12 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN ST. LUCIA, SOUTH AFRICA
THE GEM OF THE KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE
- Last Updated: 5 October 2025
- Africa, Destinations, South Africa, St. Lucia South Africa
St. Lucia, South Africa, is a hidden gem on the country’s east coast, in the KwaZulu-Natal province, just a 2.5 hour drive from Durban. Located at the southern end of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this small coastal town enjoys a tropical climate all year round. St. Lucia, South Africa, is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you are in the mood for sandy beaches, oceans or pristine wildlife, you will find plenty of amazing things to do in St. Lucia.
Here are 12 fantastic experiences to enjoy in this incredible destination.
In This Guide:
1 – GO ON A SAFARI IN iSiMANGALISO WETLAND PARK
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is what I could call Heaven on Earth. Just an hour from St. Lucia, iSimangaliso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized in 1999 for its fragile ecosystem and incredible biodiversity. Spanning 3,280 square kilometers, it features a mix of beaches, coral reefs, lakes, wetlands, and savannas. The park is home to a stunning variety of wildlife, from elephants and rhinos to flamingos and sea turtles. The lush landscape, dotted with magnificent flowers, is breathtaking, and I was truly amazed by the beauty of this place. Visiting iSimangaliso is definitely one of the most amazing things to do in St. Lucia, South Africa.
A guided safari here will take you through grasslands, forests, and wetlands where you can see elephants, rhinos, zebras, and much more. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will share insights about the park’s wildlife and history. Most tours include a stop for breakfast with amazing views of the ocean (yes, the ocean is nearby), making the experience even more unforgettable.
Full Day Game Drive at iSimangaliso | Cost: R 1,100 per person – approx. $64 at the time of writing. Meeting Point: pick up at 06:00 am from accommodation. Booked through accommodation. Note: it is also possible to self-drive in the park.
2 – GO ON A SAFARI IN HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK
An hour from St. Lucia, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is Africa’s oldest game reserve and a must-visit for safari lovers.
Pronounced “Shloo-Shloo-wee” (from the Zulu language), this park is home to all of the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. It’s very famous for its successful rhino conservation efforts, so your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures are high. Beyond the Big Five, you can also spot cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, and numerous bird species. Unfortunately, it was raining heavily the day we went on the game drive, so it made it quite difficult to spot some wildlife. But this did not prevent us from realizing how beautiful the park is.
The landscapes vary from rolling hills to dense bush, providing an exciting and diverse safari experience. Hluhluwe is without a doubt one of the most amazing things to do in St. Lucia, South Africa.
It is possible to go on a guided safari, or to self-drive in the park.
Half Day Game Drive at Hluhluwe | Cost: R 1,360 per person – approx. $78 at the time of writing. Meeting Point: pick up at 05:00 am from accommodation. Booked through accommodation.
3 – RELAX AT CAP VIDAL BEACH
Located within iSimangaliso Park, Cape Vidal Beach is an untouched, unspoiled beach offering warm waters and golden sands. It’s perfect for unwinding after a safari, so you can include it as part of your iSimangaliso game drive. This is what we did and honestly, I could never have imagined how great it would be. It was a surprise stop, and I enjoyed it to the fullest. You can also choose to spend a full or half day here.
The beach is an excellent spot for snorkelling, fishing and picnicking, making it a versatile destination for visitors. The water is pleasantly warm, as it lies on the Indian Ocean side.
There are outdoor picnic facilities between the parking and the beach – but beware of the monkeys, they are quick and can be quite aggressive.
Visiting Cape Vidal made it into my personal top 3 of the amazing things to do in St. Lucia, South Africa.
4 – TAKE A BOAT CRUISE ON THE ST. LUCIA ESTUARY
A boat cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary is one of the best ways to see hippos, crocodiles, and exotic birds like the African fish eagle. These two-hour trips run throughout the day, but the best time to go is in the afternoon when hippos are most active. From the comfort of the boat, you will enjoy calm waters while the guide shares fascinating facts about the estuary’s wildlife and ecosystem.
The St. Lucia Estuary is home to hundreds of hippos and Nile crocodiles, so sightings are almost guaranteed. We also saw multiple bird species along the way, each one just as beautiful as the next.
