Africa’s largest estuarine system sustains an awe-inspiring ecosystem
The heart of the miracle
Lake St Lucia owns a sense of place like no other – one of the most abundant, naturally-endowed and beautiful pieces of real estate on earth. If the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a miracle (which ‘iSimangaliso’ translates to from the Zulu) then the Lake is the heart that sustains that miracle. It is the focal point of the UNESCO World Heritage Listing and has been a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance since 1986. It is 80km long and 23km at its widest point.
Lake St Lucia
Sustaining life, in abundance
Aside from the lake and dune ecosystems, the Park protects a marine zone of warm tropical seas, coral reefs and endless sandy beaches; the papyrus and reed wetland of the uMkhuze swamps, on the north of the lake; and, on the western shore, dry savannah and thornveld. Any one of these would justify conservation, but their confluence around the Lake St Lucia makes this a world-class wilderness.
Bushbuck flourish around the Lake
More than 50% of all water birds in KwaZulu-Natal feed, roost and nest in this Estuary. Of the 155 fish species that have been recorded in the Lake St Lucia estuarine system, 71 species use Lake St Lucia as a nursery area – and at least 24 of these are important in marine line fisheries. More than 2 180 species of flowering plants have been documented here and it is home to many species of antelope such as waterbuck, reedbuck, kudu, nyala, impala and duiker.
Accommodation in the Park
St Lucia Estuary – KZN Wildlife
Established in 1895, the St Lucia Game Reserve is the oldest conservation area situated at iSimangaliso Wetlands.
Website | Email | 033 845 1000
Operators in the Area
Shoreline Boat Safaris & Turtle Tours
South Africa’s first World Heritage site offers one an opportunity to witness hippos wallowing and Nile crocodiles basking in the African sun. Shoreline’s estuary boat cruise – which includes tea and coffee breaks – is a 2 hour photographic opportunity allowing one to get up close to the animals that reside here. Each vessel has a carrying capacity of 14 clients and therefore offers a personal and interactive experience.
Activities OfferedBoat Cruises
Guided Walks
Turtle Tours
Shakabarker Tours
Shakabarker Tours is situated within the village of St Lucia, in the southern section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. A bustling village deriving its income from tourism, St Lucia is surrounded by many natural assets, and the ecosystem is linked to a number of migratory life cycles – from mighty Humpback Whales to Caspian Terns and Leatherback Turtles.
Activities OfferedGame Drives
Boat Cruises
Elephant Lake Hotel
Centrally located within St Lucia, guests at Elephant Lake Hotel have easy access to an array of activities. With the ideal location of the Elephant Lake Hotel, guests have a vast range of activities to choose from, all of which can be booked and arranged by the Hotel. These include game drives, whale watching (seasonal), boat cruises on the St Lucia Estuary and snorkelling at Cape Vidal.
Activities OfferedGame Drives
St Lucia Safaris
One of the most versatile safari companies around – offering land, lake, and ocean experiences by day or night. St Lucia Safaris offer boat trips on the Lake St Lucia Estuary aboard the vessel Fannas carrying a maximum of 30 passengers. Providing the opportunity to see wildlife on the shores of Lake St Lucia, including hippo and crocodile and the vast amount of bird life that frequent this lake. The lake itself is also home to many fish, including Bull Sharks.
Activities OfferedBoat Cruises
Advantage Tours and Charters
Advantage Tours and Charters offers various boating activities. Deep Sea Fishing Charters are offered from St Lucia. Hippo and croc boat cruises in the Lake St Lucia estuary onboard the Advantage Cruiser. Advantage skippers and guides are keen birdwatchers and photographers, so provide an informative trip. Advantage Cruiser is a spacious double-decker passenger ferry, catering for group sizes up to 100 passengers. Whale watching tours are conducted by Advantage Tours from June to November. Wheelchair and baby friendly. Fair Trade in Tourism accredited.
Activities OfferedBoat Cruises
Deep Sea Fishing
Whale Watching
