iSimangaliso wetlands park, situated in Northern Kwazulu Natal on the Elephant Coast is a Unseco world heritage site and was officially South Africa’s first heritage site. The wetlands stretch for more than 220km all the way to the Mozambican border and is of great importance as it brings together different ecosystems and destinations. With a huge variety of fauna and flora spread over mountains, grasslands, forests, mangroves, ancient dunes, beaches and coral reefs, it is not hard to understand what makes iSimangaliso wetlands park so special.

When you visit this magical part of South Africa, you can expect more than 526 different species of birds, dense population of hippos and crocodiles roaming free in the estuaries, Big 5 and other  wild game at popular reserves such Hluhluwe, Umkhuze & Manyoni as well as a variety of other attractions such as Lake jozini.

The town of St Lucia, is the gateway to the iSimangaliso wetlands park and the perfect destination from which to explore all the various attractions and ecosystems. No visit to St Lucia is complete without a mandatory Hippo and Crocodile boat cruise where you can get up close and personal with the inhabitants of the estuary. Visitors are spoilt for choice and can choose between partner Advantage Tours and Heritage Tours

A short drive away, visitors can find popular attractions such as Cape Vidal and the Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park, the oldest National Parks in South Africa. Visitors can participate in either a full day or half day game drive with partner Ghost Mountain Inn. Expect Big 5, more than 300 species of birds, lunch and plenty more game sightings.

uMkhuze is well know for its dense forests and leopard populations and no trip here is complete with a walk through the Fig Forest. Made up of giant sycamore fig trees, with the oldest estimated at around 450 years, this walk will have you spell bound. We highly recommend Ghost Mountain Inn for a guided walk through the fig forest which includes a short game drive and the ever popular swing bridges. Alternatively a full day game drive through this reserve will offer the opportunity to see in excess of 420 different species of birds as well as the Big 5 and a variety of the game.

Lake Jozini, one of South Africa’s largest dams, offers visitors the opportunity to take part in a leisurely boat cruise with dramatic views over Lebombo mountain range. Jozini is a sanctuary for birds and animals and is not uncommon to spot a herd of elephant bathing straight from the boat. The lake is a popular fishing spot and home to a number of different species such as Karp and the elusive and sought-after Tiger fish. Full day and half day Tiger fishing is available.

Ghost mountain inn is ideally situated close to Jozini, Umkhuze, Manyoni, Hluhluwe and St Lucia and allows visitor to experience all of these attractions with a variety of activities departing straight from this luxurious lodge. The Ghost mountain Cultural tour is not to be missed and allows visitors to engage with the local Myeni culture. From a visit to the homestead, stick fighting and even the local witch doctor, this experience will give you a rich understanding of the local cultures. Twitchers are spoilt for choice and the 2 hour Mkuze river bird walk is ideal for guests who wan to take a relaxing walk straight from the lodge.

The Manyoni Reserve in the heart of the Zululand is big 5 game reserve and has a strong focus on conserving endangered species. Initially formed to assist with the expansion of Black Rhinos, the reserve also reintroduced species such as Cheetah and Wild Dogs. The Manyoni Photo Safari will allow you capture the natural beauty of the Zululand landscapes as well as capture a couple of sneaky shots of the array of wildlife. For those who want to get more up close and personal can participate in a walking safari. If you prefer to stay put in the vehicle, then the Manyoni safari drive or Manyoni birding safari will tick the right boxes