Tours, Safaris & Activities
St. Lucia offers much more than the tours, safaris and activities described below: you can try some of the many hiking trails around St. Lucia, rent bicycles, or take a guided hike or bicycle tour. There is also an opportunity to play golf or tennis at Monzi only 10 km away. Horse Ride Safaris in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park or Scuba Diving at Sodwana Bay can also be arranged.
Your hosts Ken and Pam are on hand to help you plan excursions in the area.
Estuary Hippo & Crocodile Boat Cruises
The big 6 of the water are all found in the Lake St. Lucia eco-system being Hippo, Crocodile, Pelican, Flamingo, Fish Eagle, and Goliath Heron.
The Estuary Boat Cruises are done in boats powered by eco-friendly quiet and smoke-free motors, which bring you up close to Hippos, Crocodiles and the Birdlife in the estuary.
The tours take two hours and depart 3-4 times a day.
Whale Watching (June to November)
From June to November thousands of Humpback Whales pass St. Lucia in their migration between the Antarctic and Tropical Oceans. St. Lucia has the highest recorded boat-based whale sightings in South Africa and on a Whale Watching Tour you can get as close as 50 meters to these mighty mammals, the fifth largest animal that has ever lived on this planet.
The tours are either early morning or later in the afternoon.
Turtle Tours (November to March)
From November to March the gigantic Leatherback Turtle and the smaller Loggerhead Turtle are nesting at the beaches in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. In this period you got the chance for a "Once in a Lifetime" Experience, going on a Turtle Tour to witness this miracle of nature where the Turtles return to lay their eggs on the very same beach they were born.
The tour includes a night drive in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park and is tide dependant. From November through to mid-January for nesting and thereafter the hatchlings returning to the ocean can be seen for a few months or so afterwards.
Big 5 Game Reserve Safaris
Depart St. Lucia for a mere 35 minutes drive to the adjoining world famous Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserve that offers some of the best wild life experiences in South Africa. Here you can expect to see the Big 5 (Elephant, Rhinoceros, Buffalo, Leopard and Lion) up close, especially Rhino as these reserves have the biggest population of rhino in the world.
Enjoy either a South African Braai (Barbecue) for lunch at a picnic spot in the park or dine at the Hilltop restaurant in Hluhluwe Game Reserve that also gives possibility for curio shopping.
World Heritage Tour
A safari on the eastern shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is situated between Lake St. Lucia and the Indian Ocean, is a very interesting and detailed ecological tour of the Park which explores the various species in relation to World Heritage Site status granted to the Park. The whole ecology of the park as well as the relation between different species is discussed in detail. Part of the tour is spent game viewing and birding.
The tour also takes you to Cape Vidal for some swimming, snorkelling and a traditional braai (barbecue) for lunch.
Night Drive Safaris in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
On a Night Drive Safari you can experience the nocturnal wild life in the Park. Some of the highlights are Hippo, Buffalo, Spotted Eagle Owls, Nightjars, Kudu, Waterbuck, Crocodile, Side-Striped Jackal, Python and Leopard. The Park offers the visitor an opportunity to see a variety of animal life associated with a Wetland eco-system as opposed to the bush and grasslands normally found in Big 5 Game Reserves.
The tour departs at 8:30 pm and returns at approximately 11:30 pm.
Birding Tours
More than two thirds of South Africa's entire bird population is found in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Early morning or late afternoon outings to explore birds which are rarely sighted in other parts of South Africa are arranged with competent guides. The bird species found in St. Lucia cover a variety of habitat ranging from fauna, flora, wetlands, grasslands, Lake St. Lucia, coastal, forest and migratory. The surrounding nature with abundant birdlife makes St. Lucia a paradise for birding.
Cultural Tours
Get an insight in both the traditional and modern Zulu culture on a Cultural Tour. On the tour you will get an overview of current Zulu life with visits to schools, churches, Zulu dancing and also the magic of the Sangoma (witch doctor). The guide will be able to answer your questions about past and current Zulu culture.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Deep-sea fishing in the warm, tropical waters off St Lucia or Cape Vidal is always an exciting experience with bottom and game fish like Dorado, Wahoo, Tuna, King and Queen Fish, King and Queen Mackerel in abundance. Or experience the thrill of hunting Big-game fish like Marlin, Sailfish as well as Shark. Alcohol is not permitted, arrange own sun tan oil, snacks and drinks for the day.
The owner of African Dreamz has been operating in these waters for almost 2 decades, has tons of local as well as international experience, his motto; FISHING IS LIFE, THE REST SIMPLY DETAIL.
Cape Vidal
This magnificent unspoiled beach lies 32 km out of St. Lucia with easy access on tarred road. En-route to Cape Vidal you travel through the St. Lucia Wetland Park on the Eastern Shores of Lake St. Lucia which abounds in game close to the road. See the world's highest vegetated sand dunes and walk through sand dune forests with a tremendous variety of birdlife. Snorkel at Cape Vidal in the warm Indian Ocean, sunbathe on clean beaches or try your hand at some surf or fly-fishing.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Canoeing and kayaking on Lake St. Lucia with experienced guides gets you close to the animal and birdlife. Honeymoon-bend on Lake St. Lucia is a popular route for canoeists in an outing of between 2- 3 hours.
The Kayak outing to Cape Vidal, catching up on some wave surfing, swimming and snorkelling, includes excursions on the Eastern Shores with lunch served in designated shaded picnic spots at Cape Vidal. There is also the opportunity to explore Lake Bhangazi (which is close to Cape Vidal) on canoe.