Nestled on the eastern coast of South Africa, St. Lucia is a small town brimming with natural beauty and wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. As we planned our trip, we couldn’t wait to explore all that this UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer. From self-drive safaris in iSimangaliso Wetland Park to spotting whales from the beach, our experience in St. Lucia was nothing short of magical.
Here’s a personal guide to the best things to see and do in St. Lucia, based on our own unforgettable adventure.
Where we stayed
Here some information about our hotel.
1. Explore iSimangaliso Wetland Park: A self-drive safari
The highlight of our trip to St. Lucia was undoubtedly our visit to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, one of South Africa’s most biodiverse and scenic reserves. We rented a car and decided to explore the park on our own, taking a self-drive route through its varied ecosystems of wetlands, savannahs, and forests.
The entrance to the park is just a short drive from the town center, which makes it incredibly convenient to access. Along the way, we spotted an array of wildlife, from impalas grazing in the grasslands to monkeys playfully hopping between the trees. However, the true highlight of the day came when we rounded a corner and found three rhinos walking directly in front of our car. It was a surreal and awe-inspiring experience, seeing these majestic creatures up so close in their natural habitat.
If you’re visiting St. Lucia, a self-drive in iSimangaliso is an absolute must. You’re likely to encounter many more animals, including buffalo, hippo’s and zebras, and the park’s breathtaking scenery makes the drive all the more rewarding.
2. Visit St. Lucia Beach and watch whales from the shore
We visited St. Lucia Beach in July, which is prime whale-watching season. As we strolled along the beach, we were lucky enough to spot whales right from the shore. It was truly magical – these magnificent creatures breaching and tail-slapping in the distance, their massive forms silhouetted against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
If you’re in St. Lucia during winter (May to November), make sure to bring binoculars, as the whales are often just off the coast and can be seen from the beach itself. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget, and the sight of these enormous creatures right by the shoreline is one of the many reasons we loved our time in St. Lucia.
3. Hippo and crocodile tour: Sunset safari on the Estuary
One of the more unique and thrilling experiences in St. Lucia is the Hippo and Crocodile Tour on the St. Lucia Estuary. We opted for the sunset tour, as it’s the best time to catch the hippos at their most active. As we cruised along the water, we spotted several groups of hippos, many of them yawning and snapping their massive jaws – the perfect moment for that iconic ‘yawning hippo’ photo!
Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any crocodiles on this particular tour, but the hippos more than made up for it. The sunset views over the estuary were stunning, casting a golden glow over the water and creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. For nature lovers, this is a must-do activity.
4. Cape Vidal: A Hidden Beach Paradise
During our time in St. Lucia, we also made a day trip to Cape Vidal, which is a part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. We combined this with our self-drive tour of the park, and it made for a perfect day of exploration.
Cape Vidal is famous for its beautiful beaches and pristine coastal waters. One tip: time your visit during low tide, as the strong currents can make it difficult to enjoy the beach or go swimming during high tide. When the tide is low, the beaches are calmer, and you can take full advantage of the serene surroundings.
We spent some time relaxing on the beach, and the more adventurous among us tried snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. If you’re into nature and outdoor activities, Cape Vidal is definitely worth the trip.
5. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve: A Day on Safari
For a truly classic safari experience, we headed to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, which is just a short drive from St. Lucia. We spent a full day exploring this park, which is known for its diverse wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos).
While we didn’t spot the elusive big cats, we did see rhinos up close and encountered a small herd of elephants in the distance. The park itself is stunning, with rolling hills, dense bush, and tranquil waterholes. We enjoyed a leisurely game drive, soaking in the beautiful scenery and getting a sense of the wild heart of South Africa. Even though we didn’t see all of the Big Five, the park’s beauty and the thrill of being in such close proximity to wild animals made it an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion: The Magic of St. Lucia
Our trip to St. Lucia was an incredible adventure, filled with wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable moments. From self-driving through iSimangaliso Wetland Park to whale watching on St. Lucia Beach, every day brought something new and exciting. The area’s natural beauty is simply breathtaking, and whether you’re exploring the wetlands, cruising the estuary, or relaxing on the beach, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
If you’re looking for a place to connect with nature, experience incredible wildlife, and enjoy some of South Africa’s best outdoor activities, St. Lucia should be at the top of your list.
