The biggest attraction in St Lucia town is its incredible natural features.
St Lucia is the gateway town to access the wilderness areas of iSimangaliso’s Eastern and Western Shores sections. Animal to be seen are the Savana Elephant, black and white Rhino, Buffalo, Leopard, Hyena, Zebra, Greater Kudu and Waterbok, as well as smaller animals like the tiny duiker hiding in forest patches and hippos playing in the water.
The expansive waterways of Lake St Lucia give way to wetlands and reed beds, grassy hilltops, forest valleys and dunes.
Visitors can access the coast at three spots to enjoy the warm Indian Ocean: The Estuary beach accessed from St Lucia town, and Mission Rocks or Cape Vidal within iSimangaliso Easter Shore section.
Pedestrians give way to hippos in the street at night and Vervet monkeys patrol the neighbourhoods and gardens during the day. Beautiful indigenous trees in and around town serves as a habitat for countless species of birds, animals and insects.
Activities and Tours in and Around St Lucia
Explore Lake St Lucia / Boat Tour: This is a relaxed (and dry) way to enjoy this fascinating environment. Not only will you be able to view hippos and crocodiles from a watery perspective, but you will also be able to appreciate the diversity of habitats of birds and animals and trees that use the estuary.
Estuary Boardwalk: Walk on a wooden pathway towards the estuary mouth and do some birding or stroll along the beautiful coast. From here you will see the Maphelane forest dune which is the highest dune in South Africa.
The iGwalagwala Forest Trail: Perfect for bird watching enthusiasts. iGwala is the Zulu name for the Purple-crested Turaco which is a common sighting.
Enjoy Some Beach Time on the Unspoilt Coastline: Enjoy the waters of the warm Indian Ocean.
Snorkel at Cape Vidal: This beach is popular among anglers, swimmers and nature enthusiasts. At Low tide snorkelers can enjoy the gentle waters and immerse themselves in an underwater paradise.
Whale Watching: Every year, magnificent Humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds around Antarctica to breed along the South African coastline from June to November.
Horseback Ride, Beach and Bush: A trail through the iPhiva game section on the Eastern Shores and then along iSimangaliso unspoiled beaches.
Guided Night Game Safari: A guided night game drive can be a rewarding experience, yielding many sightings that would not be possible during the daylight hours.
Witness Turtles Nesting: Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles, that come ashore at night every year from November to February to lay their eggs in the sand or witness the hatched baby turtles.
Big 5 Game Drive: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi game reserve is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa and it is known for its rich wildlife. Enjoy this spectacular game reserve in an open game drive vehicle with a well-experienced qualified tour guide who knows the terrain and also where to view the wildlife.
Wetland Park / Eastern Shores Game Drive: In an open game vehicle your qualified guide will take you through thorny bushveld, savannah grasslands and coastal dune forest landscapes. See the beautiful landscape unfold to reveal the depths of beauty and diversity that won this Park World Heritage status in 1999.
Wetland Park / Western Shores Game Drive: Located right outside the town. Several lookout points and hide. The Aerial boardwalk overlooks Lake St Lucia with spectacular nature views as far as Cape Vidal.
Deep Sea Fishing: Go with an experienced crew with years of knowledge of catching game and reef fish, for that once in a lifetime fish and exceptional deep sea fishing experience.
Zulu Cultural Tour: A great opportunity to get to know traditional Zulu culture with a friendly guide.