Frustrations for Sodwana Bay sun seekers
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife campsite have drawn many complaints from recent visitors to the holiday destination.
ENTRANCE into Sodwana Bay, queueing for hours to obtain one of the 100 available beach permits and the poor state of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife campsite have drawn many complaints from recent visitors to the holiday destination.
From start to finish, Robin Potgieter’s Sodwana holiday in December was his ‘worst holiday experience ever’.
When Potgieter booked, he was advised by Ezemvelo central reservations staff to take a non-electrified site as electrified sites were fully booked.
He reluctantly agreed but on arrival, and for his entire three week trip, Potgieter reported ample vacant sites.
Moreover, he counted 47 holes in the electrified fence which were mended only five days after he reported this security breach to the camp manager and threatened to report it to higher management.
Another of Potgieter’s concerns was the fireworks sold by the supermarket inside the wetland park.
‘Children were throwing crackers at monkeys, mongoose and other animals – in a World Heritage Site,’ said Potgieter.
About three years ago the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority implemented beach permits, issued free of charge to 100 visitors staying outside the park and 100 inside.
‘Holidaymakers queue for permits from 2am, which is unfair, especially if they are not one of the lucky 100,’ said Potgieter, who offered his permit to a grandfather and his young grandchildren who had not received one.
Business owners are reportedly also suffering as guests frequently cut short their holidays in favour of beaches with easier access.
‘We have tried various methods of beach access at Sodwana Bay, bearing in mind it is protected and limited in size,’ said iSimangaliso CEO, Andrew Zaloumis, adding that peak holiday periods are particularly busy at Sodwana.
Thousands of visitors flock to Sodwana throughout the year to dive, fish and snorkel, but inadequate facilities left many recent visitors vowing to never return.
Upgrades
iSimangaliso confirmed vital infrastructure upgrades at Sodwana Bay, including re-surfacing the road, developing car parks and building a new, wider entrance gate are to start mid-year.
The new entrance gate should alleviate congestion during busy seasons and minimise associated issues.
Zaloumis said while people entering and leaving the World Heritage Site must be monitored, he hoped the new gate will allow more vehicles to be processed at one time.
@TamlynJolly
