Greater
St Lucia Wetland Park (iSimangaliso Wetland Park), KwaZulu-Natal, South
Africa
Covering
about 240,000ha, with a further 84,000ha in, on or under the sea, this
is a large chunk of sub-tropical paradise stretching 220km along the East
Coast from St Lucia to the Mozambique border.
As well as a mind-blowing
range of natural systems, ranging from dune, swamp and coastal forests
to rocky and sandy shores, coral reefs and submarine canyons, mangroves,
savanna grassland, thickets, woodlands, and the largest protected wetland
in southern Africa, it is a culturally fascinating area and - more importantly
- has immense fun potential. Game viewing opportunities range from self-drive
to luxury lodges, and the birding is awesome. You can paddle on the various
lakes, checking out hippos, birds and game on the shore.
The
snorkelling at Cape Vidal, Black Rock and Kosi Bay is great and, if you're
a more serious diver, Sodwana Bay is still the most popular diving destination
in the country. For a more exclusive dive experience you can head up to
Rocktail Bay or Mbibi.
The hiking trail at Kosi
Bay offers terrain ranging from grassland, beach and mangrove forests to
mysterious waterways. You can do a short or multi-day horse trail, watch
mama turtles laying eggs or baby turtles hatching on the beach, or go out
in a boat to see dolphins and humpback whales.
Community run trails offer
the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area, as well as
get a handle on the history and culture of this fascinating corner of our
country.
You shouldn't miss out on
seeing the traditional fish traps, which have been handed down from father
to son for hundreds of years. There are also a couple of traditional villages
and loads of craft outlets.
Note: If you are planning
to travel to the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Kosi Bay please be aware
that this region is malarial. Consult your doctor or travel clinic for
advice and refer to our article on malaria.
Makakatana
Bay Lodge, MTUBATUBA Exclusively situated in
the Proclaimed 'Greater St Lucia Wetland Park' reserve, the largest marine
lake in Africa, Makakatana Bay Lodge remains the ONLY privately owned and
run luxury Lodge within this pristine WORLD HERITAGE SITE. The lodge
has five luxury suites situated privately in a thick forest overlooking
the lake. Facilities include: mini bars, air-conditioning, overhead
fan, separate toilet & bathroom, outside shower, dressing room, private
decks. There is a private pool set on the lakes edge. Restaurant
dining room & outdoor boma available. Adventures include :
Hippo Crocodile Safaris, Boat safaris on the lake, Safaris to Hluhluwe
Umfolozi Game Reserve and Boat beach safaris to the pristine beaches of
Cape Vidal where one can enjoy snorkelling and swimming in the warm Indian
Ocean.
Marula
Place, Bed & Breakfast, Self-catering, MTUBATUBA 3-star graded, semi-finalist
in the 2004 AA Awards Programme, Marula Place is set in a 2 acre tropical
garden. All rooms are en-suite and have tea/coffee making facilities, air-conditioning.
Bed & Breakfast or Self Catering options available. Marula Place has
24 hour security. A secluded garden cottage is available for those
who need some privacy ... private entrance and private garden. The major
Zululand Game Reserves and the beach are only 20 minutes’ drive from Marula
Place. Other site seeing trips include tours to Traditional Healers, Medicine
Makers, Herbalists, our lovely beaches where you can fish, scuba dive,
snorkel or just enjoy our World Heritage Site. The Umfolozi Country Club
is just up the road – it has an excellent restaurant, facilities for golf,
tennis, squash, swimming, horse riding, bowls and a gym. The Zululand
climate is perfect: hot summer days and warm sunny winter days.
Wendy's
Country Lodge, Bed and Breakfast, MTUBATUBA Wendy's Country Lodge is
a 4 Star Colonial style home, furnished with South African antiques. Set
in an acre of magnificent tropical gardens with heated swimming pool, rich
in bird life, diversity of plants, including Orchids. Accommodation
consists of five en-suite bedrooms and one bedroom with private bathroom,
fully airconditioned with ceiling fans. Tony and Wendy offer gracious
hospitality with personal service and help guests plan their stay. A hearty
English breakfast with tropical fruit is served. The gateway to many famous
game parks and St Lucia Wetlands. Restaurants close by. Credit Cards accepted.
