Crocodiles, hippos, turtles and elephants are some of the animals living around the shallow, brackish waters of Lake St Lucia and the estuary connecting it to the Indian Ocean. This area and the coast extending north from it form the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. The reserve protects a complex ecosystem composed of forests, mangrove swamps, marshes, dunes and plants. Beware: swimming is prohibited due to the numerous crocodiles!