Cape Vidal
Isimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

© Roger de la Harpe
Cape Vidal offers a superb location between Lake St Lucia with its resident wildlife and the tidal delights of the Indian Ocean. This KwaZulu-Natal nature reserve has the best of both worlds.
  • Accommodation: Beach log cabins, lakeside bush lodge
  • Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, sport fishing, self-drive routes
  • Highlights: Beach and ocean activities, nesting turtles, wildlife viewing

Your Cape Vidal Experience

This KwaZulu-Natal nature reserve offers sheltered beaches, rock pools and ledges surrounded by the wetlands and coastal forest of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Cape Vidal is wonderful for observing marine life at low tide while snorkelling.

The bay has a launch site for deep-sea fishing excursions (including spearfishing) and ski boats. Snorkelers can keep a look out for the remains of the ship called Dorothea which was lost in these waters in 1898 - the wreck has never been found.

The winter months are when you can see Humpback Whales in the sea, as they migrate up the East coast of South Africa on their way to Mozambique to give birth, and in summer Leatherback and Loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Need to Know

  • Malaria precautions are advised
  • The nearest shop is 35 km away, so you will need to bring your own food supplies
  • There is a small shop at Cape Vidal but only stocks very basic supplies
  • Petrol, diesel, firewood and bait is available at Cape Vidal Resort
  • Cape Vidal falls within a protected area with certain rules and conditions applying to fishing practices and beach driving

Booking Cape Vidal

South Africa Nature Reserves : Game Reserves and National Parks