Solicited field trips
Schools are selected from the database provided by the Department of Education. Two branded buses were purchased to carry learners to and from the Park, travelling to the uMkhuze, Sodwana and Eastern Shores sections, accompanied throughout by the iSimangaliso environmental education team.
Learners receive branded caps and T-shirts, and packed lunches prepared by community-owned caterers — deliberately hiring local businesses so the trips create work as well as awareness.
Activities are aligned to the school curriculum, giving learners a practical demonstration of the heritage content they are taught in theory. Sessions cover biodiversity, ecosystems, tourism, cultural heritage, Outstanding Universal Value, the Authority’s mandate and conservation threats. Overnight facilities, including the uMkhuze environmental education camp, support longer visits.
Unsolicited field trips
Schools can book their own field trip by calling iSimangaliso on +27 35 590 1633.
Neighbouring schools are granted free access to all gates managed by iSimangaliso. This includes schools under the Tembe, Mabaso, Mbila, Ngwenya, Nsinde, Jobe, Mqobokazi, Makhasa, Nibela, eMdlentsheni, Mpukonyoni and Sokhulu tribal authorities.
Principals must write to iSimangaliso requesting free access to the Park and the Croc Centre. The letter should state the school name, the number of learners and teachers, the proposed date and the reason for the visit.
Schools outside those tribal authorities qualify for discounted gate rates, subject to assessment and approval by management. Boat trips on the St Lucia estuarine lake are offered as an education activity at discounted prices, provided the booking is secured through the Park’s conservation partner, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
