Sodwana Bay – facelift for one of iSimangaliso’s jewels

This 1970’s-styled resort is receiving a major redevelopment in keeping with the needs of today’s iSimangaliso visitors. This entails the removing of structures, as seen above, that are inappropriate and not fit for purpose, as well as those that compromise the ecology and “sense of place”, one of the outstanding universal values for which iSimangaliso was inscribed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1999. Buildings such as this ablution facility, gate house, craft market and compressor building will be rebuilt and where necessary relocated to ecologically appropriate and accessi

The redevelopment of Sodwana Bay is the next phase in a series of transformations that have taken place in the Park. To date the iSimangaliso Authority has spent some R120m improving day-visitor facilities and selected accommodation in the Park. The first phases tackled four sections of the Park viz., Eastern and Western Shores of Lake St Lucia, Lake St Lucia Estuary and beaches and uMkhuze, resulting in modern, people-friendly facilities. Hides, ablutions, camping accommodation, viewing decks, canopy walks, picnic sites, gate buildings, and associated parking have been completed. These are supported through the development of an ecologically diverse self-drive game viewing network

Challenges Sodwana, internationally known as one of the top 10 dive sites globally for its magnificent coral reefs, is an integral and highly valued part of iSimangaliso

Casuarinas were planted in the 1960s to aid dune stabilisation, which they initially did with great success in certain areas – however, this interruption of natural processes has also led to sand ‘starvation’ in others including Jesser Point which has been significantly eroded. These alien plants are being systematically removed to restore dune functioning. Rehabilitation and promotion of the recovery/growth of indigenous vegetation on the primary dune are included as part of the redevelopment proces

Thorough assessments have been undertaken by Park and independent specialists, including dune ecologists and planners. Some initial measures to mitigate pressures and improve parking have already been implemented. The complete redevelopment of Sodwana’s day visitor areas includes a new gate complex with multiple lanes; the replacement and relocation of existing dive shop/retail, compressor facilities, convenience and food outlets; new community safety and first aid facilities; replacement and new ablutions; improved parking; new signage and park furniture such as picnic tables; and the rebuilding of the craft trading area. Facilities will be disabled-friendly.

Thorough assessments have been undertaken by Park and independent specialists, including dune ecologists and planners. Some initial measures to mitigate pressures and improve parking have already been implemented. The complete redevelopment of Sodwana’s day visitor areas includes a new gate complex with multiple lanes; the replacement and relocation of existing dive shop/retail, compressor facilities, convenience and food outlets; new community safety and first aid facilities; replacement and new ablutions; improved parking; new signage and park furniture such as picnic tables; and the rebuilding of the craft trading area. Facilities will be disabled-friendly.

Thorough assessments have been undertaken by Park and independent specialists, including dune ecologists and planners. Some initial measures to mitigate pressures and improve parking have already been implemented. The complete redevelopment of Sodwana’s day visitor areas includes a new gate complex with multiple lanes; the replacement and relocation of existing dive shop/retail, compressor facilities, convenience and food outlets; new community safety and first aid facilities; replacement and new ablutions; improved parking; new signage and park furniture such as picnic tables; and the rebuilding of the craft trading area. Facilities will be disabled-friendly.