Birds 'n Wildlife in World Heritage Site' iSimangaliso'

Birds & Wildlife in iSimangaliso

iSimangaliso Wetland Park was declared South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in 1999 and recognizes its global value as a place with great natural beauty, important biodiversity and a site of vital ecological processes.

‘The Wetland Park with a wide range of birdlife, must be the only place on the globe where the world’s oldest land mammal (the Rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest terrestrial animal (the Elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the Coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the Whale).’ - Nelson Mandela

On this tour, we will take you on a birding journey, while going through estuaries and forest to experience this natural wonder personally.

This trip pairs well with itineraries such as:

- Madikwe & Krugerpark Safaris
- Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari tour
- Kruger National Park Golf Trip
- → Check out extensions in South Africa
- Mauritius & Zanzibar (Tanzania) Beach Extensions
- → Check out extensions on Zanzibar
- → Check out extensions on Mauritius

Day 1 in iSimangaliso

Holiday accommodation set within a world heritage site where you get to see some of the few natural wonders left on earth

A safari lodge stay that offers guests unspoilt beaches, vast wetlands, game or an unforgettable boat cruise on the estuary.

Set on the banks of Lake St Lucia experience this magnificent area, with the comfort of spacious rooms, set on raised decks

WORLD HERITAGE SITE

On arrival at Durban King Shaka International Airport, collect your rental vehicle and make your way to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia, approximately a 2.5-hour drive.

Check in at your safari lodge and spend the afternoon at leisure. You lodge is set within this World Heritage Site, and of the few natural wonders left on earth. Experience unspoilt beaches, vast wetlands, game or an unforgettable boat cruise on the estuary.

STAY IN WONDER 4*

One of our favorite places! Set on the banks of Lake St Lucia within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, the 4* safari lodge will enable you to experience this magnificent area, with the comfort of spacious rooms, set on raised decks within the wilderness of the game park all around.

Dinner

Day 2 in iSimangaliso

Start your day with a guided birding and wildlife tour and explore the forest of iGwalagwala on an African Hideaways holiday adventure

Take a drive to Dukuduku western shores and explore the wide range of bird and wildlife

Get to see different animal species include Snake Eagle, Swamp Nightjar, Rosy-throated Longclaw, as well as rhino, buffalo, and other exciting mammals on this unique holiday safari

FULL DAY OF WILDLIFE

Today an early start for your guided full-day birding & wildlife trip. Explore iGwalagwala forest via the estuarine system, then drive to Dukuduku western shores and explore the wide range of bird and wildlife, from lapwings, storks and raptors to giraffes, elephants and buffalo. Alternatively, drive into the park area and explore one of the many smaller sites like Mission rocks, Mfabeni swamp and Catalina Bay. The species in this area include Snake Eagle, Swamp Nightjar, Rosy-throated Longclaw, as well as rhino, buffalo and other exciting mammals.

Breakfast
& Dinner

Birding
Tour

Day 3 in St Lucia

Take a journey into the iGwalagwala forest on a guided half day birding and wildlife trip

An African holiday adventure where you are sure to see Pigmy Goose, White Backed Ducks, Lessor Jacanas, Rufous Winged Cisticolas, amongst other beautiful species

A holiday journey that includes walks through iGwalagwala forest and down to the St Lucia estuary

JOURNEY INTO IGWALAGWALA FOREST

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge, followed by a half-day guided birding & wildlife trip.

Today’s journey includes walks through iGwalagwala forest and down to the St Lucia estuary, where the bridge pans from St. Lucia into local Khula Village. You’re sure to see Pigmy Goose, White Backed Ducks, Lessor Jacanas, Rufous Winged Cisticolas, amongst other beautiful species.

The afternoon & evening are yours to enjoy at the lodge at your leisure.

Breakfast
& Dinner

Wildlife
Tour

After breakfast on day 4, check out and make your way back to Durban King Shaka International Airport, to return your rental car.
Extra days to spend? Ask us for onward travel arrangements into the famous Kruger National Park, or perhaps a relaxing beach extension on one of the tropical islands?

REMEMBER: This itinerary is customizable. We can tailor this experience to your needs and budget. Please chat to use for further details.

3 Nights @ 4* Accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as per itinerary
Excursions as indicated
Car Hire 2 pax: Classic Max insurance for a Group R (Toyota RAV or similar) Rental Vehicle from Day 1-4
Car Hire 3 - 6 pax: Classic Max insurance for a Group E (Mercedes Vito or similar) Rental Vehicle from Day 1-4

We strongly advise to read our essentials page: Essentials & What to bring

Flights
Airport Taxes
Travel Documents & Visa
Personal Insurances: Travel,- Cancellation and Medical Insurance (obliged)
If applicable: Vaccinations / Malaria prophylaxis: Essentials & What to bring
Drinks & Additional Meals
Personal Expenses
Additional Excursions & Activities
Tips & Porterage

While every effort will be made to maintain the rates, there is little we can do in the event of a change in Government taxes or levies.
A representative will be assigned to manage the entire program.
Please note that no bookings have been made at this stage. This offer is subject to availability upon confirmation unless otherwise stated.
African Hideaways reserves the right to change the program and schedule according to prevailing weather conditions.
This proposal cost is subject to change due to unforeseeable changes in fuel and other levies.
Suggested accommodation may be changed to similar depending on availability at time of booking.