Welcome to Sodwana Bay

Sodwana Bay National Park is situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. It is an area renowned for its sport fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first world heritage site, recognized for its superlative natural beauty, ecological processes and biodiversity covers 332 000 ha and includes a coastline of 230 km.

• All recreational anglers and SCUBA divers are required to be in possession of a licence. These can be obtained from your local Post Office or from the Mbazwana Post Office. Licenses are no longer sold from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife offices.

• If you enjoy the sea, the variety of activities available will suit your needs. The diversity of fish and invertebrates on Africa’s southernmost coral reefs attract many scuba divers and there are excellent snorkelling spots along this coast. Bookings can be made though one of the approved concessionaires.

• Within the marine reserve ski boaters and shore anglers have the opportunity to catch a number of different game fish species. Only game fish may be caught in the Marine Reserves.

• Deep sea fishing charters can be booked with one of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority approved fishing charters. Loggerhead and leatherback turtles come out of the sea at night to nest on the beaches.

• Turtle tours are available during November to January. Advance bookings should be done with respective concessionaires. There is one self-guided trail - Mgobozeleni Trail (± 5 km).

• The entrance gate, managed by the iSimangaliso Wetland Authority. A community levy fee is payable upon entrance into the Park. Entrance gates are open 24 hours.

• Reception: is open from as follows : Monday to Thursday – 8:00 to 16:30, Friday & Saturday – 07:00 to 16:30, Sunday – 07:00 to 15:00pm.

• Check In after 14:00 and Check Out before by 10:00.

• Visitors are advised to take precautions against malaria before, during and after a visit to Sodwana Bay.

• No pets are allowed in the park.

• Please ensure that all possible precautions against theft are taken at all times.

• Firearms must be declared on arrival at the reception office. Safety deposit boxes are available for hire to safeguard firearms and valuables.

• No quadbikes or motorbikes are allowed in the park, even if they are on trailers.

• Illegal power connections in the campsite will not be tolerated. Maximum electricity power is 6AMP for each campsite.

• Five jet skis are permitted daily for fishing purposes only.

• Beach permits are required for 4x4 vehicle access to the beach near the resort. 200 permits are issued daily by iSimangaliso Wetland Authority, on a first come first served basis. Vehicles may only access the beach on Saturdays and Sundays, Public Holidays and peak school holidays, for 3 hours before and after low tide.

• Please note that physically disabled people have to apply to the Minister, Marine and Conservation Management (Department of Environmental Affairs) for special permission to access the beach. The application has to be done in writing prior to visiting the area.

• Air compressors may not be used in the campsites. A facility is available at the beach.

• Portable generators or pools may not be used in the park.

• Fireworks are not permitted in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

• Attendants are available to assist in the campsite and on the beach.

• Accommodation fees are payable in full in advance.

• Personal cheques will not be exchanged for cash.

• Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s tariffs are available on request, and are subject to change without prior notice.

• All overnight visitors are expected to Pay Park Fees at Isimangaliso gate ( Currently R 35pp, R40per vehicle, R7 X number of nights Overnight fee, R5 conservation levy ). These rates change every November.