Isimangaliso Wetland Wilderness
"This trail was a real deep touching with your landscape, your plants and your animals, [that] I never had before. Thanks to our guide Sicelo Mbatha, who opened our senses, hearts, thoughts and spirits to all these other beings on earth."
Robert Bögle - Psychotherapist
and Vision Quest guide
THE word Isimangaliso means miracle, or something wondrous, in Zulu. The name arose after a subject of King Shaka was sent on a journey of discovery to the land of the Tsonga. When he returned, he described the beauty he saw there as miraculous.
Isimangaliso Wetland Park, previously known as the Great St Lucia Wetland Park is about 275 km north of Durbansituated on the east coast of KwaZulu Natal, and is South Africa’s largest protected area .
We offer a 5 day wilderness walking tour along hippopotamus paths, listening to the calls of the African Fish Eagles. The wetlands support more than 500 bird species, including Goliath herons, spoonbills, kingfishers, flamingos, pelicans and many others; the surrounding forests and grasslands are teeming with antelope, leopard, rhino and elephant and other wildlife.
The abundant birdlife connects us with the spirit world, as they too are beings of the air. Walking in a landscape flowing with abundant water helps us clear the mental blockages and emotional frustrations in our lives
Night time brings a symphony of frogs, nocturnal insects and grunting hippos, as we sit around the fire and reflect on the day. Here too we take turns to keep watch, keeping us safe and offering each person the mystical experience of sitting in solitude by a fire in the heart of the African night.
The Journey
Day 1: Arrival in Durban (King Shaka airport), going to iSimangaliso wilderness
Day 1 - 5: wilderness journey
Day 5: going back to Durban airport
Investment
South African: 11.590 ZAR
Non-South African: 1.000 EUR / 1.150 USD / 19.800 ZAR
This includes transport from the airport, meals, entrance fees and equipment.
Guide
Sicelo Mbatha
Sicelo Mbatha (Black Lion) is a spiritual wilderness guide. Nature has always been his spiritual home, his medicine and his teacher. He has dedicated his life to fostering deep connections between humans and nature. He believes that this medicine is needed to heal the world from the wounds of environmental destruction and social injustice. He also authored the book "Black Lion - Alive in the Wilderness".
