Tourism KZN is promoting a number of lockdown level two specials through its digital platforms in an effort to rejuvenate tourism, particularly in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Umfolozi/Hluhluwe game reserve areas.

“Accommodation options are extensive, ranging from camping to private game lodges, and include hotels, flats and chalets in St Lucia. Strict COVID-19 hygiene protocols are in place,” said Tourism KZN in a statement.

‘Tourism and Rural Development’ is the theme of Tourism Month this September and acting ceo of Tourism KZN, Phindile Makwakwa, said the wetland park stood out as a textbook example of how tourism could be a catalyst for economic empowerment and employment creation in rural areas.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a unique mosaic of ecosystems, including swamps, lakes, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands. Stretching from Kosi Bay in the north to Cape St Lucia in the south, the park was the first site in South Africa to be declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. It supports more species of animals than the much larger Kruger National Park and is home to South Africa’s largest population of hippos and crocodiles. It is also one of South Africa’s most popular fishing and birding destinations.