Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to cease ecotourism management in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, bookings impacted after February 2026
From February next year, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will cease managing the ecotourism facilities in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority.
The organisation announced a few months ago that there were ongoing negotiations relating to Ezemvelo’s management of the site.
In a statement this week, the organisation said that Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority had confirmed the exit of Ezemvelo from the management of ecotourism facilities and its related functions within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, effective 28 February 2026.
The statement explained that iSimangaliso will lead tourism development, while Ezemvelo will continue its conservation mandate in the Park.
“Both organisations are unequivocally committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition of all commercial activities and agreements.
“Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will continue its vital role in managing conservation within the park, in full compliance with the World Heritage Convention Act, 1999, its Regulations, and the existing Management Agreement.
“This exit solely impacts the ecotourism function and does not affect Ezemvelo’s critical conservation mandate,” it said.
The statement added that Ezemvelo’s booking platform for iSimangaliso will close on 28 February 2026, with the official booking platform transferred to iSimangaliso from March 1, 2026.
“Ezemvelo is not taking new bookings for iSimangaliso facilities beyond 28 February 2026 due to the planned exit. Bookings beyond 28 February 2026 will soon be made via iSimangaliso’s platform, which will be communicated by iSimangaliso.”
The statement also said that iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is actively implementing a comprehensive commercialisation strategy through public- private partnership processes, which is expected to bring opportunities to upgrade, refurbish, and expand existing ecotourism facilities.
“A consultation process is currently underway with Ezemvelo employees working within iSimangaliso’s ecotourism facilities. No jobs will be lost due to this transition; existing Ezemvelo employees will be transferred according to relevant legislation and internal policy and allocated to similar grades,” it said.