Greater
St Lucia Wetland Park (iSimangaliso Wetland Park), KwaZulu-Natal, South
Africa
Covering
about 240,000ha, with a further 84,000ha in, on or under the sea, this
is a large chunk of sub-tropical paradise stretching 220km along the East
Coast from St Lucia to the Mozambique border.
As well as a mind-blowing
range of natural systems, ranging from dune, swamp and coastal forests
to rocky and sandy shores, coral reefs and submarine canyons, mangroves,
savanna grassland, thickets, woodlands, and the largest protected wetland
in southern Africa, it is a culturally fascinating area and - more importantly
- has immense fun potential. Game viewing opportunities range from self-drive
to luxury lodges, and the birding is awesome. You can paddle on the various
lakes, checking out hippos, birds and game on the shore.
The
snorkelling at Cape Vidal, Black Rock and Kosi Bay is great and, if you're
a more serious diver, Sodwana Bay is still the most popular diving destination
in the country. For a more exclusive dive experience you can head up to
Rocktail Bay or Mbibi.
The hiking trail at Kosi
Bay offers terrain ranging from grassland, beach and mangrove forests to
mysterious waterways. You can do a short or multi-day horse trail, watch
mama turtles laying eggs or baby turtles hatching on the beach, or go out
in a boat to see dolphins and humpback whales.
Community run trails offer
the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area, as well as
get a handle on the history and culture of this fascinating corner of our
country.
You shouldn't miss out on
seeing the traditional fish traps, which have been handed down from father
to son for hundreds of years. There are also a couple of traditional villages
and loads of craft outlets.
Note: If you are planning
to travel to the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Kosi Bay please be aware
that this region is malarial. Consult your doctor or travel clinic for
advice and refer to our article on malaria.
Makakatana
Bay Lodge, MTUBATUBA Exclusively situated in
the Proclaimed 'Greater St Lucia Wetland Park' reserve, the largest marine
lake in Africa, Makakatana Bay Lodge remains the ONLY privately owned and
run luxury Lodge within this pristine WORLD HERITAGE SITE. There
is a private pool set on the lakes edge. Restaurant dining room &
outdoor boma available. Adventures include : Hippo Crocodile
Safaris, Boat safaris on the lake, Safaris to Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve
and Boat beach safaris to the pristine beaches of Cape Vidal where one
can enjoy snorkelling and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean.
Marula
Place, Bed & Breakfast, Self-catering, MTUBATUBA 3-star graded, semi-finalist
in the 2004 AA Awards Programme, Marula Place is set in a 2 acre tropical
garden. The major Zululand Game Reserves and the beach are only 20 minutes’
drive from Marula Place. Other site seeing trips include tours to Traditional
Healers, Medicine Makers, Herbalists, our lovely beaches where you can
fish, scuba dive, snorkel or just enjoy our World Heritage Site. The Umfolozi
Country Club is just up the road – it has an excellent restaurant, facilities
for golf, tennis, squash, swimming, horse riding, bowls and a gym.
Wendy's
Country Lodge, Bed and Breakfast, MTUBATUBA Wendy's Country Lodge is
a 4 Star Colonial style home, furnished with South African antiques. Set
in an acre of magnificent tropical gardens with heated swimming pool, rich
in bird life, diversity of plants, including Orchids. Accommodation
consists of five en-suite bedrooms and one bedroom with private bathroom,
fully airconditioned with ceiling fans. A hearty English breakfast
with tropical fruit is served. The gateway to many famous game parks and
St Lucia Wetlands. Restaurants close by. Credit Cards accepted.
African
Ambience Guesthouse, ST LUCIA Our newly built guesthouse
is designed to provideyou with comfort, space and privacy you woudl expect
from a 4 star extablishment and is set in a lush, tropical garden bordering
the nature reserve. African Ambience is surrounded by tranquil koi ponds
and waterfeatures, creating the ideal ambience to totally relax in. The
thatched, home away from home, has very spacitous comfy rooms all en suite,
with private entrance and patio, providing air conditioning, safes and
tea trays. The honeymoon room has spa bath, TV and fridge. Breakfast
at leisure in the dining room or on the patio overloooking th rock pool.
