Which Town in South Africa has the most Wildlife
St Lucia, KwaZulu Natal South Africa definitively holds the title for the most wildlife within South Africa
St Lucia has to be recognised as the Safari Capital of South Africa, not only is it the gateway to South Africa's very first World Heritage site (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) but also within close proximity to numerous other Big 5 Safari Parks, both National Parks (Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park) and Private Parks.
The area offers extensive wildlife opportunities including a vibrant marine life unlike any other area within South Africa. It is it's unique proximity to such diverse natural environments that conclusively makes St Lucia KwaZulu Natal the epicentre for an unparalleled concentration of terrestrial and marine biodiversity within South Africa.
Which Town in South Africa has the most Wildlife - Wildlife Rich Areas
1. St Lucia, KwaZulu Natal
Located in the Northern part of KwaZulu Natal, 2.5 hrs north of Durban lies St Lucia. This unique small and quaint village is home to less than 1000 residents.
It is also the southernmost entry point for the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Primarily the gateway into either the Eastern and Western Shores of the park. St Lucia is almost an island with the St Lucia Estuary on its Western side and the Indian Ocean on the Eastern side.
St Lucia (Land & River Wildlife Species) is home to the iconic 800 or so Hippos that roam freely, often witnessed within town grazzing on grass, or merely strolling down one of the roads.1200 Nile Crocodiles have also made this area there home. In and amongst these larger wildlife species other wildlife species that are common as well include the likes of Bush Babies, Antelope, Vervet Monkeys and a large array of BirdSpecies, plus minus 500 during the course of the year.
Taking to one of the numerous walking trails in and around St Lucia one may encounter additional wildlife species including the likes of Water Buck, Buffalo, Zebra and Impala. Other wildlife species that may also be witnessed within St Lucia includes Leopards, this is however quite rare due to the new Fences that where erected between the park and town.
St Lucia Marine Species includes the likes of Humpback Whales that frequent the shores from June to the end of November each year. No sooner have the whales continued there migration south when the Loggerhead and LeatherBack Turtles return to these shores for there annual egg nesting.
Which Town in South Africa has the most Wildlife - Distances to Parks surrounding St Lucia
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park Eastern Shores 7km
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park Western Shores 6.2km
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park Mkuze Game Reserve +/- 120km
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park Sodwana Bay 165km
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park Kosibay 250km
- Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park (Nylazi Gate/Imfolozi Park Gate) 55km
- Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park (Memorial Gate/Hluhluwe Park Gate) 59 km
Which Town in South Africa has the most Wildlife - Wildlife Rich Areas
2. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu Natal South Africa
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park covers an area of 3280 square Kilometers this is the second largest National Park within South Africa, the Kruger National Park being the largest, 19485 square kilometers.
Situated in Northern KwaZulu Natal, approximately 2,5 Hours north of Durban. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park also covers an area of 280 km of coastline. Physical area starts in the south just North of Mphelane Lighthouse to the border of Mozambique in the North.
This diverse park with its 8 interlinking ecosystems, Big 5 (Mkuze Game Reserve), signifcant Hippo and Nile Crocodile population, abundance of 450 or so BirdSpecies, LoggerHead and LeatherBack Turtles and ofcourse the migratory Humpback Whales makes this park truly impressive.
Highlights:
- 8 Interlinking and interconnected ecosystems including inland forests and wetlands
- Fascinating Lake & Estuarine systems
- Second Highest vegetated dunes in the world
- Coastal forests and pristine beaches
- The St Lucia's Estuary is also one Africa's largest
Wildlife:
Numerous wildlife species may be encountered within this park both land and marine species.
The town of St Lucia is the gateway to this impressive Safari destination and offers 2 Park accesses on its doorstep, one being the most popular Eastern Shores and the Western Shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Distance from St Lucia to the Eastern Shores entrance gate is a mere 7 km. This side of the park includes the opportunity of enjoying both the Bush as well as the Indian Ocean. One of the only parks within Africa to offer you both options.
This side of the park is home to the African Big 5 (No Lions) Elephants, Leopard, Buffalo and both species of Rhino, Hippos, Kudu, WaterBuck, Hyena, antelope and numerous others.
The park is littered with loop roads, Hides and look out points making any day within the park truly incredible.
Making your way towards Cape Vidal one may also enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling and fishing.
Distance from St Lucia to the Western Shores entrance gate is 6 km. This side of the park has a completetly different feel to it, denser bush, open grasslands, vantage points, loop roads and hides. This side of the park is also home to the African Big 5 (no Lions) Buffalo, Leopards, Elephants and Rhino. Some other interesting wildlife species that may be encountered out in this park include Girrafes.
For some amazing St Lucia Tours & Safaris.
Which Town in South Africa has the most Wildlife - Wildlife Rich Areas
5. Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park lies inland from St Lucia, 55 Km to the Imfolozi Park (southern side of the Park). The entrance gate's name is the Nylazi Gate.
The southern side of the park is also larger in size to it's northern side. Thus, the Imfolozi Park is 72000 hectares and the Hluhluwe Park is 24000 hectares in size.
Predominantly visitors visiting the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park from St Lucia would utilise this side of the park. Not only is it larger, and closer but this side of the park is also alot quieter especially the busier times.
This Park is a True Big 5 Game Reserve, meaning both species of Rhino (Black & White) may be spotted including the other Big 5 Species (Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Lion). This park is world reknown for its save the Rhino campaighn in the early 60's when less than 200 Rhinos roamed the planet. Other wildlife species that may also be witnessed within this park includes the likes of Cheetah and Wild Dogs.
The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park truly packs a punch when it comes to magnificent wildlife sightings. The park is also perfect for self-drive safaris or why not join an Organised Big 5 Safari departing directly from St Lucia on a Daily basis.
Which Town in South Africa has the most Wildlife, well we know it is St Lucia, KwaZulu Natal South Africa. We would love to have you see it for yourself so why not visit?