Sodwana Bay

1,200 species of technicolour marine life are waiting to astound you

Sea, sun and surf

Take a hit of action packed adventure! — Swimming, body boarding, surfing and scuba diving makes Sodwana Bay a marine playground

With its sea, surf and sun, Sodwana Bay is a sprawling open-air, all-year-round activity destination.

Diving deep for memories

Home of the world-famous iSimangaliso Sodwana Bay photographic competition

Sodwana Bay is one of the top ten dive destinations in the world. The coral reefs contain over 1,200 species of fish as well as a variety of underwater seascapes and marine flora and fauna. It is also home to the Coelacanth which was discovered in the deep Jesser Canyon offshore from Sodwana Bay in 2000.

Big Two of the Blue

This rare eco-system is home to the Big 7 — 1,200 species of marine life, 279 species of birds, 5 types of turtles, sharks, whales and dolphins

Throughout the year, pods of bottlenose dolphins routinely patrol up and down the coast, just beyond the breakers. Southern right and humpback whales visit our shores between June and November every year. They migrate from their icy feeding grounds off Antarctica to breed in the warmer Indian Ocean and then return south with their adolescent calves.

The big 7 experience

Why settle for the Big 5 when you can see the Big 7?

Sodwana Bay is a short drive from the Big 5 uMkhuze section of iSimangaliso – which makes this rare combination of eco-systems home to the Big 7, as humpback whales and whale sharks join lion, rhino, elephant, leopard and buffalo.

Accommodation in the Park

Coral Divers

Catered Lodge

Offering a comfortable diving holiday experience while retaining the rustic appeal of an out-of-the-way bush camp.

Mseni Lodge

Catered Lodge, Self Catering

Located just 10 minutes from the main gate, with miles of unspoiled beach on one side and pure African bush on the other.

Sodwana Bay – KZN Wildlife

Camping, Self Catering

Set within the Park surrounded by coastal forest, choose between camping and self catering accommodation.

Operators in the Area

Useful Information

Getting There

Depart the N2 at Hluhluwe and take the R22 towards Sodwana Bay. Continue along the R22 until Mbazwana and turn right in the town towards Sodwana Bay. Follow this road for another 16km before arriving at the Park entrance.

Gate Opening & Closing Times

Gate opening and closing times:
Open 24 hours
Reception hours:
08h00 to 16h30 (Mon – Thu)
07h00 to 16h30 (Fri – Sat)
07h00 to 15h00 (Sun)

Contact Details

+27 35 571 0051

Entry Fees

Adults: R23
Children (under the age of 12): R19
Vehicle entry charge:
• 1-5 people: R32
• 6-12 people: R47
• 13-20 people: R64
• 21+ people: R111
Accommodated visitors: R8 per person
Community Levy: R5 per person
Vessel launching fees: R100 per vessel

Public Facilities

Annual licences to catch or obtain bait are available at the reception office. A small supermarket is situated across the road from the main reception office. Fuel is also available.