St Lucia South Africa: Best Time to Visit and What to Do on a 3-Day Safari Adventure
This could just be the right time for you to Visit St Lucia, explore and discover Wildlife, splendid Scenery and much more.
Tucked between the shimmering Indian Ocean and the Hippo-Filled waters of the St Lucia Estuary, this small coastal town will charm you from the moment you arrive. Once a small fishing village, St Lucia KwaZulu Natal is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Bush meets the Beach and Wildlife roams freely.
If you’re wondering about St Lucia South Africa and the best time to visit and what to do, this 3-day itinerary based on our most popular 2-Night Safari Package could offer you the perfect blend of Big 5 Safaris, Hippo Estuary Boat Cruise, Beach Safari Tour, and Accommodation. Did you know that St Lucia has the largest free-roaming Hippo Population in South Africa.
Best Time to Visit St Lucia South Africa
St Lucia is a year-round destination with it's subtropical weather
Summer (October–February): Hot and Humid. Best for Turtle Nesting Tours, Snorkeling at Cape Vidal, Early morning Big 5 Safaris, Hippo Boat Trips, Night Drive Safari or why not a Sunset Safari after a full days activities
Winter (May–September): Dry, Mild, and near perfect for Big 5 Safaris, Hippo Boat Cruises, and Whale Watching.
Ideal Months (March & October): Warm Weather, Fewer Tourists, and excellent game viewing in all of the neighbouring parks, eg Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park.
St Lucia South Africa: Best Time to Visit and What to Do on a 3-Day Safari Adventure
3-Day St Lucia Safari Adventure (Based on the 2-Night Safari Package)
This is one of our top favorites, so even if you are not joining us on an organised package why not not merely copy the list of outings and enjoy it as a Family Safari.
Day 1: Sunset Estuary Cruise & Night Drive
Begin with a hippo and crocodile boat cruise on one of Africa’s largest estuaries, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and African Fish Eagles. After dinner, head out on a night drive safari into iSimangaliso Wetland Park to see Leopards, Buffalo, and other nocturnal wildlife.
Day 2: Big 5 Safari in Hluhluwe–Imfolozi
Wake early for a full-day guided Big 5 safari into the Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park. Your open 4×4 vehicle takes you deep into Big 5 territory, with a bush breakfast and traditional braai lunch along the way. Possible sightings include Elephant herds, Rhino sightings, and perhaps a glimpse of a Lion in the morning mist.
Day 3: Cape Vidal Snorkeling & Beach Picnic
On your final morning, head off to Cape Vidal for snorkeling in the protected bay (Low Tide Only), where colorful fish and coral thrive. Enjoy a beach picnic before you return. Visit one of the numerous lookouts, hides, loop roads and maybe even visit Mission Rocks.
St Lucia South Africa: Best Time to Visit and What to Do on a 3-Day Safari Adventure
With so many options why not venture into some other Parks while you are in the area of St Lucia South Africa.
Neighbouring Parks & Extra Adventures
- Western Shores of iSimangaliso: Giraffes, Zebra, Elephants, Buffalo, Leopards, Rhinos and bird hides.
- Mkuze Game Reserve: Exceptional birdwatching, Wild Dogs, Lions, Rhino
- Sodwana Bay: One of South Africa’s premier dive spots, look up Coral Divers.
- Lake Sibhayi: Freshwater lake with over 279 bird species.
St Lucia South Africa: Best Time to Visit and What to Do on a 3-Day Safari Adventure
Travel Tips for St Lucia
Book tours early in peak holiday seasons.
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for wildlife photography if possible.
Bring a Jacket along for the cooler mornings.
Please Be Cautious at Night hippos do roam freely in town.
Swim only in designated safe areas due to currents, especially in Cape Vidal due to strong currents.
Guest Reviews for Heritage Tours & Safaris
“Fabulous 3-Day safari! Our family had a wonderful 3-day package from Heritage! The day at Hluhluwe was amazing with David as our guide.”
“We had a great time with Arno, our guide for the day. This was our first safari and by far the best of our trip.”
“Booked a full day game drive called ‘Big 5 tour’. Saw 4/5, without the leopard. But our guide David made the day amazing."
“My friend and I went on a 3 days/2 night safari tour. This included a hippo croc cruise, bush safari, night safari, and a beach/bush tour. I saw SO many animals… I was sad to leave on the last day, wanting to stay longer.”
St Lucia South Africa Best Time to Visit and What to Do?
Summer (Oct–Apr): Turtle nesting, lush scenery, warm water.
Winter (May–Sep): Best for game drives, boat cruises, and whale watching.
Shoulder months: Warm days, quiet evenings, great game viewing.
Day 1: Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise + Night Drive.
Day 2: Full-day Big 5 Safari in Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park.
Day 3: Cape Vidal Snorkeling & Picnic.
Yes, St Lucia is one of the few destinations where you can enjoy Big 5 safaris and tropical beaches on the same trip.
Big 5 animals, hippos, crocodiles, humpback whales (seasonal), turtles, and over 500 bird species, to mention but just a few of the possible wildlife species within the area.
Yes: Western Shores, Mkuze Game Reserve, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park.
St Lucia South Africa: Best Time to Visit and What to Do on a 3-Day Safari Adventure