Delight in spotting antelope, squirrels, monkeys and birds.
Bhangazi
Lodge, Bed and Breakfast, ST LUCIA We offer four comfortable
double guest bedrooms, each with en suite bathroom and private terrace
and entrance. A full breakfast buffet is provided including fresh
fruits and cereals. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning,
remote controlled colour television, radio/alarm clock, mosquito net and
safety deposit box. Graded 4-Star (TOURISM GRADING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA,
TGCSA). In our tropical garden under beautiful trees there is a lovely
private swimming pool. You are within walking distance of excellent
restaurants, shops and unspoilt beaches.
Cane
Cutters Estate, Accommodation, ST LUCIA The Cane Cutter Estate is
situated in Monzi, which in turn is only a few kilometers from St Lucia.
Surrounded by the classic surroundings that one would expect in old Natal's
warm sub-tropical climate. The Estate offers two accommodation types
namely: self-catering chalets and fully air conditioned luxury accommodation
at the estate's guest house. The Estate features a very popular restaurant
called 'Canecutters'. Accessible for the general public as well as guests.
Be sure to try the excellent cuisine.
Kingfisher
Lodge, ST LUCIA This grand old colonial
homestead, privately owned by the present generation of the Pugniet family
(Philippe and Michelle) of France, proudly boats 110 years of existence
on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary in the Heart of the Greater St Lucia
Wetland Park – a proclaimed World Heritage Site. Surrounded by indigenous
forests and the untamed, majestic Indian Ocean, a sense of place awaits
to engulf you in its entire magical ambience. The Lodge has seven
air-conditioned suites, each with private patios which lead onto the tropical
estate, en-suite bathrooms, tea / coffee making facilities, a fully stocked
(licensed) bar in each suite and elegant, luxurious décor. A gorgeous
swimming pool, bathed in pure African sunlight overlooks the Estuary and
our private jetty gains easy access.
Lalapanzi
Guest House, Bed and Breakfast, ST LUCIA Welcome to St. Lucia’s little
paradise. Guests are warmly greeted and helped to make the most of their
visit in the World Heritage Site. This old Victorian house has six
comfortable rooms with air-con, tea/coffee trays, ceiling fans, fudges
& hairdryers. All rooms are en-suite with bath/shower or both. The
house has DSTV in the lounge, a reading area, laundry services and save
parking. Restaurant is in walking distance & there is a public save
in the house. A generous breakfast is served on a wooden deck with
a view over the salt rock swimming pooi and beautiful big forest garden.
There is an abundance of birds and small animals.
Lidiko
Lodge, Country Lodge, ST LUCIA Lidiko Lodge is a newly
developed luxury country lodge, in St Lucia surrounded by the Greater St
Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. Lidiko Lodge offers accommodation
on a bed & breakfast basis or a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.
Lidiko is centrally situated and within 5 minutes walking distance of all
the restaurants, shops and main attractions. All 15 garden rooms
have private patios and entrances. The rooms are spacious and en-suite
(with a separate bath and shower) and fully air-conditioned. Each room
offers a color TV; bar fridge, wall safe; hairdryer; toiletries; crisp
white linen; fluffy towels; coffee & tea making facilities.
Namib
Safari Lodge, Guest Lodge/Self-Catering, ST LUCIA Namib Safari Lodge has the
best of both worlds. It is on the main road of the town of St Lucia, close
to amenities, restaurants and shops, but a few minutes drive from the wonders
of the wetlands. Namib Safari Lodge is the ideal spot to base your holiday
travels from or just come and stay with us for a few days to unwind and
enjoy life at a slower pace. Get away from the hustle and bustle
of the rat-race and savour the sunny, relaxed lifestyle in an exotic setting
with a hundred and one indigenous experiences to enjoy, whether it's exploring
neighboring game reserves and viewing the Big Five or a low-key day at
the beach fishing and soaking up the rays.
