Overview
#St. Lucia Estuary 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, is home to ±800 hippos and scores of crocodiles.
On the Indian Ocean side (east) of the lake are huge overgrown dunes, up to 200m in height, forming a barrier to the sea. This "barrier" includes some open grassland, wetlands and (exotic) pine plantations. Cape Vidal is a great getaway spot located on the beach a short way from the lake. It features endless golden sandy beaches. It is a perfect spot for whale watching (humpback whales around October), swimming and snorkeling.
To the south the lake is connected to the sea via the St. Lucia Estuary, which runs past the town of St. Lucia to meet up with the ocean a short way further. The western shore of the lake is a birder's paradise with a large array of bird species including the African Fish Eagle. A number of antelope occur here including suni, nyala, red duiker and reedbuck. Very popular boat cruises on the estuary are available to visitors.
Tours that visit St. Lucia Estuary & Lake
popular
Scheduled tours
16 Day HIghlights of South Africa Northbound
On this tour you journey through the most popular areas of South Africa, following the most-travelled, tried and tested route for first time visitors to the country. The tour provides a mix of cities, countryside, historical sites, scenic drives, nature, wildlife, culture and people.
from R20,910
popular
Scheduled tours
16Day Highlights of South Africa Southbound
On this tour you journey through the most popular areas of South Africa, following the most-travelled, tried and tested route for first time visitors to the country. The tour provides a mix of cities, countryside, historical sites, scenic drives, nature, wildlife, culture and people.
from R20,910
popular
Scheduled tours
Wildlife Experience Tour
This tour will give you the opportunity to experience African wildlife in its natural surroundings. Apart from the four star hotels, you will also stay at two private game lodges and discover excellent South African cuisine. The tour will take you from Johannesburg into the scenic Mpumalanga province with its abundance of game reserves. Next you travel through the kingdom of Swaziland to KwaZulu Natal with different eco systems and game viewing. The tour ends at Durban, the holiday capital of South Africa.
from R12,315
Things to see
Game or nature reserve
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
##iSimangaliso Wetland Park 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 to be explored by visitors.
2 tours visit here
Town
St. Lucia
##St. Lucia 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 entails sightings of large numbers of hippo’s and some crocodiles.
2 tours visit here
Attraction
St. Lucia boat cruises
##St. Lucia boat cruises 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 birders paradise. A number of companies operate boat trips on the estuary that last 2 hours on average.
2 tours visit here
Gallery
