Location

Part of the largest estuarine system in Southern Africa. Located approximately 250 km north of Durban. A narrow 12 km channel connects the main body of St Lucia with the Indian Ocean. It has a maximum width of 20 km and a length of 64 km and covers an area of 200 sq/km.

The adverse effects of white hunters and explorers at one stage seemed irreversible but in 1897 the area was proclaimed a game reserve a first in South Africa. Today it stands as beacon to the efforts for conservation on mankinds behalf.

St Lucia is a low risk malaria region which extends from Sodwana in the north to Mapalane in the south. The park represents no less than 5 ecosystems which co-excist in one unique area and the bio diversity of the region gives the visitor access to wetlands, Lake St Lucia, warm Indian Ocean, sand dune forest, grasslands, Mkuze forest, historical fossils and the "big 5". Interestingly and quite uniquely it is also home to the "big 6" of the water, namely hippo, crocodile, pelican, fish eagle, flamingo and goliath heron.

The warm Mozambique current creates a wonderland of reefs teeming with tropical fish and a playground for migrating whales and dolphins. Hippo and croc find the warm water to be a congenial spot and it is home to the largest breeding population of Nile croc in the world. The park falls under the curatorship of the Natal Parks Board which runs several camps and activities, within the nature reserve there are 4 camping sites and in places one can also rent bungalows, these camps are often full in season but much private accommodation is available in St Lucia including self catering, B&B and luxury chalets. Mississippi style boats provide scenic trips up the estuary. Large shoals of fish in the lake provide plenty of sport for fisherman while for the more adventurous deep sea fishing and whale watching is available through private charter.

Nearest Towns

1 hour from Richards Bay and Empangeni and 1/2 hour from Hluhluwe / Umfolisi game parks.

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ST LUCIA

Locations
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PROVINCES

Western Cape
Gauteng
Eastern Cape
Free State
Kwazulu Natal
Mpumalanga
Northern Cape
Northern
North West