Enjoy vast sandy beaches, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters whilst staying in St Lucia, KZN.
St Lucia Estuary offers visitors an ideal beach-and-bush holiday. Combine expansive sandy beaches with spectacular South African Game Reserves and have the chance of seeing a huge diversity of wildlife during exhilarating outdoor experiences.
There are a multitude of different activities and excursions to enjoy in and around St Lucia and at Parkers Cottages, we are more than happy to recommend and book you on these trips. Here are a few examples:
Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise on St Lucia Estuary – Enjoy a relaxed cruise on St Lucia Estuary where you have the opportunity of sighting hippo, crocodiles and a vast number of different bird species. We recommend the last cruise of the day for great sunsets and best hippo activity (departing 15:00 in winter and 16:00 in summer).
Hluhluwe – iMfolozi Full Day Game Drive – Experience the thrill of a safari in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve in an open safari vehicle. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is South Africa’s oldest game reserve and is well-known for its successful conservation efforts of both the white and black rhino. Enjoy incredible game-viewing with the possibility of encountering the Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) as well as cheetah, African wild dogs, hyena and a host of common game. As well as a variety of different bird species.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Day Safari – Experience the bush, forest and beach all in one day. Enjoy exploring iSimangaliso Wetland Park’s Eastern shores – game-viewing, bird watching, short walks and a visit to Cape Vidal for snorkeling.
Eastern Shores Day Game Drives (approx 3 hours) – A morning or afternoon drive along the Eastern Shores of iSimanagliso Wetland Park. Exploring the forests, pans and grasslands all the way to Lake Bhangazi.
Western Shores Day Game Drives (approx 3 hours) – Conducted in open safari vehicles along iSimangaliso Wetland Park’s Western Shores. Game viewing here can be a real treat with possible sightings of elephants, buffalo, hyena, leopard, giraffe and hippo and plenty of common game.
Eastern Shores Night Drive (approx 3 hours) – Heading out in safari vehicles with spotlights, we explore iSimanagliso Wetland Park’s Eastern Shores. Sightings can include hippo, buffalo, leopard, spotted eagle owl, kudu, nightjars, crocodile, side-striped jackal and lots of chameleons. The endemic Sitara’s dwarf chameleon is a rare treat.
Western Shores Night Drive (approx 3 hours) – This tour is conducted in open safari vehicles and game viewing here can be a real treat with possible sightings of elephant, buffalo, hyena, leopard, giraffe, hippo and side-striped jackal
Horse Ride on the Beach – Enjoy the thrill of riding on the Beach with the Indian Ocean waves crashing on to the sand beside you and the wind blowing through your hair. Your ride starts at St Lucia Main Beach and you will ride down the beach towards the St Lucia Estuary where you can see the hippos and crocs lounging on the banks. All levels of riding ability are welcomed and can be accommodated.
Bush Ride in the Game Reserve – The bush ride leaves from Iphiva Campsite and you ride through the Southern end of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. You have the opportunity of riding close to zebra, wildebeest, bushbuck, warthog, duiker and impala. This is a fabulous ride for a novice as it is a gentle ride with lots of interest along the way.
Beach AND Bush Combo Horse Ride – This ride incorporates both a ride on the beach and a ride in the Southern end of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Turtle Tours – Enjoy a game drive to Cape Vidal, then travel 25 kms along the beach in search of nesting leatherback and loggerhead turtles and hatchlings. The sight of a 750kg leatherback labouring on to the beach to lay her eggs must rate as one of the most moving wildlife experiences anywhere in the world.
Croc Feeding – Learn more about crocs and get a close up view by going to St Lucia’s Crocodile Centre.
Croc feeding: Saturday 15:00 & Sunday 11:30
Whale Watching – This is very special and lots of fun as your hurtle out to sea to spot humpback whales, dolphins and other sea creatures. Watching a 40-ton whale breaching or spy-hopping just 50m away is an unforgettable experience.
Elephant Interaction at Bayete Zulu – Approx. a 1.5 hours drive North of St Lucia on the N2 brings you to the Bayete Zulu elephant interaction experience. A truly wonderful experience. You will have the opportunity of seeing these majestic creatures up close and are also encouraged to feed and touch them.
Emdoneni Cheetah and Wild Cat Rehabilitation Centre – Approx. a 1 hour drive North of St Lucia on the N2 brings you to the Emdoneni Cheetah and Wild Cat Rehabilitation Centre, where you have an opportunity to interact with the cheetah and many of the other wild cat species at the centre.
Deep Sea Fishing – Sail out to sea on a boat equipped with the latest GPS and fish finders to find the ledges and reefs where your trophy fish might be waiting for you. No food is provided so as this is an early start you might want to take a breakfast pack plus extra water with you.
Saltwater Fly Fishing – The ultimate fly fishing experience – fishing the surf zone at Cape Vidal! Expert tuition available. Travel through iSimangaliso Wetland Park with the chance of spotting wildlife including buffalo, rhino and leopard en route.
Rock & Surf Fishing – Experience rock and surf fishing in Cape Vidal. Travel through iSimangaliso Wetland Park with the chance of spotting wildlife including buffalo, rhino and leopard en route.
Zulu Cultural Tour – Learn about the history and culture of the Zulu people, plus some of the problems facing modern Zulu society such as unemployment, HIV/AIDS etc. Usually includes a trip to the crèche or school during term time. There will be energetic Zulu dancing and the men/boys might want to join in the stick fighting!
St Lucia Bicycle Tours – Take a bicycle ride around St Lucia with a Zulu guide. Learning about the area, bird watching and spotting common game.
Golf at Monzi – If you want to take a break from all the game-viewing and bird watching, you can enjoy a round of golf at the excellent 9 hole Monzi Golf Club.
For More information, please email us at Parkers Cottages: info@parkerscottages.com
Parkers Cottages
55 Hornbill Street
St Lucia
3936
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Contact reception:
Cell: +27 (0)84 398 0940
info@parkerscottages.com