#isimangalisowetlandpark | Emdoneni Lodge

Everything you need to know about iSimangaliso Wetland Park

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a vast reserve on the extreme north end of South Africa’s east coast, known also as the Elephant Coast. It protects over 220 km of pristine coastline with a range of wild and magnificent beaches to enjoy (minus the crowds and beach umbrellas). Considered the largest natural World Heritage Site on the planet, it stretches from the St Lucia Estuary in the south up to the border with Mozambique. It’s also amazingly diverse with half a dozen unique eco-systems. Filled with wild game – crocodiles, hippos, leopards, pythons and a range of sharks – it’s not somewhere you’d consider getting out of your vehicle. Yet the park offers not only walking trails but MTB trails – the Game Park section on the Eastern Shores (up to the cattle grid) adjacent to the Bhangazi Gate, and the Ingwe Trail through the sand forest near False Bay are must-dos! ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK – USEFUL INFORMATION It’s only fair to warn you that iSimangaliso Wetland Park is not a ‘do in one day’ drive in, see the animals, drive out again kind of park. The park is extensive with so many areas to explore that even a week isn’t enough time. That said, if you’ve only a day to spare, get there early and leave late. But don’t miss out on the opportunity. You also need to know about the different names for the various nature reserves and state forests that make up iSimangaliso – it can get confusing as the 328 000 hectare park’s various ‘parts’ are known by a bewildering collection of new and old names (if you’ve heard of uMkhuze, Kosi Bay, Sodwana and the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park then you should be okay – even if the latter hasn’t existed for, like, 10 years). Get there: from Durban involves the N2 north for about 180 km, the R618 to Mtubatuba and St Lucia, and enter the park at the Dukuduku Gate, near St Lucia. However, there are many gates into the park, it depends on what you’re there to do and see. THE IMPORTANT BITS … Tip 1: Do one of the estuary cruises – definitely worth it for the birds, crocs and hippos plus you see areas of the park you wouldn’t in a car. Look out for the unusual like kingfishers, monitor lizards, sea eagles and cranes. Tip 2: If you like being in the trees, head to the Fig Tree Forest where there’s a system of walkways and viewpoints in amongst the branches. Tip 3: Remember the sunscreen, insect repellent and bear in mind that iSimangaliso is considered a low risk malaria area. Tip 4: Bangha Nek beach is not only great for fishing and snorkelling (at least 20 different fish on any swim), but it’s also where you head to sight turtles between October and March. Tip 5: Watch out for hippos – seriously – they’re everywhere at night, even on the main street of St Lucia town, so be careful driving. Tip 6: To discourage using iSimangaliso as a thoroughfare the park has a minimum drive time from one gate to another. You’ll have to wait if you arrive at a gate outside of your allotted time. MAIN THINGS TO DO … There’s something for everyone at iSimangaliso. Scuba diving (which is big as the park includes Sodwana) and all activities are possible throughout the year. And we mention the activities because, if you really want to experience the park, we recommend you throw yourself wholeheartedly into the physical side of the park – game drives, snorkelling, stalking turtles, diving (Five Mile reef in Sodwana Bay is awesome!), horse riding (great for game viewing), hiking, and kayaking on the St Lucia estuary. And if you have the time, picnic at Mission Rocks, because you’re right next to a beach, your table beneath the canopy of a coastal forest (it’s on the Cape Vidal road north of St Lucia). WHEN TO GO … Summer can get hot and humid and even the locals complain come February and March but if sub-tropical weather sends you into orbit, you’ll be happy with the midday temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, and the rain showers. Winter is perfect with warm days, low rainfall and cool nights (around 15 degrees). Midday temperatures don’t exceed 20 degrees Celsius. Autumn (warm days, little wind) and spring (warm, windy and often wet) are also good times to visit. Highlights of each season: Whales – June to November Loggerhead and leatherback turtles – October to March Birdlife when it’s breeding season – June to August Source Credit: blog.sa-venues.com