African
Ambience Guesthouse, ST LUCIA Our newly built guesthouse
is designed to provideyou with comfort, space and privacy you woudl expect
from a 4 star extablishment and is set in a lush, tropical garden bordering
the nature reserve. African Ambience is surrounded by tranquil koi ponds
and waterfeatures, creating the ideal ambience to totally relax in. The
thatched, home away from home, has very spacitous comfy rooms all en suite,
with private entrance and patio, providing air conditioning, safes and
tea trays. The honeymoon room has spa bath, TV and fridge. Breakfast
at leisure in the dining room or on the patio overloooking th rock pool.
Delight in spotting antelope, squirrels, monkeys and birds. Dinners on
request, numerous restaurants within walking distance. Laundry service.
Your hosts are dedicated to making your stay an unforgetgable one, try
us!
Bhangazi
Lodge, Bed and Breakfast, ST LUCIA We offer four comfortable
double guest bedrooms, each with en suite bathroom and private terrace
and entrance. A full breakfast buffet is provided including fresh
fruits and cereals. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning,
remote controlled colour television, radio/alarm clock, mosquito net and
safety deposit box. Graded 4-Star (TOURISM GRADING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA,
TGCSA). In our tropical garden under beautiful trees there is a lovely
private swimming pool. You are within walking distance of excellent
restaurants, shops and unspoilt beaches. Tours and charters can be
arranged such as deep sea fishing, lake cruises, safari tours, seasonal
turtle/whale watching, birding, cycling and much more.
Cane
Cutters Estate, Accommodation, ST LUCIA The Cane Cutter Estate is
situated in Monzi, which in turn is only a few kilometers from St Lucia.
Surrounded by the classic surroundings that one would expect in old Natal's
warm sub-tropical climate. The Estate offers two accommodation types
namely: self-catering chalets and fully air conditioned luxury accommodation
at the estate's guest house. The Estate features a very popular restaurant
called 'Canecutters'. Accessible for the general public as well as guests.
Be sure to try the excellent cuisine. On the property there is a
bird park, animal farm, wine cellar, restaurant. Resident tour & bird
guide. Safaries to Hluhluwe/Imfolozi, 20km from St Lucia.
Kingfisher
Lodge, ST LUCIA This grand old colonial
homestead, privately owned by the present generation of the Pugniet family
(Philippe and Michelle) of France, proudly boats 110 years of existence
on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary in the Heart of the Greater St Lucia
Wetland Park – a proclaimed World Heritage Site. Surrounded by indigenous
forests and the untamed, majestic Indian Ocean, a sense of place awaits
to engulf you in its entire magical ambience. The Lodge has seven
air-conditioned suites, each with private patios which lead onto the tropical
estate, en-suite bathrooms, tea / coffee making facilities, a fully stocked
(licensed) bar in each suite and elegant, luxurious décor. A gorgeous
swimming pool, bathed in pure African sunlight overlooks the Estuary and
our private jetty gains easy access. Our in-house beauty salon caters
for all your beauty requirements - be they facial, manicures or massages.
Lalapanzi
Guest House, Bed and Breakfast, ST LUCIA Welcome to St. Lucia’s little
paradise. Guests are warmly greeted and helped to make the most of their
visit in the World Heritage Site. This old Victorian house has six
comfortable rooms with air-con, tea/coffee trays, ceiling fans, fudges
& hairdryers. All rooms are en-suite with bath/shower or both. The
house has DSTV in the lounge, a reading area, laundry services and save
parking. Restaurant is in walking distance & there is a public save
in the house. A generous breakfast is served on a wooden deck with
a view over the salt rock swimming pooi and beautiful big forest garden.
There is an abundance of birds and small animals. This garden will take
your breath away and at night the Milky Way will lights up the skyl You
can choose from Hippo & Crocodile trips on the Estuary, Whale watching
(in season - July to Nov), horse trails, crocodile park, hiking trails,
night drives in Cape Vidal, snorkeling, deep- sea fishing & Zulu cultural
tours.