St
Lucia Leisure, Bed and Breakfast, Self-catering, ST LUCIA Turtle Trips- Loggerhead/Leatherback
turtles return to their nesting sites, a once in a lifetime experience.
Eastern Shore Experience- transverses forests, pans & lush grasslands.
411 birds, leopards, rhinos etc.. Cape Vidal Adventure-day trip includes
foot safari to view birds, trees & plants. Hluhluwe/ Umfolozi Game
Drives-Full day. Highly qualified Satour Reg. guides. Bed and Breakfast
accommodation available for guest participating in these tours. We
offer 3 well appointed, comfortable and fully serviced en-suite rooms.
The rooms have TV, ceiling fan and a private balcony overlooking the garden.
There is also a swimming pool and sundeck area to be enjoyed.
St
Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse, ST LUCIA Nestled between Lake St.
Lucia and the Indian Ocean in the heart of this exquisite World Heritage
Site lies St. Lucia Wetlands Guest House. The spacious house offers seven
luxury guest rooms while the hosts, Derick and Hettie, reside on the premises
in a separate apartment. Scrumptious breakfasts are served in the diningroom
or on the smoker's patio overlooking the split-level swimming pool and
the surrounding tropical forest. Guest facilities includes a spacious lounge
with DS television, and a well stocked licensed bar. Leisure options within
easy reach includes swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, authentic Zulu village
tours, bird watchers paradise, hiking, kayaking, horse riding, seasonal
whale- and turtle watching, and tranquil cruises to spot hippopotamus and
crocodile....
Santa
Lucia Bed & Breakfast, ST LUCIA Mediterranean-style home
set in a tranquil tropical garden with swimming pool. Comfortable spacious
bedrooms, some with doors leading to garden and pool. Superb breakfasts
include fresh tropical fruit. This unique heritage site is close
to Hluhluwe/Umfolozi National Park. Enjoy secluded beaches with high
coastal dunes, boat cruises on Lake St. Lucia to view hippos and crocodiles.
Whale and turtle watching in season. German spoken. Credit
card facilities. Off-street parking available. Finalist in
AA accommodation award program.
Zulani
Guest House, Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouse, ST LUCIA Zulani Guest House, for
exclusive Home Hospitality and quality 4 Star BnB accommodation at exceedingly
good value. The perfect spot for a magical escape, a retreat for the active,
or for just simple feet-up relaxation. The owners, Gary & June, reside
in an adjoining cottage, and are on hand to provide the "personal hospitality"
which sets Zulani apart from a larger establishment. With just four guest
rooms, we are afforded the privilege of knowing all our guests well. We
have the time to pay attention to your individual needs and the space to
make you feel at home. The intention has been to create a home-like, atmosphere
that is relaxing and stylish, with a very personal feel.
Protea
Hotel St Lucia (Elephant Lake Hotel), ST LUCIA Protea Hotel St Lucia (Elephant
Lake Hotel) is situated on the Elephant Coast in the heart of the exquisite
St Lucia World Heritage Site between Lake St Lucia and the Indian Ocean
in South Africa. The hotel sits on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary and
overlooks the lake. With its lakes, lagoons, freshwater swamps and
grasslands, St. Lucia supports more species of animal than the better known
Kruger National Park and Okavango Delta – although these areas are much
larger. The Hotel has a three star grading and boast with 28 luxury,
en-suite, air-conditioned rooms, all sharing a westerly view across the
St Lucia Estuary. All rooms are equipped with DSTV, tea/coffee making facilities,
hair dryer and full range of bathroom amenities.
