St Lucia Tourist Attractions
Herewith is a complete list of all St Lucia tourist attractions in St Lucia, KwaZulu Natal South Africa
St Lucia Tourist Attractions
St Lucia has fast become the top destination in KwaZulu Natal and for good reason. In 1999 it was declared as South Africa’s very first world heritage site. The area that surrounds St Lucia is known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and is massive in size.
St Lucia itself is small and quaint with an estimated permanent residence of 500 inhabitants. This might surprise you that the town is in actual fact shared by the local population of 800 hippos that frequent the town regularly both by day and night. That with 1200 Nile crocodiles however or fortunately these critters do not roam the streets of St Lucia.
St Lucia before World heritage status
St Lucia and the surrounding area was initially or formerly known as St Lucia Wetlands Park, the area extended from Mphelane in the south to Kosi Bay in the north. Gravel roads were used to get to most areas and have since been replaced with tar roads. Large areas of forestry have been removed. The landscape throughout the park remains absolutely incredible.
The area of St Lucia was primarily known for its abundance of fish species that could be bagged both from the beach as well as venturing into the Indian Ocean. To say a bird lovers paradise is truly an understatement. Numerous of the roads in the village where gravel and have since also been tarred. Infrastructure has grown at an alarming rate due to the influx of both national and international visitors.
Please note that this does not mean that the town has grown in size no it has not and thankfully so. Primarily this means that more accommodation has been added to the area as well as restaurants and some shops.
So what about the Tourist Attractions then in and around St Lucia. We have compiled a list and hopefully, this will offer you a true understanding of just how amazing the area is.
Top 5 St Lucia Tourist Attractions
5 St Lucia Toursist Attractions for Free
- St Lucia beach is ideal for relaxing and Wildlife
- Igwalagwala Hiking trail is a birders paradise
- Enjoy magnificent Sunsets on the St Lucia bridge with Hippos
- Drive around at dark in search of Hippos
- Cycle around town during the day and be impressed by the wildlife
In all honesty, there are just so many different activities to enjoy while in the village of St Lucia. Fishing is also an enormous attraction one may enjoy both rock and surf as well as Deep Sea Fishing (charters incl). Various fish species may be bagged while deep sea fishing only allows game fishing. Please note that a fishing permit is required and may be obtained from the local Post Office.
Zulu Cultural Tours are also available on a daily basis, these tours include traditional Zulu dancing, beadwork, customs, and cultures explained.
For those wanting to experience St Lucia differently why not enjoy a Cycling Tour with a guide or better yet why not do it by Horse Back.
Then of course one may enjoy a leisurely drive to Cape Vidal, wildlife spotting en route, and some magnificent snorkeling in Cape Vidal Bay. Please take note that should you decide to visit Cape Vidal and snorkel that one should only snorkel at Low tide, please. This is due to the strong currents with the incoming tide. St Lucia remains a truly wild and exciting destination, we are sure that should you visit that you too will enjoy the tranquility and beauty that surrounds this amazing area.
St Lucia Tourist Attractions - Gallery
Other Toursist Attractions (buy area) in & around St Lucia include the following
- Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park (oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa)
- Mkhuze Game Reserve (part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park)
- Sodwana Bay (part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park)
This 96000-hectare reserve is a mere 54km from St Lucia and is by far one of the top tourist destinations while staying in St Lucia, sightings of the Big 5 and many other wildlife species may be enjoyed. Enter the Nyalazi Gate and enjoy the lower Imfolozi on either a full or half-day safari.
This park also forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, recently the park has introduced Lions which makes this truly a spectacular reserve to visit. By the way, it has of the most Bird species in the area and worth a visit.
This is also part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, situated in the North. Should you be an avid scuba diver or Deep sea angler then this is the place to visit. Regarded as the very best area to enjoy scuba diving in South Africa. Be amazed at the number of reefs on offer.
St Lucia remains the ideal area from where to explore access is easy a mere 250 km north of Durban. One may enjoy numerous day and overnight package deals and of course, there is a host of accommodation establishments within St Lucia.
We would recommend a minimum stay of 2 nights to enjoy in the area however to truly explore and discover the area maybe 4 nights would suffice.
Should you be interested in visiting St Lucia and need some additional information please do not hesitate to drop us an email and we will gladly assist you.
Heritage Tours & Safaris was established in 2003 in St Lucia the company offers a host of various day and overnight tours and safari options. Enjoy and Discover St Lucia on one of the numerous Attractions available.
