iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park) Travel and Accommodation Guide - South Africa
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 iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park) Travel Guide
Accommodation in St. Lucia, Elephant Coast, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

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iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Accommodation:
Mtubatuba Accommodation - St Lucia Bed & Breakfasts, Lodges & Guest Houses
St Lucia Hotels - St Lucia Self-catering Accommodation
 Kwazulu-Natal Accommodation by Location:
Drakensberg Accommodation - Durban Bed & Breakfasts
Durban Guest Houses - Durban Hotels - Durban Self-Catering Apartments
Durban Self-Catering Villas/Cottages - Durban Surrounds Self-Catering
Elephant Coast Accommodation - Hluhluwe Game Lodges
Kwazulu-Natal Midlands Accommodation - Mtubatuba Accommodation
North Coast Accommodation - South Coast Accommodation - St Lucia Accommodation

Kwazulu-Natal home page - Elephant Coast Guide
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View Map of St Lucia

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.
St Lucia Bed & Breakfasts, Lodges & Guest Houses - St Lucia Hotels - St Lucia Self-catering - Boat Cruises and Tours

Swimming in iSimangaliso Wetland ParkThe 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!

Advantage ToursThe 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.

iSimangaliso Wetland ParkEncounters 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.

St Lucia Bed & Breakfasts, Lodges & Guesthouses - St Lucia Hotels - St Lucia Self-catering Accommodation - Boat Cruises and Tours

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Author - City Guide SA

ST LUCIA BED & BREAKFASTS, LODGES & GUEST HOUSES, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

African Ambience Guest House, St Lucia African Ambience Guest House, 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, St Lucia Bhangazi Lodge, Bed and Breakfast, ST LUCIA
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.  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.
Lalapanzi Guest House, St Lucia Lalapanzi Guest House, Bed & 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, St Lucia Lidiko Lodge, Safari Lodge, ST LUCIA
Lidiko Lodge is a well-appointed 4 star lodge centrally situated in the village of St Lucia, Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in the heart of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lodge is family owned and managed. Set above the Great St Lucia Lake, on a coastal dune and with views of the lake, accommodation in the well-appointed 16 garden rooms is provided on a bed and breakfast basis. The main building of the lodge is one of the original buildings erected in St Lucia and with its thatch oozes an old world Zululand charm. It houses the reception area; drawing room; art gallery, showcasing the best of the local artists and crafters, a small library for guests as well as the dining deck with views of the Great St Lucia Lake. All the rooms overlook the sparkling pool or magnificent lodge gardens.
St. Lucia Safari Lodge St. Lucia Safari Lodge, Guest Lodge/Self-Catering, ST LUCIA
St. Lucia 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 Wetlands Guesthouse St Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse, Bed & Breakfast, 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 Guest House Santa Lucia Guest House, 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.  Comfortable, tastefully decorated equipped with ceiling fans, tea/coffee making facilities, bar fridges, hairdryers, and safety deposit boxes. Quiet surroundings within safe walking distance to restaurants.
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ST LUCIA HOTELS, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

Elephant Lake Hotel, St. Lucia Elephant Lake 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...
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ST LUCIA SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

Flamingo Holiday Apartments Flamingo Holiday Apartments, Self-Catering Apartments, 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.
Lake St Lucia Lodge Lake St Lucia Lodge, Self-Catering Units, 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.
St. Lucia Safari Lodge St. Lucia Safari Lodge, Guest Lodge/Self-Catering, ST LUCIA
St. Lucia 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.
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