Wetland ParkUNESCO World Heritage
iSimangaliso
Southern Africa (KwaZulu-Natal)Designated in 18953,280 km²
The first World Heritage Site declared in South Africa after the end of apartheid, in 1999
Area
3,280 km²
Designated in
1895
Region
Southern Africa (KwaZulu-Natal)
With protection going back to 1895, iSimangaliso was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the first South African site to be so recognised after apartheid formally ended in 1994 — a symbolic milestone for the country's new democratic environmental policy. It combines South Africa's largest wetland system with beaches, forested dunes among the highest in the world, and coral reefs, in a mosaic of ecosystems rarely brought together in a single protected area.
Location
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3 dive sites within 300 km are also shown.
iSimangaliso: 133 documented species
Mammals27Birds22Reptiles13Amphibians
Flora and ecosystems
Ecosystems found in South Africa, where iSimangaliso lies.
SavannahDesertMarine / coastal
Experiences in this park
Diving and snorkellingBirdwatching
Nearby dive sites
Where can I dive near here?
15 km away
24 km away
94 km away
Wildlife you can see now
What is worth looking out for this month in South Africa?
Now is a good time: Southern right whales at Hermanus (June to November (peak August to October))
Similar parks
Which other parks are like this one?
Same country: South Africa
Same country: South Africa
Same country: South Africa
Same country: South Africa
Keep exploring
Based on what we already know about this park.
South Africa