The quiet town of St Lucia on the Elephant Coast in KwaZulu Natal forms part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. Situated just under 3 hours’ drive time from Durban, and surrounded by unspoiled nature and a wide variety of outdoorsy adventures, it’s no surprise that St Lucia resorts become a hive of activity over weekends and holidays.

There really is no limit to what you can enjoy in the area: scuba diving, snorkelling, game viewing, hiking, kayaking and whale watching are all available to tempt adventure-seekers. Keen anglers will know that St Lucia fishing is reason enough to visit the golden beaches and tropical estuaries of this very special region. Here, crocodiles, hippos and elephants reign supreme. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and another top St Lucia attraction is watching leatherback turtles lay their eggs.

St Lucia activities and things to do

Go on safari in the nearby Hluhluwe Game Reserve, the oldest Big 5 game park in South Africa.
Visit Cape Vidal for its wonderful beaches, deep-sea fishing and whale watching.
Explore the lakes around Kosi Bay, a largely untouched and totally unspoilt region featuring numerous lakes.
Visit Sodwana Bay Nature Reserve for outstanding scuba diving with the possibility of seeing whales sharks.
Go dining along McKenzie St (a former hippo pathway), which is packed with eateries and pubs.

Do you hear the call of the wild? St Lucia’s 21 eco-systems, made up of coastal forests with ferns, fig trees and giant orchards, mangrove swamps, sand dunes, coral reefs, woodlands, grasslands and wetlands, are where you want to be. Get in touch with us now about booking your St Lucia holiday.

Know before you go...

When is the best time to visit?

St Lucia is a great year round destination with excellent weather, although if you don’t enjoy sticky heat avoid the mid-summer months.
St Lucia receives high summer rainfall and has a humid, tropical climate.

Getting there

St Lucia is just under 3 hours’ drive time from Durban on the N2.
If you’re road tripping from Johannesburg, the journey will take you approximately 9 hours – but be sure to take rest stops along the way.

What must I pack?

The Indian Ocean is warm year round so pack your swimsuit, no matter when you visit!
St Lucia is in a malaria area, so be sure to take the necessary precautions under the guidance of your GP or travel clinic.
Don’t forget sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses for summer holidays.
Always travel with a mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
Your camera (or just use your phone).

What can I do to become a responsible traveler?

You may see the odd hippo strolling down a street in town – do not approach it! Hippos are wild animals.
Support the local economy. Buy local food, souvenirs and support local artisans where possible at markets and pop-up stalls.

Safety tips

Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for valuables.

What do I do in an emergency?