Diane, from our Johannesburg office, recently popped into St Lucia and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve to explore this wilderness region!
St Lucia, a coastal town situated in northern KwaZulu Natal, offers a smorgasbord of activities, including South Africa’s very first world heritage site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. With its tropical summers and mild winters, St Lucia is the perfect destination for couples, families, or groups of friends.
Do you know that hippos still roam the streets of St Lucia at night? You may be lucky, or unlucky enough to encounter one, but do keep your distance!
Highline Tours and Travel love the Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise on the St Lucia Estuary, aboard Advantage Cruiser. This 2-hour cruise departs from the edge of Lake St Lucia and meanders its way up the lake for around 7 kilometres, while the knowledgeable captain shares stories of the lake, surrounding area, wildlife, and birds. The highlight of the cruise is definitely the hippos, watch them wallow, interact with family members or make a mad dash along the lake bed! Hippo pods crowding together offer beautiful photographic opportunities. A lazy crocodile swims past the boat whilst Fish Eagles, soaring above, cry out over the water. Soak in the beautiful African sunset with a sundowner, as the day draws to a close.
St Lucia offers a variety of places to stay, a great option being Forest Lodge with its luxury self-catering apartments, each with its own private patio overlooking the tropical forest. For a serious spoil, head to Makakatana Bay Lodge, located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, an eco-wilderness gem!
A morning visit to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve with its Big 5 is a must. Being the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, you may even be lucky to spot a Black Rhino, a very rare occurrence! The two sides (previously split into Hluhluwe in the north and Umfolozi in the south – but now one park) do differ with the north being a bit more hilly, while the south offers dense bush and grasslands, with exciting game viewing at both. Definitely do not miss a trip here!
Contact Highline Tours and Travel for more information or to assist with a tailored itinerary, suited to your needs and budget.
