St. Lucia, KwaZulu Natal in South Africa: A Natural Destination

St. Lucia is located in Kwazulu Natal, on the Indian Ocean, South Africa. St. Lucia is one of South Africa's favorite nature destinations, as it is rich and diverse. This is the only place on earth where one can observe the Big-6: Humpback whales, elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalos and leopards, in their natural environment. This area also boasts a healthy number of hippos, leatherback turtles, crocodiles and over 500 bird species.

Historical records indicate that humans occupied the St. Lucia region as far back as the Stone Age. The Portuguese landed here on December 13, 1575, and named it St. Lucia in honor of the patron saint of the blinds. This area was formerly known as Tugela, before it became St. Lucia. In 1822, the British proclaimed St. Lucia a township, and in 1885, they created the St. Lucia Game Reserve, the first one in Africa.

Why Visit St. Lucia?

St. Lucia is the gateway to the amazing Simangaliso Wetland Park and Eastern Shores park. Simangaliso is unsurpassed as a unique nature destination. St. Lucia is also situated within the Elephant Coast of South Africa, a very popular tourism destination, for the pristine beaches and nature reserves. The region is called Elephant Coast because of the large number of indigenous elephants that reside in the sandy forests of the area.

Attractions Surrounding St. Lucia

1. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Big-5 Game Reserve is South Africa's oldest wildlife reserve. This game reserve has the highest number of black rhino of any place on earth.

2. Cape Vidal- is one of the longest and greatest beaches in South. Africa. Visitors can swim, snorkel, fish or stroll on the beach. Humpback whales and Southern Right whales can be observed from the end of May to the first weeks in December; this area normally sees massive whale migrations. The coast of St. Lucia is blessed with the antics of these large mammals, and watching them in the wild should be one of the "must see things" in one's lifetime.

3. Go on a Turtle Tour. This area is a "returning site" for leatherback turtles. Year after year, these gentle giants return to the same nesting sites. Leatherback turtles are protected in South Africa.

4. Hippo and Croc Tours. Take a boat cruise on Lake St. Lucia and come face to face (within the safe confines of a tour boat), with a great number of hippos and crocodiles, as well as a large variety of aquatic birds and plants.

5. Bird watching. St. Lucia is a confirmed spot for finding 526 bird species.

6. Cultural Tours of a Zulu Village. Even though visitors pay to enter a local Zulu village, one must still be invited to come in; that is the traditional Zulu way. Khula Village is close to St. Lucia, and allows visitors the opportunity to learn about Zulu culture and tradition. Visitors are even allowed to mingle with a Sangoma, a medicine woman who may introduce the visitor to herbal and magical medicine.

8. Arts and Crafts. The St. Lucia area is rich in Zulu crafts. The Zulus are famous for the intricate weaves and beautiful grass baskets. Within St. Lucia, there are several markets selling a variety of baskets, mats, carvings, walking sticks, clay pots, and local produce. The Ilala Weavers are found in this region.

Getting There

Getting to St. Lucia is relatively easy. The town is located 225 kilometers north of Durban, on the national N2 toll road. The trip takes only 3 hours. From Johannesburg, the drive is 650 kilometers, but flights are available to Richards Bay.

Accommodations

St. Lucia offers various types of accommodations, raging from campsites to four-stars hotels. However, be aware that during school holiday periods, and summer school holidays, the accommodations fill up fast, therefore, plan ahead.

Conclusion

The St. Lucia and surrounding areas are indeed a very special piece of Africa. The area offers ecotourists some of the most diverse wildlife and outdoor experiences. The Greater St. Lucia area is the gatweway to the Simangaliso Wetland Park, as well as Kosi Bay, Sodwana Bay, and other areas.

Enjoy one of the most beautiful places in Africa!