Lidiko
Lodge, Country Lodge, ST LUCIA Lidiko Lodge is a newly
developed luxury country lodge, in St Lucia surrounded by the Greater St
Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. Lidiko Lodge offers accommodation
on a bed & breakfast basis or a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.
Lidiko is centrally situated and within 5 minutes walking distance of all
the restaurants, shops and main attractions. All 15 garden rooms
have private patios and entrances. The rooms are spacious and en-suite
(with a separate bath and shower) and fully air-conditioned. Each room
offers a color TV; bar fridge, wall safe; hairdryer; toiletries; crisp
white linen; fluffy towels; coffee & tea making facilities. The
honeymoon suite is set separately from the other rooms, has a queen sized
bed and is decorated with antiques and Persian carpets...
Namib
Safari Lodge, Guest Lodge/Self-Catering, ST LUCIA Namib Safari Lodge has the
best of both worlds. It is on the main road of the town of St Lucia, close
to amenities, restaurants and shops, but a few minutes drive from the wonders
of the wetlands. Namib Safari Lodge is the ideal spot to base your holiday
travels from or just come and stay with us for a few days to unwind and
enjoy life at a slower pace. Explore neighboring game reserves and
viewing the Big Five or a low-key day at the beach fishing and soaking
up the rays. Surrounded by a host of other guest houses, restaurants
and shops for a truly well-rounded holiday experience, let alone culinary.
One is guaranteed a varied and relaxing stay in the heart of St. Lucia,
tourism Mecca of the Elephant Coast in KwaZulu Natal. Namib Safari
Lodge offers 14 fully serviced self catering chalets with en-suite bathrooms
with a bath and shower. Each chalet has it own private balcony and secure
parking bay. Television with DSTV....
St
Lucia Leisure, Bed and Breakfast, Self-catering, ST LUCIA Turtle Trips- Loggerhead/Leatherback
turtles return to their nesting sites, a once in a lifetime experience.
Eastern Shore Experience- transverses forests, pans & lush grasslands.
411 birds, leopards, rhinos etc.. Cape Vidal Adventure-day trip includes
foot safari to view birds, trees & plants. Hluhluwe/ Umfolozi Game
Drives-Full day. Highly qualified Satour Reg. guides. Bed and Breakfast
accommodation available for guest participating in these tours. We
offer 3 well appointed, comfortable and fully serviced en-suite rooms.
The rooms have TV, ceiling fan and a private balcony overlooking the garden.
There is also a swimming pool and sundeck area to be enjoyed. We serve
a delicious full breakfast and lunch and dinner is available from a variery
of local restaurants.
St
Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse, ST LUCIA Nestled between Lake St.
Lucia and the Indian Ocean in the heart of this exquisite World Heritage
Site lies St. Lucia Wetlands Guest House. The spacious house offers seven
luxury guest rooms while the hosts, Derick and Hettie, reside on the premises
in a separate apartment. Scrumptious breakfasts are served in the diningroom
or on the smoker's patio overlooking the split-level swimming pool and
the surrounding tropical forest. Guest facilities includes a spacious lounge
with DS television, and a well stocked licensed bar. All major credit cards
welcome. There is secure parking on the premises. Leisure options
within easy reach includes swimming in the warm Indian Ocean all year round,
authentic Zulu village tours, bird watchers paradise, hiking, kayaking,
horse riding, seasonal whale- and turtle watching, and tranquil cruises
to spot hippopotamus and crocodile.
Santa
Lucia Bed & Breakfast, ST LUCIA Mediterranean-style home
set in a tranquil tropical garden with swimming pool. Comfortable spacious
bedrooms, some with doors leading to garden and pool. Superb breakfasts
include fresh tropical fruit. This unique heritage site is close
to Hluhluwe/Umfolozi National Park. Enjoy secluded beaches with high
coastal dunes, boat cruises on Lake St. Lucia to view hippos and crocodiles.
Whale and turtle watching in season. German spoken. Credit
card facilities. Off-street parking available. Finalist in
AA accommodation award program.
