The St Lucia lake is the largest estuarine system in Africa and is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, meaning place of wonder/ miracle. It is home to a huge population of hippos and many crocodiles. It is also a birder's paradise. The town of St. Lucia is situated on the Southernmost end of the Estuary that connects the Lake to the Indian Ocean. A number of companies operate boat trips on the estuary that last 2 hours on average.
These trips are done on eco-friendly boats designed to take tourists as close to the hippos without disturbing them. They are operated by qualified skippers and the guides are knowledgeable and registered with the South African Tourism Authority.
The tours are conducted over a distance of approximately 10 km. In this area it will be possible to see 2-3 breeding pods of hippopotamus, approximately 25-30 locally based crocodiles as well as some of the majestic species of birds that are native to this area. Lake St. Lucia is known for the most species of birds to be viewed in one locale in South Africa (almost 500 species).
Discover the main things to do, see and experience in South Africa, including beautiful winelands, majestic mountain ranges, rolling wheat and sugarcane fields, caves, beaches and rocky shorelines, forests and pristine wilderness areas. Explore by game drive vehicle, hike in beautiful environs and enjoy our beloved country’s rich cultural diversity.
Highlights:
Cape Town
,
Cape Winelands
,
Stellenbosch
,
Oudtshoorn
,
Route 62
,
Garden Route
,
Knysna
,
Oudtshoorn ostrich farms
,
Cango Caves
,
Sunshine Coast
,
Wild Coast
,
Transkei
,
KwaZulu-Natal
,
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
,
St. Lucia
,
Kruger National Park
,
Swaziland
,
Panorama Route
.
The German-guided version of our tour that covers the highlights of South Africa (link to English tour provided as well). It provides a mix of cities, countryside, historical sites, scenic drives, nature, wildlife, culture and people. The southbound tour starts in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town.
Highlights:
Panorama Route
,
Blyde River Canyon
,
Kruger National Park
,
Swaziland
,
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
,
St. Lucia
,
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
,
Transkei
,
Garden Route
,
Storm’s River Mouth
,
Knysna
,
Cango Caves
,
Route 62
,
Cape Winelands
,
Stellenbosch
,
Paarl
,
Cape Town
.
This private guided tour covers the highlights of South Africa and is ideal for first time visitors to the country. It provides a mix of cities, countryside, historical sites, scenic drives, nature, wildlife, culture and people. The southbound tour starts in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town.
Highlights:
Panorama Route
,
Blyde River Canyon
,
Kruger National Park
,
Swaziland
,
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
,
St. Lucia
,
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
,
Transkei
,
Garden Route
,
Storm’s River Mouth
,
Knysna
,
Cango Caves
,
Route 62
,
Cape Winelands
,
Stellenbosch
,
Paarl
,
Cape Town
.
This self-drive tour covers the highlights of South Africa and is ideal for first time visitors to the country. It provides a mix of cities, countryside, historical sites, scenic drives, nature, wildlife, culture and people. The southbound tour starts in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town.
Highlights:
Panorama Route
,
Blyde River Canyon
,
Kruger National Park
,
Swaziland
,
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
,
St. Lucia
,
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
,
Transkei
,
Garden Route
,
Storm’s River Mouth
,
Knysna
,
Cango Caves
,
Route 62
,
Cape Winelands
,
Stellenbosch
,
Paarl
,
Cape Town
.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches along a coastal belt of 220 km and covers an area of 332,000 ha. It includes three major lake systems and five interlinking eco systems. It features a huge diversity of animal, plant and marine life.
St. Lucia is a small town, next to the St. Lucia Estuary within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal. The estuary connects Lake St. Lucia to the Indian Ocean. Boat cruises operated from St Lucia offer sightings of large numbers of hippos and some crocodiles.
The 360 square kilometre Lake St. Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal is the largest inland body of water in South Africa and the jewel in the crown of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The lake has a healthy fish population, supports a huge variety of bird species and is home to ±800 hippos and scores of crocodiles.