Bumper crowd expected at iSimangaliso
However limited availability remains at uMkhuze and in St Lucia town.
LAST year, iSimangaliso Wetland Park saw over 90 000 visitors flocking to the shores of ‘the place of miracles’ for their traditional day at the beach over Christmas.
This year, iSimangaliso expects another bumper peak season, particularly at the bustling hubs of Sodwana Bay, Cape Vidal, St Lucia and Kosi Bay.
Accommodation bookings have gone extremely well according to lodge operators in and around the park, with most reporting that they are full over the peak Christmas–to– New Year period, particularly at coastal resorts.
However limited availability remains at uMkhuze and in St Lucia town.
The gate operating times for iSimangaliso are 5am to 7pm, except for Sodwana Bay which has 24 hour access.
There is strictly no late entry at any gates throughout the Park.
Maps are available for purchase at gates.
In order to make the holiday season enjoyable and safe for all, iSimangaliso’s system of limiting cars in the Park has controlled the overflow of vehicles into Cape Vidal with a day visitor limit of 120 vehicles.
In Sodwana Bay, a gate limit of 500 vehicles has been set and an overflow parking established at the boundary of the Park.
The 500-vehicle limit includes 200 daily permits which will be issued to 4×4 drivers wishing to park on the beach.
The permit will entitle the holder to a single entry, and is issued at no charge on a first-come first-served basis daily.
No alcohol is allowed into the Park.
The beaches remain a popular activity but there are strong currents and bathers are reminded to be cautious and mindful of safety as the Park’s beaches are unmanned.
There are no shark nets and swimming is at own risk.
Swimming in the lake is prohibited due to the presence of crocodiles and hippos.
Over 40 beach monitors will be employed by iSimangaliso with assistance by Umhlabuyalingana Municipality, to assist bathers at key popular areas in the Park.
Visitors preferring to avoid crowds and hot beach sand are encouraged to explore other sections of the park such as uMkhuze (only an hour from Sodwana Bay) and the newly opened Western Shores near St Lucia.
In the former section, lucky visitors may even spot the recently released lions which afford the park “Big 5” status.
Please adhere to safety advisories and speed limits, and take special care to look out for small creatures such as tortoises, dung beetles and birds on the roads.