Elephant
Coast Holiday, Self Catering, ST LUCIA Situated on the banks of
Lake St Lucia. One of the worlds most ecologically delicate wetlands. Nestling
in subtropical vegetation. Including a Club House with, Pool, Squash
Court, Tennis Court, Braai Areas and a Private Jetty on Lake St Lucia.
Security Wall, Landscaped Gardens, Fully Equipped Laundromat, Fish Cleaning
& Ski-Boat Washing Facility. There are 1, 2 & 3 Bed roomed
serviced units with open plan kitchen and spacious living area. Relax and
entertain in comfort on the patio. Some units are Air – conditioned.
Colour TV. Standard SABC channels plus MNET & DSTV on request. Rooms
are available for physically disabled guests.
Flamingo
Holiday Flats, Self-Catering, ST LUCIA Flamingo Holiday Apartments
are situated on the Elephant Coast in the heart of the exquisite St Lucia
World Heritage Site between Lake St Lucia and the Indian Ocean in South
Africa. Flamingo Holiday Flats is within safe walking distance from the
numerous Restaurants and shops in St. Lucia. With its lakes, lagoons,
freshwater swamps and grasslands, St. Lucia supports more species of animal
than the better known parks and deltas in Southern Africa. Your hosts,
Pierre and Rose Blignaut welcome you! Each unit is fully furnished
and equipped for up to six people including an M Net channel on your TV
and undercover parking. In addition to this, our friendly staff clean and
service your unit daily so you can truly relax.
Hippo
Hideaway, Self-Catering, ST LUCIA Hippo Hideaway is positioned
on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary giving guests easy access the the
beauty of the wetlands. The resort is also well positioned within the town
making all amenities within easy walking distance. The resort consists
of 20 rooms and sleeps 63 people. Each room is luxuriously appointed with
all fittings being crafted for the resort. The rooms consist of either
1 bedroom 2 sleepers or 2 bedroom 4 sleepers. All rooms are airconditioned
and have DSTV supplied. Being self catering all kitchens are fully equipped.
Tariff includes a maid daily who remakes up the rooms, washes dishes etc.
All 'hideaways' have their own patio areas along with Teak furniture.
Lake
St Lucia Lodge, Self-Catering, ST LUCIA Lake St Lucia Lodge is situated
in St Lucia South Africa a World Heritage Site overlooking Lake St. Lucia
with spectacular sunsets. Accommodation on the banks of Lake St Lucia
with abundant birdlife, tranquil and private braai facilities. Lake
St. Lucia Lodge offers 2 four sleeper cottages & 1 two sleeper unit.
Self Catering units fully equipped,very reasonably priced and serviced
daily. We assist in all tours (specializing in fishing excursions)
and information regarding your visit to the famous Greater St Lucia Wetland
Park. Shops, pubs & restaurants are within walking distance as
well as a public pleasure resort with super tube 2 minutes away.
Luwandla,
Self catering, ST LUCIA 3 Bed room serviced unit
with open plan kitchen and spacious living area. Relax and entertain in
comfort on the patio. Colour TV. Standard SABC channels plus MNET &
DSTV. Rooms are available for physically disabled guests. Including
a Communal Swimming Pool and a private patio and Braai Area
Situated in St Lucia Estuary - one of the worlds most ecologically delicate
wetlands. Nestling in subtropical vegetation. Room Air Conditioned.
Rooms are available for physically disabled guests Rooms available in which
smoking is never permitted Town House are serviced every day. Colour TV.
Standard SABC channels plus MNET & DSTV ..
Covering
about 240,000ha, with a further 84,000ha in, on or under the sea, this
is a large chunk of sub-tropical paradise stretching 220km along the East
Coast from St Lucia to the Mozambique border.
The
snorkelling at Cape Vidal, Black Rock and Kosi Bay is great and, if you're
a more serious diver, Sodwana Bay is still the most popular diving destination
in the country. For a more exclusive dive experience you can head up to
Rocktail Bay or Mbibi.