Zulani
Guest House, Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouse, ST LUCIA Zulani Guest House, for
exclusive Home Hospitality and quality 4 Star BnB accommodation at exceedingly
good value. The perfect spot for a magical escape, a retreat for the active,
or for just simple feet-up relaxation. The owners, Gary & June, reside
in an adjoining cottage, and are on hand to provide the "personal hospitality"
which sets Zulani apart from a larger establishment. With just four guest
rooms, we are afforded the privilege of knowing all our guests well. We
have the time to pay attention to your individual needs and the space to
make you feel at home. The intention has been to create a home-like, atmosphere
that is relaxing and stylish, with a very personal feel. Zulani Guest
House, the ideal choice for fun loving couples and small intimate groups
and for your romantic rondeveaux we offer an exclusive Honeymoon suite
with a Jacuzzi bath to enjoy those unforgettable moments.
Protea
Hotel St Lucia (Elephant Lake Hotel), ST LUCIA Protea Hotel St Lucia (Elephant
Lake Hotel) is situated on the Elephant Coast in the heart of the exquisite
St Lucia World Heritage Site between Lake St Lucia and the Indian Ocean
in South Africa. The hotel sits on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary and
overlooks the lake. With its lakes, lagoons, freshwater swamps and
grasslands, St. Lucia supports more species of animal than the better known
Kruger National Park and Okavango Delta – although these areas are much
larger. The Hotel has a three star grading and boast with 28 luxury,
en-suite, air-conditioned rooms, all sharing a westerly view across the
St Lucia Estuary. All rooms are equipped with DSTV, tea/coffee making facilities,
hair dryer and full range of bathroom amenities. The Hotel has two
levels. The ground level has 14 rooms, all with a private patio leading
out to a sparkling pool, an upmarket restaurant, leading out to the pool
patio, the Hotel lounge and Reception area...
Elephant
Coast Holiday, Self Catering, ST LUCIA Situated on the banks of
Lake St Lucia. One of the worlds most ecologically delicate wetlands. Nestling
in subtropical vegetation. Including a Club House with, Pool, Squash
Court, Tennis Court, Braai Areas and a Private Jetty on Lake St Lucia.
Security Wall, Landscaped Gardens, Fully Equipped Laundromat, Fish Cleaning
& Ski-Boat Washing Facility. There are 1, 2 & 3 Bed roomed
serviced units with open plan kitchen and spacious living area. Relax and
entertain in comfort on the patio. Some units are Air – conditioned.
Colour TV. Standard SABC channels plus MNET & DSTV on request. Rooms
are available for physically disabled guests.
Flamingo
Holiday Flats, Self-Catering, ST LUCIA Flamingo Holiday Apartments
are situated on the Elephant Coast in the heart of the exquisite St Lucia
World Heritage Site between Lake St Lucia and the Indian Ocean in South
Africa. Flamingo Holiday Flats is within safe walking distance from the
numerous Restaurants and shops in St. Lucia. With its lakes, lagoons,
freshwater swamps and grasslands, St. Lucia supports more species of animal
than the better known parks and deltas in Southern Africa. Your hosts,
Pierre and Rose Blignaut welcome you! Each unit is fully furnished
and equipped for up to six people including an M Net channel on your TV
and undercover parking. In addition to this, our friendly staff clean and
service your unit daily so you can truly relax. All units are on the ground
floor overlooking the swimming pool and have their own private BBQ area.
Hippo
Hideaway, Self-Catering, ST LUCIA Hippo Hideaway is positioned
on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary giving guests easy access the the
beauty of the wetlands. The resort is also well positioned within the town
making all amenities within easy walking distance. The resort consists
of 20 rooms and sleeps 63 people. Each room is luxuriously appointed with
all fittings being crafted for the resort. The rooms consist of either
1 bedroom 2 sleepers or 2 bedroom 4 sleepers. All rooms are airconditioned
and have DSTV supplied. Being self catering all kitchens are fully equipped.
Tariff includes a maid daily who remakes up the rooms, washes dishes etc.
All 'hideaways' have their own patio areas along with Teak furniture. The
resort also has a central boma with hammocks and timber furniture, a large
swimming pool and a lovely timber sundeck with timber benches and tables
with umbrella's. The resorts Host and Hostess are well versed in
the area and can facilitate all tours and excusions which you may require
in order to enjoy the wonders of the Greater St Lucia Wetlands area.