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Our Cat Release Program

The main emphasis of the cat project is to release the progeny of animals back into the wild. We only keep our breeding pairs (ambassador animals) and those animals that cannot be released, at the project and for educational purposes. All offspring, where possible, will be released into the wild, back where they belong. In the 22 years that the Emdoneni Cheetah Project has been in operation, we have successfully rehabilitated and released Servals, Caracals, African Wildcats and Cheetahs. ‘We are delighted to accept the two new Servals and play our part in ensuring the conservation of this rare and beautiful species. ‘iSimangaliso provides them with a secure home away from inhabited areas and the threat of snaring,’ says iSimangaliso Wetland Park CEO, Andrew Zaloumis. Servals are listed on the ‘Threatened or Protected Species’ (TOPS) list owing to their rarity. They are vulnerable to being snared and killed by farmers, in particular for their beautiful pelts. October 2017 – Servals Released at Fanie’s Island April 2017 – Servals Released at iSimangaliso Wetland Park March 2017 – African Wildcat Release at Private Game January 2017 – Cheetah Released – Mossel Bay March 2014 – Servals Released at Mkuze Game Reserve August 2012 – Servals Released at iSimangaliso Wetland Park The adult female and young male were confiscated from a farmer in Vryheid who kept them in captivity illegally, apparently to be used for hunting purposes. According to the farmer they were found in snares, but on investigation, no marks were found on their bodies to support the claim. They were recovered by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife District Conservation Officers and taken to the Emdoneni Cheetah Project near Hluhluwe. The cats were set free in the open grassland area in the Easter Shores side of the park, a suitable habitat and where plenty of prey is available. Servals eat mainly rodents, fish, birds, insects and small reptiles which are found in abundance in natural wetland areas. On a previous occasion Servals were released in the Western Shores side of the park. August 2011 – Caracals Released at Private Game Reserve July 2011 – Caracals released at a Private Game Reserve Releasing two caracals born in captivity into the wild, turned out to be both a sad and exciting moment for Emdoneni Cheetah Project owners Louis and Cecillie Nel. Two one year old male caracals, born at Emdoneni Cheetah Project, Hluhluwe, were part of the breeding project aimed at saving the African wildcat, Caracal, Cheetah and Serval from extinction. The intention is to breed where possible and release the offspring back into their natural habitat. The cats were released in the Mziki Shareblock at Phinda Game Reserve after being judged fit and able to hunt for themselves. Tiptoeing out of the crate, the first male entered his new home by first stopping right in the middle of all the spectators to give them a last close-up inspection before disappearing into the forest. Male number two wasn’t too keen on exploring his new habitat and it took a lot more convincing before he made his leap for freedom. The caracal is an endangered species, mostly killed by farmers because of predation on their livestock. In some areas they are killed for their skin and meat. The Nel Family truly have One Heart, One Passion and One Goal, to save these rare species. “I think I could turn and live with the animals, they are so placid and self-contained; I stand and look at them long and long.” By Walt Whitman

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Emdoneni News

6 Things To Do in Kosi Bay

Kayaking & Snorkelling Visit Amangwane for an experience of a lifetime into the magical Kosi Bay at the tip of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – World Heritage Site in South Africa. Explore the waterways by sea kayak, around the mangrove trees and see how many of the myriad of bird species you can find. You can also venture through the surf to the offshore reefs. Rated as one of the best snorkelling spots on the planet, Kosi Bay mouth offers sightings of various tropical species like Devil Fire Fish, Honey comb eels, small rays and a variety of reef species you’d expect to see far out at sea! This is an excellent spot for people who’ve never snorkelled before, as the bay offers calm waters and a gentle current to carry you along as you marvel at the fish below. Kosi Bay Trail Whilst there is a Kosi Bay Trail that takes roughly four days to complete, which can also be done as a slackpacker version, there are variations and flexible trails, depending on your level of fitness. The old trail, remembered by seasoned hikers with nostalgia, unfortunately fell into disrepair. But it is possible to do the same trail again, just the accommodation has changed. On average, if you do the trail in its entirety, you’ll walk for three to four hours a day. And if you’re up to it, you can add canoeing and horse riding, a turtle tour or a boat cruise to your itinerary. You will also be exposed to some of the most incredibly diverse and beautiful scenery – deserted beaches, dune forest, open savannah and wetlands, and the sighting of loggerhead turtles make this an incredible hiking experience. Kosi Bay Turtle Tours Visit Amangwane Camp for an experience of a lifetime into the magical Kosi Bay at the tip of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – World Heritage Site, South Africa. The heart of the turtle nesting area in South Africa. Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles venture out of the oceans on land during the summer months Oct – Feb to lay batches of eggs on the beach. These fascinating creatures are highly endangered and this walking tour is rated as one of the top wildlife experiences. Mabibi Beach Enjoy the tranquility of Mabibi Beach, sheltered by coastal forests with soft sand that begs your feet to take a stroll or nestle in and enjoy the sunshine and spectacular views surrounding you. This is an ideal place for the children to explore and splash around as well as many activities available for adults. Snorkeling along the reef is very popular as well as scuba diving off shore. Crystal clear waters are warm and very pleasant to swim in. This secluded beach can be found in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is a world heritage site in KwaZulu Natal. Please ensure that any snorkeling or diving is done with a professional and under supervision. Turtle Tracking in Kosi Bay Turtle tracking is offered every night from 15 November to 15 January at Kosi Forest Lodge in Kosi Bay. These excursions (including transfers to and from the beach) can last up to 3 to 4hrs and may return very late. Giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles make their way home having swum the length of the continent in a return journey to the beach where they were born. Research has shown that eggs are often laid within meters of where the mother emerged as a hatchling years previously. Guests are able to view these magnificent creatures meters from where she is laying. Utmost precaution is taken to ensure that she is not disturbed.

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