Ismangaliso Wetland Park
Close to the ground.
Eastern Shores
Bhangazi Gate, McKenzie St, St Lucia
R35/vehicle, adult R25, child R15
S 28 07.465 E 032 33.440
The Eastern Shores is where safari meets pristine white sand beach. Just 32 km north of the town of St Lucia and accessed by the Bhangazi Gate, Cape Vidal is a popular beach destination surrounded by lush forested coastal dunes. A colorful coral reef breaks an otherwise dangerous current and allows for safe swimming and underwater exploring. Legend has it that it was in these waters that the gold-laden Dorothea shipwrecked in 1898. Every year, scuba divers and snorkelers hope to find its lost riches amongst the hard and soft corals of the reef. Fishing and boating are also popular, and the bay has a designated launch site for boats.
In late May through December humpback whales pass by the Eastern Shores, leading their young south from Mozambique through the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Giant leatherback and loggerhead turtles emerge to lay their eggs in the sand beginning in November. Midnight excursions offer a chance to witness these impressive creatures and the heroic journey of the newborns as they head back out to the sea. To get there from St Lucia, head 3 km north of town on McKenzie St to the Bhangazi Gate.
