St Lucia – "The undiscovered eco- jewel of the east coast!"
1) “Big Five” experience plus whales, turtles and pristine beaches.
2) It is malaria free area.
3) Five overlapping, inter-dependant eco-systems.
4) The highest vegitated sand dune in the world.
5) South Africa’s first natural World Heritage Site.
6) More than three hundred sunshine days in the year.
7) Coastal rainfall enables greenery all year round.
8) Warm ocean currant and kilometers of uninhabited beaches.
9) A spotlessly clean village that is safe to walk about anytime.
10) Hippos frequently roam our streets at night.
11) Although remote, it is easy to access on tarred roads.
12) Tourism is the only commercial activity in the village.
We have , argueably, the best eco-destination in Africa – if not the world!!!
Our survival depends solely on hospitality. We are focussed!
Former President Nelson Mandela,
10th August 2001.
BEACH ACTIVITIES
Whale Watching (May - Nov) - St Lucia has the highest recorded boat-based whale sightings in South Africa. A three-hour excursion allows you to get up close and personal with these marine giants in their breeding season.
Turtle Tours (Nov -Feb) - Witness this miracle of nature on Cape Vidal beaches, where Leatherback and Loggerhead Turtles return from across the world to lay their eggs on the very same beach where they were born.
Surf and Deep Sea Fishing – The park is a popular fishing destination, renowned for rock and surf fishing, kite fishing, spear fishing, fly fishing, estuary fishing and deep-sea fishing.
Canoeing and Kayaking – Observe animal and bird life on the estuary at water level with experienced guides or take the kayak outing to Cape Vidal, with some wave surfing, swimming and snorkeling in the warm Indian ocean.
Wind Surfing - Prevailing North Esterly winds and sea temperatures always above 20 c allow ideal kite surfing conditions all year round with kilometers of pristine coast line to play on.
Board Surfing – Our gentle bays, long beaches and warm ocean also makes this an all year round possibility.
Hippo and Crocodile Guided Tours - The big six of the water are all found in the estuary - Hippo, Crocodile, Pelican, Flamingo, Fish Eagle and Goliath Heron.
BUSH ACTIVITIES
Big Five Safaris – A trip to Hluhluwe/Umfalozi Park can be guided or unguided, day or half day. Undulating bush and grassland house all the excitement that a major reserve provides. This reserve is renowned for being instrumental in bringing the White Rhino back from the jaws of extinction.
Guided Night Drives in iSimangaliso Wetland Park reveal nocternal creatures that depend on wetland habitat for their survival. Sitings could include Hippo, Buffalo, Reedbuck, Waterbuck, Leopard, Owl and a host of other noisy night creatures.
Birding - More than two thirds of South Africa's bird species are found in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Guided/unguided walks in early morning or late afternoon often reveal birds which are rarely sighted in other parts of South Africa.
The Croc Centre - Is well worth a visit and will reveal what the conservation authorities are doing to preserve the natural heritage for the region.
Eastern Shore Tours (Guided/Unguided) – Cape Vidal with its unspoiled beaches lies 32 kilometres from St Lucia village, with easy access on a tarred road. En-route, you can miander through the many loop roads on the shores of Lake St Lucia
Horse Riding -. For the horse-lovers amongst you, exploring the wetland park or the beach on a guided horseback trail will be just what the doctor ordered. Beach or bush rides can be arranged from the village.
World Heritage Tour – This is a complete ecological tour of the Eastern Shores of Lake st Lucia, The various eco-systems and how they interact are fully explained. Snorkelling, swimming and gameviewing are all thrown in as a bonus.
Zulu Cultural Village - Khula Village adjoins St Lucia and offers an insight into modern day Zulu living and cultural practices. Alternatively, en-route to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, the Dumazulu Cultural Experience has the distinction of being the only Zulu village that has the Zulu King Goodwill Zwelitini`s stamp of approval.
Hiking - The sun-kissed beaches are amongst the most spectacular in the world and offer kilometers of pristine pleasure. There are also a number of guided/unguided bush trails offering good game and bird watching opportunities.
Sporting Facilities Bowls, Squash, Golf and Tennis facilities are available and can be arranged at reasonable rates.
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International recognition of St Lucia's unique bio-diversity and scenic natural beauty resulted in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park becoming South Africa’s first natural World Heritage Site.
Its extent is second only to the Kruger National Park and it has the advantage of being situated on the sub-tropical East African coastline, washed by the warm Indian Ocean. With over three hundred days of sunshine a year the climate is mild in winter and hot and humid in summer.
Its five main eco systems are very closely intertwined and house more plant and animal species than either the Kruger Park or the Okavango delta.
Little wonder that it was recently proclaimed as one of three destinations in the world with the best sustainable tourism policies.
The quaint little village of St Lucia has more crocodile and hippo permanent inhabitants than humans. It's home to less than a thousand residents and measures only ten kilometers in circumference. Taxis and busses in the village are just not heard of. ”Shank’s Pony” rules. It’s unique in its own right, being the only privately owned properties in the world that are completely surrounded by a RAMSAR-protected, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Situated at the mouth of one of the largest estuaries in Africa, the village is nestled into the dunes and completely wrapped in a mixture coastal bush and climax forest. It offers a comfotable retreat and is strategically positioned to act as a hub for access to the many eco- attractions on offer in the region.
The village borders are naturally protected by lake St Lucia’s estuary, pristine beaches and,if this was not enough, it is complely enveloped by the southern regions of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
The Zulu word “ iSimangaliso” means “ place of wonders”. It may be difficult to pronounce but it very susinctly captures the vibe and natural beauty that sets this eco- destination apart. Fortunately, such unique bio-diversity and beauty was recognised internationally and, after a bitter fight over dune mining proposals, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority was established to protect the natural treasures and create a sustainable eco-tourism industry for local entreupeneurs. Ten years on, the site has been proclaimed one of the top three eco- destinations in the world with the best sustainable tourism policies.
In summary, St Lucia can be likened to a natural “chocolate box”, used for the preservation of the many exquisite natural “treats” that abound in the area. They are all individually wrapped and protected by a combination of mother nature and man, working in harmony to preserve our heritage – while at the same time, showcasing them to all who care to venture into our world. We recommend that you buy the whole “box” to experience the full “wonder” and learn to share our very special sense of “place”. The empty box can then be used to wrap your memories to keep them fresh for when you share them with friends and family back home.
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User reviews
Average user rating from: 1 user(s)
Reviewed by rileyc August 29, 2011
The most underrated area in South Africe
The whole area of St Lucia has to be scene to be believed. For the nature lover there is no better place. The article is well written and does justice to St Lucia