2-hour Boat Cruise on St. Lucia Estuary | Cost: R 425 per person – approx. $25 at the time of writing. Meeting Point: pick up from accommodation. Booked through accommodation.
5 – WATCH TURTLES NESTING (NOVEMBER TO MARCH)
Between November and March, turtles come ashore on the beach to lay their eggs. If you are into unique wildlife encounters, you should definitely add this activity to your St. Lucia visit!
Tours start at 8:30 PM and can last until 2 AM, giving you a chance to experience this remarkable event under the stars. Witnessing this natural event can be unforgettable, but patience is key. We did the tour at Cape Vidal Beach, and after driving for some hours, we could not spot the turtles. So you may need a few attempts before finally seeing one. My hosts had to take the tour three times before finally seeing the turtles! The tour’s availability is highly dependent on low tide, so reservations are usually confirmed on the same day.
As we did this tour at Cape Vidal Beach, we drove through iSimangaliso at night and saw wildlife along the way, making for an exciting experience even before reaching the beach. So, even if you don’t see turtles, spotting nocturnal animals in the park is an incredible consolation. Plus, we enjoyed snacks on the beach while waiting for a sighting.
Turtles Nesting | Cost: R 1,670 per person – approx. $95 at the time of writing. Meeting Point: pick up around 20:30 from accommodation. Booked through accommodation.
6 – EXPERIENCE A NIGHT SAFARI
The African bush takes on a whole new feel at night. A night safari in iSimangaliso gives you a chance to spot nocturnal animals like bush babies, chameleons, owls, and hyenas. These tours start after sunset and last around three hours, offering an entirely different perspective of the wildlife compared to daytime safaris. The thrill of searching for glowing eyes in the darkness adds to the adventure.
Night Game Drive | Cost: R 750 per person – approx. $43 at the time of writing. Meeting Point: pick up around 21:00 from accommodation. Booked through accommodation.
7 – GO HORSEBACK RIDDING ON THE BEACH
Riding a horse along the beach with the sound of waves in the background is a unique experience. Horseback tours in St. Lucia offer a different way to explore the coastline, and they are suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
8 – ENJOY THE BEACHES AND WARM INDIAN OCEAN WATERS
Unlike South Africa’s west coast, where the Atlantic Ocean brings cold water, the beaches in St. Lucia face the Indian Ocean, offering warm waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun or enjoy activities like paddleboarding, these beaches provide the ideal setting.
9 – SEE HIPPOS ROAMING THE STREETS AT NIGHT
St. Lucia is one of the few places in the world where hippos walk freely through the streets after dark. They leave the water to graze, but keep your distance: hippos are among the most dangerous animals in Africa for humans. Never try to approach them. Many visitors are surprised to see these enormous creatures walking between houses and across roads. Locals have adapted to their presence, with signs and safety guidelines in place, but it’s still an incredible sight for tourists.
I was lucky to stay in an accommodation where we had a WhatsApp group chat to share sightings whenever a hippo appeared. And guess what: I saw hippos every night during my stay in St. Lucia!
It is, in my opinion, what makes St. Lucia so unique. Seeing these massive creatures strolling around town is both surreal and unforgettable.
10 – SPOT WHALES (JUNE TO NOVEMBER)
If you’re visiting between June and November, don’t miss the chance to see humpback whales migrating along the coast.
Boat tours give you a close-up view of these massive and beautiful creatures. It is one of the most impressive wildlife encounters you can have in St. Lucia, with sightings during the season being very common.
11 – EXPLORE LOCAL MARKETS
For a taste of local culture, visit the markets where you’ll find handmade crafts, fresh produce, and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to capture street photography and interact with locals. From beaded jewelry to wood carvings, you’ll find unique treasures to take home and support the local community at the same time.
12 – GO BIRDWATCHING
With over 500 bird species recorded, St. Lucia is a paradise for bird lovers. Whether you’re on a safari, a boat cruise, or just walking around, you can spot African fish eagles, kingfishers, pink-backed pelicans, and many other colorful species. The diversity of habitats in iSimangaliso Wetland Park makes it one of the best birdwatching destinations in South Africa.
