fascinating area and - more importantly
- has immense fun potential. |
Game viewing opportunities
range from self-drive to luxury lodges, and the birding is awesome. You
can paddle on the various lakes, checking out hippos, birds and game on
the shore.
The snorkelling at Cape Vidal,
Black Rock and Kosi Bay is great and, if you're a more serious diver, Sodwana
Bay is still the most popular diving destination in the country. For
a more exclusive dive experience you can head up to Rocktail Bay or Mbibi.
 The
hiking trail at Kosi Bay offers terrain ranging from grassland, beach and
mangrove forests to mysterious waterways. You can do a short or multi-day
horse trail, watch mama turtles laying eggs or baby turtles hatching on
the beach, or go out in a boat to see dolphins and humpback whales.
Community run trails offer
the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area, as well as
get a handle on the history and culture of this fascinating corner of our
country.
You shouldn't miss out on
seeing the traditional fish traps, which have been handed down from father
to son for hundreds of years. There are also a couple of traditional villages
and loads of craft outlets.
Note: If you are planning
to travel to the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Kosi Bay please be aware
that this region is malarial. Consult your doctor or travel clinic for
advice and refer to our article on malaria. |
| Read
more about St Lucia: St. Lucia
- World Class Eco Destination by Barbara Ulmi |
MTUBATUBA
ACCOMMODATION, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
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| Mtubatuba is a small
town north of Richards Bay close to the entrance of the Greater Isimangaliso
Wetland Park (formally known as Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) in KwaZulu-Natal,
South Africa. The town is situated in the Mtubatuba Local Municipality
in the Umkhanyakude District.
It was established in a swampland
of reeds and papyrus in 1903 and named after the local Zulu chief. The
town's early years were hampered by flooding. An additional setback occurred
during World War I: a ship carrying essential parts of what was to be the
town's first sugar mill was torpedoed. The mill was eventually constructed
in 1916 at nearby Riverview. The town is approximately 27 km from St Lucia
town. |
View
Map of Mtubatuba
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Makakatana
Bay Lodge, Safari Lodge, Makakatana, near MTUBATUBA 
Exclusively situated in
the Proclaimed 'Greater St Lucia Wetland Park' reserve, the largest marine
lake in Africa, Makakatana Bay Lodge remains the only privately owned and
run luxury Lodge within this pristine World Heritage Site. The lodge has
five luxury suites situated privately in a thick forest overlooking the
lake. Facilities include: mini bars, air-conditioning, overhead fan, separate
toilet and bathroom, outside shower, dressing room, private decks. There
is a private pool set on the lakes edge. Restaurant dinning room and outdoor
boma available. Adventures include: Hippo Crocodile Safaris, Boat safaris
on the lake, Safaris to Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve and Boat beach safaris
to the pristine beaches of Cape Vidal where one can enjoy snorkeling and
swimming in the warm Indian Ocean. |
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Marula
Place, Bed & Breakfast, Self-catering, MTUBATUBA
3-star graded, semi-finalist
in the 2004 AA Awards Programme, Marula Place is set in a 2 acre tropical
garden. All rooms are en-suite and have tea/coffee making facilities, air-conditioning.
Bed & Breakfast or Self Catering options available. Marula Place has
24 hour security. A secluded garden cottage is available for those
who need some privacy ... private entrance and private garden. The major
Zululand Game Reserves and the beach are only 20 minutes’ drive from Marula
Place. Other site seeing trips include tours to Traditional Healers, Medicine
Makers, Herbalists, our lovely beaches where you can fish, scuba dive,
snorkel or just enjoy our World Heritage Site. The Umfolozi Country Club
is just up the road – it has an excellent restaurant, facilities for golf,
tennis, squash, swimming, horse riding, bowls and a gym. The Zululand
climate is perfect: hot summer days and warm sunny winter days. |
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Umfolozi
Riverlodge and Birdpark, Lodge, MTUBATUBA
Situated in a tranquil,
scenic environment with its spectacular variety of birds, Umfolozi Riverlodge
is situated on 25 hectares of land, which borders a private game reserve
and is approximately 30 minutes from St Lucia world heritage site, Richards
Bay international airport, Mapelane beach and the world-renowned Umfolozi
/ Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Umfolozi River Lodge and Bird Park is an ideal
opportunity to escape from busy everyday life. Enjoy a variety of light
meals and beverages at our restaurant. Allow us to plan your day with boat
tours on Lake St. Lucia, Game drives, horse Trails, whale watching,
kayaking
safaris, cultural village, deep sea fishing and a choice of three golf
courses nearby. |
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Wendy's
Country Lodge, Bed and Breakfast, MTUBATUBA
Wendy's Country Lodge is
a 4 Star Colonial style home, furnished with South African antiques. Set
in an acre of magnificent tropical gardens with heated swimming pool, rich
in bird life, diversity of plants, including Orchids. Accommodation
consists of five en-suite bedrooms and one bedroom with private bathroom,
fully airconditioned with ceiling fans. Tony and Wendy offer gracious
hospitality with personal service and help guests plan their stay. A hearty
English breakfast with tropical fruit is served. The gateway to many famous
game parks and St Lucia Wetlands. Restaurants close by. Credit Cards accepted. |
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