The resort makes up the bank of the estuary and it is about a 50 metre
walk to the estuary.
Lake
St Lucia Lodge, Self-Catering, ST LUCIA Lake St Lucia Lodge is situated
in St Lucia South Africa a World Heritage Site overlooking Lake St. Lucia
with spectacular sunsets. Accommodation on the banks of Lake St Lucia
with abundant birdlife, tranquil and private braai facilities. Lake
St. Lucia Lodge offers 2 four sleeper cottages & 1 two sleeper unit.
Self Catering units fully equipped,very reasonably priced and serviced
daily. We assist in all tours (specializing in fishing excursions)
and information regarding your visit to the famous Greater St Lucia Wetland
Park. Shops, pubs & restaurants are within walking distance as
well as a public pleasure resort with super tube 2 minutes away.
Your friendly host Andre & Thea invite guests from time to time to
share a traditional South African barbecue or fish braai.
Luwandla,
Self catering, ST LUCIA 3 Bed room serviced unit
with open plan kitchen and spacious living area. Relax and entertain in
comfort on the patio. Colour TV. Standard SABC channels plus MNET &
DSTV. Rooms are available for physically disabled guests. Including
a Communal Swimming Pool and a private patio and Braai Area
Situated in St Lucia Estuary - one of the worlds most ecologically delicate
wetlands. Nestling in subtropical vegetation. Room Air Conditioned.
Rooms are available for physically disabled guests Rooms available in which
smoking is never permitted Town House are serviced every day. Colour TV.
Standard SABC channels plus MNET & DSTV Self-catering facilities include
microwave oven, conventional oven, fridge with deep-freeze, cutlery, crockery
and kitchen utensils.
Can't find what you
are looking for? Try our MAP
SEARCH option:
St.
Lucia - World Class Eco Destination by Barbara Ulmi
Land of ripe bananas, soft
avocado pears, and sweet coconuts. Land of roaming elephant herds, sun
basking hippos and snapping crocodiles - the Elephant Coast in KwaZulu
Natal, embraced by the warm Indian Ocean, the Umfolozi River in the south
and Mozambique in the north, is one of South Africa's most beautiful and
unspoiled areas. It is a perfect destination for everyone - be it for the
sensitive ecologist, the great outdoors fan or the happy camper sitting
on the boulders at Mission Rock sporting his hook, line and sinker. The
beating heart of this paradise-on-earth even has a saintlike name - St.
Lucia, the only private village surrounded by a Natural World Heritage
Site.
The
Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park obtained South Africa's first Natural World
Heritage status in 1999 by UNESCO, and comprises an impressive 280 km of
coastline - starting south of the St Lucia Estuary and stretching past
Kosi Bay all the way to Mozambique. St. Lucia is an eco-tourism mecca,
and centre point to an incredible 21 different eco-systems. Dense evergreen
forests of towering fig trees stand in a lush undergrowth of ferns and
wild orchids hanging from the trees. Palm savannahs with thousands of wild
date and lala palms dot the white sand of the undulating landscape. Swamp
forests with large raffias and tangled masses of greenery are home to myriads
of exquisite birds.
Few areas in Africa have
the incredible diversity of the fresh water eco-systems found here. There
are major rivers, broad flood plains, large coastal lagoons, deep clear
coastal lakes, extensive papyrus swamps and small semi-permanent pans.
The perfect playground for observant nature lovers, be it under water,
above sea, on land or in the air!
The ecological significance
of the wildlife and fish resources were only recognized and protected late
in the 19th century, after extensive hunting for ivory, rhino horn and
hippo. After more than 100 years of peaceful existence, the sleeping beauty
of the Estuary has become a trademark to the area - but beware, the hippo's
seemingly reassuring yawn hides a force not to be messed with! A safe way
of getting up close and personal with it's nostrils or a croc's 66 teeth
is a trip down the Estuary on one of the professionally captained river
touring boats, such as the Advantage, the most luxurious passenger ferry
custom built to venture into shallow waters.
We boarded the ferry for
the sundowner tour on a beautiful April evening, one of the best months
to visit the Greater Wetlands, when mosquitoes are few (but Gin and Tonics
still flow). In general, St Lucia's winter is often compared to a European
summer, and the tropical summer heat is moderated by the Indian Ocean.
