AFTER a particularly dry winter, spring has sprung in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Mother Nature is adorning the landscape in her spectacular spring beauty.
Often the best time of year for game viewing, spring brings forth new life, in the form of both animals and flora and fauna.
Calves, fledglings and cubs can be seen throughout the park during this life-giving season, which makes game viewing all the more special.
The yellowing grasslands and management-burnt blocks turned a vibrant green almost overnight after being drenched during the spring rains.
St Lucia Estuary drank up 250mm of rain during September and October, while uMkhuze was blessed with 79mm in the same period.
Throughout the 332 000ha world heritage site, blossoms are blooming and bellies are swelling with imminent new life.
From Kosi Bay in the north to Maphelane in the south, the impressive Lebombo Mountains in the west of uMkhuze to the 220km-long pristine north-eastern coastline of South Africa, life is regenerating and springing back.
The range of wild flowers found throughout the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, particularly in late spring, is evidence of the park’s rich biodiversity, a quality which led to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Many wild flower species can be found on the self-guided walking trails throughout the park, including the St Lucia Estuary and Eastern Shores trails, as well as around the camps at uMkhuze, Kosi Bay and Sodwana Bay.
PHOTOS: iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority
