Visiting St Lucia South Africa

visiting st lucia south africa
Visiting

ST LUCIA SOUTH AFRICA

Why not visit St Lucia South Africa, well if you are crazy about wildlife then this might just be the place for you. Let's see what's on offer and other interesting outings and excursions on offer.

St Lucia KwaZulu Natal lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's very first world heritage site. 

Visiting St Lucia South Africa

St Lucia South Africa is situated in the heart of Zululand. 2,5 hours North of Durban this subtropical destination with its coconut trees, vervet monkeys, and abundance of Hippos makes for a true treat. St Lucia is ideally situated, set within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and a mere 54 km from the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.

It is no wonder that since the inception of World Heritage status in 1999 (UNESCO) this small quaint town has fast become such a traveler's delight. Arriving in town one has to cross the St Lucia Estuary one of Africa's largest, the probability of seeing Hippos from the bridge is of course almost a given. Some days the bridge itself looks like a sighting within the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park with lions everywhere but rather than Hippos. This may be just the start of your unbelievable holiday in the area.

Yes, Visiting St Lucia is a mouthful the town is surrounded by an estimated 800 Hippos that go in search of grass at night, and yes they roam the streets of St Lucia at night. This has to be one of those amazing sightings where wildlife and the impact of civilization meet. The residents of St Lucia not only depend on the Hippos but ensure their ability to travel safely while in the town. All residents will undoubtedly let you know that Hippos do walk freely in town, the what how, and the what not to do when encountering these animals are explained very carefully.

This coexistence of man and wildlife is soothing and magnificent proof that one assists the other might we say.

Visiting St Lucia South Africa

Herewith are our Top 13 St Lucia, KZN South Africa Activities:

  1. Hippo Boat Cruises (2-Hour Trips along the St Lucia Estuary)
  2. Half-Day iSimangaliso Wetland Park Snorkeling Trips (Departing Daily)
  3. Full-Day iSimangaliso Wetland Park Safari Tours (Game Viewing & Snorkeling)
  4. Sunrise Safari Tour into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Absolutely incredible sunrises)
  5. Sunset Safari Tour into the Eastern Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park
  6. Guided or self-guided walks (Birding and Wildlife)
  7. Night Drive Safaris are brilliant and a must
  8. Whale Watching from June to the end of November (Humpback Whales)
  9. Turtle Tours from November to the end of February (LeatherBack and LoggerHead Turtles)
  10. Deep Sea Fishing for those adventurous gents and girls
  11. Bicycle Rentals for some slow exploring
  12. Zulu Cultural Tours
  13. Pristine beaches as far as the eye can see, enjoy a day relaxing

hippo in st lucia south africa main street

Picture courtesy of Lidiko Lodge

Daytime in St Lucia is a bit slower than the larger areas one may have visited, naturally one may enjoy miles of pristine beaches with the warm waters from the Indian Ocean year-round. During the winter months on the beach, you too may be afforded the amazing sight of Humpback Whales breaching as they migrate past. Fishing from the beach becomes a true sight as various species come and go a test of skill and fun at hand.

cape vidal deep sea fishing boat

Numerous hikes in and around St Lucia add to the various outings that one may enjoy, birding is splendid with numerous species that may be encountered. Cycling tours have fast become a popular way of enjoying the area with some incredible guidance from local guides.

For those wanting to go deep-sea fishing there too are numerous operators with years of skill and experience. Deep Sea Charters depart daily, however, are weather-dependent, Please note that a license is needed prior to departure. For more information please inquire from the Charter Company. It has become common practice for tag and release.

st lucia south africa to isimangaliso wetland park cape vidal

Other outings and destinations while in St Lucia include the Eastern shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the Western shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and of course the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.

The Eastern Shores (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) is surrounded by water on the west is the St Lucia Estuary and on the east the Indian Ocean. This area or destination is commonly referred to as Cape Vidal, a protected bay perfect for snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, camping, and picnicking. The area en route boasts the second largest vegetated dunes in the world, open grasslands, forest, and some magnificent loop roads and hides for everyone to enjoy. Home to the African ( big 3 or 4) as the Elephants do cross the Estuary sometimes. The Eastern shores makes for an absolutely incredible day outing either by self-drive or an organized guided game drive.

isimangaliso wetland park

The Western shores (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) is the latest addition to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, accessible prior to entering St Lucia. This park is home to the African Big 4 (no lions). It has a real bush feel and smell to it, wandering Giraffes in the distance, and superb wildlife sightings with numerous hides and lookouts. Making this park more attractive is the fact that one may enjoy accessing the western shores in the morning and then depart in the north where one may then access the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in the north. This two-park one-day outing is a true adventure giving one the highest probability of seeing as many wildlife species within a day.

shoreline boat cruise st lucia south africa

Visiting St Lucia South Africa may just be one of those holiday experiences that will remain as your highlight while in Zululand. We hope and trust that you too will enjoy the beauty that surrounds the area.

Why not enjoy one of the numerous iSimangaliso Wetland Park Package Deals and explore and discover the highlights of the area? All Package deals include 4 4-star accommodations, Tours, and Safaris.

Visiting St Lucia South Africa

boat

St Lucia

Charter Fishing

Full list of St Lucia Deep Sea Charters

themba birding tours st lucia

St Lucia

Birding Tours

For Birding Tours in St Lucia Please Drop us a Email

bike rentals

St Lucia

Cycle Tours

Interested ? Please drop us a Email 

zululand game reserves south africa

St Lucia

Guided Walks

For Options Please Email Us Today

Cheetah Facts & Info

Cheetah Interaction

Hluhluwe

A must while in the area

Snorkeling in Zululand kwazulu natal south africa

St Lucia

Full Day Heritage Tour

Discover South Africa's very first world heritage site.

zulu cultural show

St Lucia

Zulu Culture Tours

For more info please drop us a email

Hippo playing Durban Safaris

St Lucia

Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise

Departing Daily an Absolute Must 

whale watching st lucia kzn

St Lucia

Whale Watching

Go in search of the HumpBack Whales

room view hluhluwe umkhumbi lodge

Accommodation

St Lucia Accommodation

For a Full List of Accommodation

st lucia restaurants

St Lucia

Restaurants

Restaurant List

St Lucia KZN road signs

Yes, you may be surprised by some of the road signs in and around St Lucia. Please do take note of them as they are no joke.

Frequently Asked Questions about St Lucia KZN

Yes, with a Hippo Population of about 800 Hippos in the adjacent area Hippos are seen regularly walking down the roads of St Lucia at night especially. They are wondering about in search of grass. 

Yes, it's a small village and can fortunately not grow any bigger due to it being bordered by the ocean and the estuary. This will ensure that it keeps its charm and never over-develops. 

Year Round it truly makes no difference due to its subtropical weather. 

Being so small makes it a very safe area and town to visit, everyone knows each other and all of the residents are incredibly helpful. 

Yes, absolutely the area is a wildlife mecca and should you be interested in seeing some amazing wildlife then you should visit.