Explore the Eastern Shores forests
The new Forest Loop has been completed at the cost of R2.3-million.
REGULAR visitors to iSimangaliso Wetland Park who enjoy exploring the many delightful game viewing routes in the Eastern Shores section will be pleased to know that a new loop has been added to the ever-expanding tourist road network there.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held recently to mark the completion of the Eastern Shores’ new 2km Forest Loop. This means the Eastern Shores section now boasts five ecologically distinct visitor game drives – the Pan Loop, Vlei Loop, Dune Loop, Grassland Loop and Forest Loop.
Each has its own unique attractions, including lovely hides, look-out points, picnic sites, beautiful vistas and places of interest like Lake Bhangazi.
The Forest Loop was constructed by Aqua Transport and Plant Hire at a cost of R2.3-million. MBB Consulting Engineers oversaw the project for iSimangaliso. Interestingly, more than 50 percent of the value of the work went to sub-contractors.
“The brief to MBB Consulting Engineers was for an ecologically optimal design that works with nature and allows access for all into the park, no matter the type of vehicle visitors may drive. With earth-coloured concrete strips and grass blocks to optimise the feeling of being in nature, I think we have achieved that,” said iSimangaliso chief executive Andrew Zaloumis.
From a tourist point of view the Eastern Shores section has improved dramatically since the establishment of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
At that time the park inherited 35km of poor gravel roads from St Lucia to Cape Vidal and Mission Rocks beach. At times this bumpy road was only suitable for for 4×4 vehicles.
Even then park authorities were seeking ways to improved access to the Eastern Shores section for all South Africans to enable them to enjoy the full experience of this unique and wonderful area. Today, the Eastern Shores has 66km of high-quality roads that are environmentally appropriate and that offer visitors a full range of first class, wheelchair friendly facilities.
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