Fees · Destination Guide
Surf launches, coral reefs, and safari day trips on South Africa's wild northeast coast
Key fee: iSimangaliso gate entrance fee (Sodwana Bay gate)
ZAR R34 adult / R21 child; International R71 adult / R50 child
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Budget for iSimangaliso gate entrance fees at the Sodwana gate, plus daily levies and vehicle fees. In addition, scuba diving in South African MPAs has a national recreational permit system with annual and short-term options. Commercial operators also hold separate permissions, which is usually handled within your dive package.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iSimangaliso gate entrance fee (Sodwana Bay gate) | ZAR R34 adult / R21 child; International R71 adult / R50 child per day |
| All visitors entering the beach area through the Sodwana gate |
| Pay at the Sodwana Bay gate on entry |
Fees are set by iSimangaliso Wetland Park and can change seasonally. Keep proof of payment accessible if you exit and re-enter the same day. |
| Vehicle entry fee (Sodwana Bay gate) | ZAR R30 (1-5 seats); R57 (6-12); R80 (13-20); R130 (21+) per day | Vehicles entering through the Sodwana gate | Pay at the Sodwana Bay gate on entry | Vehicle category is based on capacity brackets used in the iSimangaliso fee schedule. |
| Conservation levy (iSimangaliso) | ZAR R7 per person per day | All visitors | Collected with gate fees | This levy supports conservation and community programs. |
| Accommodation levy (if staying inside iSimangaliso facilities) | ZAR R12 per person per night per night | Overnight visitors in relevant iSimangaliso facilities | Paid via accommodation provider or gate system (varies) | Confirm whether your accommodation price includes the levy. |
| Recreational scuba diving in MPAs permit (national) | ZAR R94 (annual) or ZAR R46 (short-term, 4-week) 1 year or 4 weeks | Recreational divers scuba diving in MPAs where a permit is required | Via South Africa's recreational permit system (often sold through official outlets such as post offices or approved sales channels) | Carry your permit or proof of purchase. Ask your operator which permit option is appropriate for your trip and which MPAs you will enter. |
| Vessel / launch fee (private vessel launching) | ZAR R150 per day per day | Private vessels launching (most dive charters include this in their pricing) | Pay at the relevant iSimangaliso gate or permit office | Confirm with your operator whether launch fees are included in your dive package. |
| Scuba diving activity permit (licensed operators) | ZAR R2,000 per day (licensed operators) 1 day | Commercial operators running scuba activities | iSimangaliso permit channels (operator-managed) | This is generally handled by the dive operator rather than individual visiting divers. |
Fee
per day
Fees are set by iSimangaliso Wetland Park and can change seasonally. Keep proof of payment accessible if you exit and re-enter the same day.
per day
Vehicle category is based on capacity brackets used in the iSimangaliso fee schedule.
per day
This levy supports conservation and community programs.
per night
Confirm whether your accommodation price includes the levy.
1 year or 4 weeks
Carry your permit or proof of purchase. Ask your operator which permit option is appropriate for your trip and which MPAs you will enter.
per day
Confirm with your operator whether launch fees are included in your dive package.
1 day
This is generally handled by the dive operator rather than individual visiting divers.