Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park
The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Parks was declared a world heritage site in 1999 and extends from Kosi Bay in the North to Cape St Lucia in the South.
The park incorporates Lake St Lucia, the St Lucia and Maputaland Marine Reserves, the Coastal Forest Reserve, and Kosi Bay Nature Reserve. The park has 280km of near pristine coastline and comprises of 328 000 hectares of magnificent scenery and is a remarkably beautiful part of South Africa..
Within The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park are a wide range of habitats ranging from marine systems including coral reefs and beaches, coastal forests, salt and fresh water marshes to the open estuarine waters of Lake St Lucia itself. There are also lush coastal plains and drier woodland areas.
The park is in a transitional zone in terms of fauna and flora between the temperate zones of the south and the tropical zones in the north with many species endemic to this coastal plain. The protected area is home to a huge population of hippopotamus and crocodile as well as a wealth of plant and animal life.
Humpback and other whale species are found offshore as well as dolphins and numerous shark species. Turtles nest on the beaches here in the month of November adding an exciting dimension to a trip to St Lucia.
Elephant have also been reintroduced into the wetlands and other mammals include buffalo, rhino, zebra, eland and kudu.
It is possible to enjoy a wildlife safari on horseback in this region and as the wildlife does not see you as human being there relaxed and easily approached.
The St Lucia Wetlands are very rich in birdlife with over five hundred species being recorded and there are numerous reptile species including the endangered gaboon viper.
The St Lucia Wetlands Park is a popular destination and offers a wide range of activities. fishing, boating and bird-watching, scuba-diving, hiking and camping are all on offer.