The first 12 km up the Estuary passed with great anticipation with not
much else to do than getting the camera lenses ready and the drinks filled
up. Soon enough the captain spotted the first herd of river horses and
the crowd on board shifted dangerously to the very lee of the boat - everybody
wanting to get that first awesome holiday shot! The imbalance was easily
taken care of by the captain's next heart-beating announcement: crocodiles
on the shores under the mangrove trees, at three o'clock! And a few meters
away from the ancient reptile, stood a Kudu eyeing us out, while a Giant
Kingfisher was perched watchfully in the tree above it - picture perfect.
Encounters with crocodiles
can also be safely undertaken at the Crocodile Park a few minutes outside
St. Lucia - as long as one keeps from climbing the fences, and approaches
the enclosures at a steady pace (anything on wheels better first gets an
overhaul on its braking system). An ideal family getaway, the centre is
representative of the whole St Lucia Region and not only features local
crocodile, but has a breeding programme for two endangered African crocodile
species - the Dwarf and the Long Snout. (And in their thatched shop, they
serve some of the best coffee we have had on our trip!)
St Lucia however offers much
more than the expected hippos, crocs and fishermen trying their luck on
the coast and deep sea fishing grounds. Many guided tours into restricted
areas give visitors a greater knowledge and insight into the varied ecosystems
and habitats of the region. Most of the tours operate throughout the year
- with the exception of whale and turtle watching, as these species migrate
seasonally. Explore the Eastern Shores on night drives to investigate the
nocturnal activities of chameleons, aardvark, antelope, owls, nightjars,
porcupine, elephant, the occasional leopard and yes, the hippo again! Wetland
Tours on the other hand offer game-watching, bird-watching, snorkeling,
and hikes, during day time. Ecologically sensitive activities like guided
hiking trails as well as kayaking, canoeing and horse riding tours enable
visitors to glean environmental information in a fun-filled and informative
way. Anglers flock to this paradise to catch shad, grunter, rock cod, marlin,
sailfish and a variety of sharks and registered guides even offer guided
fishing safaris, deep sea charters, boat-based spear fishing, shore angling,
estuary fishing as well as kite fishing in July and August. From May to
October, there are daily trips to view some of the thousands of Humpback
whales migrating to the tropics. Another spectacular tour of the area are
the turtle tours, available form November to March, when sightings are
made of Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles nesting in the titanium-rich
sands.
In the days of Shaka, the
black sands of Zululand were known to contain useful minerals. A small
clan of Zulus fashioned weapons with iron by smelting minerals found in
the area's sand dunes - the highest vegetated sand dunes in Africa. Zulu
traditions are being revived at the community-run cultural village at Veyane.
The tour of Veyane takes visitors into the heart of an authentic working
Zulu community, where age-old tradition meets contemporary Zulu society.
The land of he Khula Dukuduku settlement, where the Veyane Cultural Village
is situated, was originally awarded to a brave Zulu warrior, Veyane Mkhwanazi,
by King Cetshwayo in recognition of his heroism at the battle of Isandlwana
in 1879. Today, the cultural centre invites visitors to call on traditional
healers, watch Zulu beadworkers and weavers at work; become spellbound
by magical storytelling and be entertained by talented traditional musicians.
Visitors are invited to sleep over in authentic Zulu huts, furnished with
double beds, and electricity!
While staying over at the
Veyane Cultural Centre is highly recommendable, nothing compares to the
magical views of St. Lucia and surrounds, where an entire range of accommodation
options are available: from humble backpackers and ultra-luxury hotels,
to self-catering options located close to all amenities - ideal for a longer
stay in the area. Most of these establishments are situated in the main
road where restaurants such as St Pizza Seafood Grill and Pub, Fuer Elize
and Alfredo's Italian delights, await hungry adventurers with an array
of mouthwatering dishes.
About the Author - City
Guide SA is a comprehensive one-stop travel resource providing visitors
to South Africa with up-to-date information on where to stay, eat and play.
For your convenience City Guide SA offers a unique virtual concierge service
and online booking facility.
