Best of St. Lucia Estuary – iSimangaliso Wetlands Park Attractions & Luxury Tours, South Africa

St. Lucia Estuary, which stretches 220 kilometers along the east coast of South Africa from St. Lucia to Mozambique, has been recently renamed the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and declared a World Heritage Site. This sub-tropical paradise contains a vast range of eco-systems, including the world’s highest vegetated dunes, which provide those on South Africa tours with incredible sites and ample activities. St. Lucia’s thriving variety of waterfowl and other birds also attract birdwatchers the world over.

Go fishing, or hop on a boat for guided tours of Lake St. Lucia which is surrounded by large amounts of flora and fauna, including the highest density of reedbuck antelope in Africa. Visit the St. Lucia Crocodile Center, or take a walk along trails that weave through coastal forests that border the estuary.

The St. Lucia Game Reserve offers either self-accommodating, self-driving tours, or luxury safari lodges where you can be pampered after returning from an exhilarating wildlife safari and game drive. Experienced bush guides will help you encounter the Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) as well as numerous other interesting examples of African wildlife.

Go snorkeling at Kosi Bay, Cape Vidal, or Black Rock, or enjoy full diving pleasure at the popular Sodwana Bay. More exclusive diving trips can be taken further north to Mbibi or Rocktail Bay.

Ride horses along a coastal trail where you will encounter the occasional traditional fishing village, complete with craft outlets. At specific times of the year you just might stumble upon a beach of laying or hatching sea turtles (November to March), or dolphins and humpback whales frolicking in the ocean waves (June to November).

Special Culinary Experiences

Fishy Pete’s - A local hangout in St. Lucia that dishes up excellent Mozambique shrimp hot off the grill.

Fur Elize - The largest thatched roof, open-air restaurant in the area which contains a pool and super tube slide. Great for families!

Interesting/Unique Accommodations

In the village of St. Lucia, enjoy a first class stay at Afrikhaya Guesthouse or Elephant Coast Guesthouse, each supplying a traditional African ambiance that sit poised in close proximity to the St. Lucia Wetland Park, the famous Hluhluwe Game Reserve which houses the Big Five and the coastline with beaches.

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