St Lucia

St Lucia is the bustling heart of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage site. The village sits on a narrow strip of land between the Indian Ocean and the vast St Lucia estuary. The biggest attraction is the boat cruises on the estuary, where you can see hundreds of hippos and crocodiles up close. At night, St Lucia is famous for hippos leaving the water to graze in the gardens and streets of the village. The surroundings offer an incredible variety of ecosystems, from giant sand dunes to tropical forests. Cape Vidal is for beach lovers and snorkelers, while the park itself is home to elephants, rhinos, and leopards. Local cuisine gives a blend of African flavors and fresh seafood. Travel is best done by rental car from Durban or Richards Bay. The best time to visit is during the dry winter (May to September), when wildlife is easier to spot at waterholes and the weather is convenient for safaris. From June to November, humpback whales can also be spotted off the coast. St Lucia is the well-suited place for travelers who want to experience wildlife not just in the park, but right on their doorstep.

Nearby cities

Durban

The third largest city is located on the Indian Ocean and has South Africa's busiest cargo port.

Pietermaritzburg

The capital of KwaZulu-Natal is distinguished by its Victorian architecture and historical significance.

Newcastle

The third-largest city in KwaZulu-Natal is a major industrial center, historically known for coal mining.

Richards Bay

A port city on the north coast that operates the country's largest coal export terminal.

Ladysmith

Located on the banks of the Klip River, the town is best known for the long siege during the Boer War.

Port Shepstone

The largest town on the southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal serves as the gateway to the tourist 'Hibiscus Coast'.

Margate

The vibrant heart of the Hibiscus Coast, famous for its Blue Flag beaches and lively nightlife.

Ramsgate

A charming coastal village on the South Coast, known for its tranquil atmosphere, excellent dining, and whale watching.

Empangeni

A hilly town located not far from Richards Bay, traditionally a center for sugarcane and timber.

Howick

Famous for the spectacular Howick Falls and as the place where Nelson Mandela was captured in 1962.

Ulundi

Once the capital of the Zulu Kingdom and later of the KwaZulu bantustan, rich in cultural heritage.

Salt Rock

A popular holiday destination on the Dolphin Coast with excellent surf spots and natural tidal pools.

Ballito

The heart of the Dolphin Coast, known for its beautiful beaches, tidal pools, and annual surfing competitions.

Scottburgh

A charming coastal resort on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, famous for its safe swimming beaches and proximity to Aliwal Shoal.

Umkomaas

Umkomaas is a vibrant coastal town in KwaZulu-Natal, renowned worldwide for its spectacular scuba diving and beautiful beaches.

History & landmarks

Shakaland

A living museum and cultural village that authentically showcases the traditions and history of the Zulu people.

More places

Isandlwana Battlefield

The Isandlwana Battlefield was the site of the first major encounter in the Anglo-Zulu War, where the British army suffered a decisive de…

Blood River Heritage Site

The Blood River heritage site commemorates the historic 1838 battle between the Voortrekkers and the Zulu Kingdom.

Rorke's Drift

Rorke's Drift was the site of a famous defense in 1879, where a small British garrison repelled a massive Zulu attack.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

This memorial marks the exact spot where Nelson Mandela was arrested by the apartheid police in 1962.

Majuba Hill

Majuba Hill was the site of the final and decisive battle of the First Boer War in 1881, resulting in a Boer victory.

Spion Kop Battlefield

Spion Kop was the site of a bloody battle during the Second Boer War in 1900, where British troops vainly attempted to relieve the besieg…