Herewith is a comprehensive list of What To Do while in St Lucia South Africa, hope to see you soon. It's a magical and magnificent place to visit let's make 2026-27 a super one.
Quaint and small this unique little town has so much to offer, miles of pristine beaches, and an abundance of wildlife. The following list indicates all the various outings that one may do while in the area of St Lucia, South Africa.
Before you Arrive
St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park was officially awarded Word Heritage status in 1999 by Unesco. The area has since grown into one of the most iconic areas to visit both for local and international travelers. Travelers from around the globe visit in mere admiration being in awe being able to witness the bounty of Hippos that roam freely in and around St Lucia.
With an estimated 800 Hippos 1200 Nile Crocodiles, pristine beaches, birdlife, and wildlife you too may be in for an astonishing treat. Being surrounded by water on the eastern and western sides St Lucia has an almost island-like feel. With its tropical weather year-round lapping palms and magnificent African sunsets.
St Lucia is situated in the North-Western side of KwaZulu Natal a mere 2.5 hrs North of Durban. Access by the national N2 toll road makes for easy access.
Closest airports include
Richards Bay airport +/- 45-minute drive
King Shaka Airport Durban +/- 2,5 hr drive
St Lucia has an estimated permanent population of approximately 1000 residents. The entire residential area is within walking distance to town. Driving down any one of the streets one may be surprised to see the amount of bed and breakfasts, lodges, and other styles of accommodation on offer.
The town has all of the needed amenities shops and restaurants it is definitely worth your while to take a stroll to the local fruit market and enjoy some local treats.
St Lucia South Africa What to Do 2025-26
Arriving in St Lucia
Before crossing the St Lucia Estuary bridge take the time to park in the allocated parking lot and head on over to the bridge and be welcomed by the Hippos as they play or grunt below. This is one of the numerous areas where you will be afforded the amazing opportunity of witnessing these incredible animals.
Welcome to St Lucia.
St Lucia South Africa What to Do 2025
Getting around St Lucia
St Lucia is easily navigated with only one main street (Mckenzie Street) don't be too surprised to see Hippos on the main road. From town, it's a plus-minus 2km to the beach.
One may also enjoy a hike to the beach from town and then enjoy the boardwalk back into town from the beachside.
Walking along the boardwalk offers one some interesting sights and sounds as it hugs the Estuary from where Hippos and Crocs may be seen. Please Do Remain on the Boardwalk, please.
Prior to the Boardwalk one may enjoy a meal at the St Lucia Ski Boat Club which is open to the public. The club offers an array of scrumptious meals including some authentic curries.
Opposite the ski boat club is the Sugar Loaf Campsite which has to be one of the very best campsites in KwaZulu Natal. Continuing on from the club towards the Boardwalk is the Sugarloaf Market with some pretty cool wares and crafts.
The Boardwalk is a short hike and well worth it. Hear the Hippos grunting and the rolling waves hit the beach.
St Lucia South Africa What to Do
Top St Lucia Attractions
It should be no surprise that it's all about the wildlife and unparalleled scenery, be it hikes along the beach or one of the numerous walking trails, enjoying an estuary hippo tour, or traveling through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Without a doubt, the number 1 top attraction has to be the Hippo & Croc Boat Tours, these two hour-long trips take you along the Estuary where you will have the opportunity to witness the local residents.
Pre-bookings are essential we have left a link further done in this article for you. Alternatively enjoy a day trip into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park with its abundance of wildlife, hides, look-outs, and pans. Enjoy Cape Vidal where you may snorkel in a protected bay. (Please only do so when it is low tide please)
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is a mere 45 minutes from St Lucia and offers the African Big 5. This 96000-hectare park is the oldest proclaimed park in Africa and absolutely worth the visit.
2 Hour Boat Trips depart daily, these trips take place on the St Lucia Estuary one of the largest in Africa. Hippo sightings are Guaranteed.
Without a doubt the Hippo Boat Trips are the most popular activities to enjoy while in the area. With an estimated population of 800 Hippos and 1200 Nile Crocodiles you are in for a super treat. It is advisable to take a light jacket along, camera and binoculars if possible. Due to popularity one should pre book your outing. Their are two jetties from which the boat cruises depart from and are namely the Siyabonga and Sunset Jetty.
Have you Booked you're Hippo Boat Cruise Yet? R400 p/p for 2 hrs
Two trails are available in and around St Lucia, namely the Igwalagwala Birding trail and Iphiva Hiking Trail.
Please note that both hiking trails are open to the public. One may enjoy them at anytime and at ones own pace. Organized tour may be arranged. A shorter hike namely the St Lucia Boardwalk may also be enjoyed and is situated just after the St Lucia Ski Boat Club. The boardwalk meanders along the Estuary and is a easy hike which ends at the beach.
What a better way to experience a superb day out in the bush and on the estuary.
This is an organized tour (Heritage Tours & Safaris), and includes a Half-Day Big 5 Safari into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and a late afternoon Hippo Boat Cruise. A unique and exciting outing to say the least.
Numerous deep-sea charters are available in St Lucia, game fishing only.
Deep Sea Fishing from St Lucia offers one the chance to bag some game fish, numerous concessioners operate from the area. Please note that this is a surf launch and that a fishing permit is required.