WHERE TO STAY IN ST. LUCIA, SOUTH AFRICA
I recommend staying at Kwalucia Private Safari Reserve, as the experience I had was incredible. The hosts (Marie & Adrian) helped book excursions via WhatsApp before my arrival and were an amazing help throughout my stay. Upon arrival, they took the time to get to know me over a beer. They showed me on a map where all the activities take place, recommended where to eat, and explained important safety tips. Their kindness is beyond words and the breakfasts, cooked by them are exceptional.
The rooms are beautifully decorated and give a warm feeling, with a bath, shower, and a balcony. There is also a nice swimming pool in front of the dining area.
Staying here made my trip even more special, and it’s the perfect base to enjoy all the amazing things to do in St. Lucia, South Africa.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT ST. LUCIA, SOUTH AFRICA
HOW TO GET TO ST. LUCIA
There is no airport in St. Lucia. The closest major city is Durban – an easy 2h30 drive on a good quality highway. If you’re coming from Johannesburg, it’s a longer drive, taking around 7 to 8 hours by car. So, flying into Durban first is the most convenient option.
GETTING AROUND ST. LUCIA
St. Lucia is a very small town. There is literally one main street, which makes the town very walkable. However, it’s always good to have a car to explore the surroundings. If you plan to self-drive for safaris, a 4WD is highly recommended. It is especially useful if you want to access the remote parts of iSimangaliso or venture further out to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ST. LUCIA
St. Lucia has a warm, pleasant weather all year long, so there is no perfect time to visit the town. However, if you are looking to do a specific experience (for instance turtle nestling or whale watching), it will determine the best time for your visit. Keep in mind that summers can be very humid.
RECOMMENDED STAY
I recommend staying in St. Lucia for at least three nights. This gives you time to explore, relax, and also try some night activities like turtle nesting or night safaris. It’s also a good idea to contact your lodge before arriving to help plan your itinerary – just like I mentioned earlier with the turtle nesting tours, which depend on the tide conditions.
If you want to experience all 12 amazing things to do in St. Lucia, consider adding one or two extra nights. Indeed, you don’t want to be overwhelmed with packing too many activities into a single day. Game drives are tiring experiences even though you spend most of the time sitting in the car. And if you do a night activity, you won’t necessarily want to wake up early the next day.
Extra Tip: if you are short on time, you can consider that joining a turtle nesting tour will be two activities in one. As I mentioned, turtle nesting is done at Cape Vidal Beach, which is within iSimangaliso Park. So you will see some wildlife along the way, just like during a night safari.
Also, if you want to merge a beach visit with a safari you can: Cape Vidal, as I mentioned, is within iSimangaliso. You can jet from a safari drive into a swim in the Indian Ocean – pretty epic, if you ask me!
SAFETY IN ST. LUCIA
St. Lucia is one of the safest towns in South Africa. However, you should avoid walking at night due to the presence of hippos. Most lodges and guesthouses will remind you of this, as locals are well used to sharing the streets with hippos.
MONEY
Most services prefer cash, but restaurants accept cards. You’ll also want to have cash to tip the guides during your activities, or to buy small items at local markets. There are ATMs on the Main Street in St. Lucia. However, it is safer to withdraw money in Durban (or another bigger town) before your trip. Machines in small towns can sometimes be out of service.
CONTINUE YOUR TRIP
You can continue your trip to Durban, Kosi Bay, Eswatini, or Mozambique.
I personally came from Durban and then continued to Eswatini, which is what many travellers also do, to then reach Kruger National Park.
Another option is Kosi Bay. Although I didn’t visit it myself, I was very interested in going. Kosi Bay is a 3 to 4-hour drive from St. Lucia and lies just south of the Mozambique border. Actually part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Kosi Bay consists of four interlinked lakes that create an estuary system with channels flowing to the sea. Visiting Kosi Bay makes even more sense if you plan to continue your trip into Mozambique by car, as it is right on the way.
There are so many amazing things to do in St. Lucia, South Africa! From thrilling safaris to peaceful beaches, the town has it all. Whether you want adventure, wildlife, or relaxation, these experiences show exactly why St. Lucia, South Africa, deserves a spot on your travel list for its amazing things to do.
I hope this article has given you plenty of ideas of things to do in St. Lucia. And, maybe, this article even inspired you to add this stop to your South African itinerary, if it was not already on it.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT ST. LUCIA, SOUTH AFRICA
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