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 Africa

 St. Lucia Wetland

Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, South Africa

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The Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site for its natural significance, is a must see in KwaZulu-Natal. Whether your interest is sea life watching or scuba diving, walking or trekking, birding or wildlife safaris, this nature reserve offers families in search of an ecotourism adventure one of the most diverse outdoor experiences possible. And it can be as rustic or nearly as luxurious as you desire.

Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park Photo Gallery
Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park Photo Gallery
Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park Photo Gallery
Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park Photo Gallery

The St. Lucia Wetland covers roughly 280,000 hectares (690,000 acres), encompasses 14 distinct nature reserves and stretches 220km (136 miles) along South Africa's northeastern coast from Cape St. Lucia north to Mozambique. And while it may be smaller than the Kruger National Park, South Africa's largest park, and Botswana's Okavanga Delta, it has nothing to envy. Situated at the confluence of the tropical-subtropical interface, centuries of wind, water and drought have produced five distinct ecosystems and ensured that an outstanding number of species make their home here.

Explore the underwater caverns of Africa's southernmost coral reef at Sodwana Bay. Observe Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles at Kosi Bay. Watch birds in a mosaic of wetlands, lakes and forested dunes. View wildlife from a boat at the St. Lucia Estuary, from an open-air jeep at the Mkhuze Game Reserve, or horseback along the coast. Spy on nature at night or during the day. Take an afternoon hike through subtropical forests, grasslands and lily-covered pans or multi-day trek along the Emoyeni Trail. And fish in just about every way.

 
Getting there
 
The village of St. Lucia, the focal point of the park, is roughly 80 km (50 miles) from Richards Bay and 240 km (150 miles) from Durban. Both major carriers and low-cost airlines fly to Durban from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth. South African Express and South African Airways connect Johannesburg and Richards Bay. The Hluhluwe Tourism Association website provides information on road transfers from Durban and Richards Bay. Families traveling by car can access the St. Lucia Wetland from various points along the N2 from the KwaMbonambi exit north to Mkuze.
Getting around
 
A car is necessary to access remote areas of the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park. Those planning to take a self-drive safari or relax on the reserve's northern beaches may need a 4x4 vehicle. The best way to explore this conservation area is on foot or by boat. Hiking trails ranging in length from 1.5 to 65 km wind their through the park and along the Indian Ocean shore and offer the intrepid traveler a chance to spot birds and other wildlife.
Map of St. Lucia Wetland & Surrounding Area
Tourism KwaZulu-Natal
Hiking Trails
Tourism KwaZulu-Natal
When to travel
 
The climate is subtropical with mild, dry winters and hot, humid summers. In summer (December-February), the temperature ranges from a nighttime low of 15°C (59°F) to a daytime high of 38°C (100°F). In winter (June-August), the temperature ranges from a nighttime low of 4°C (39°F) to a daytime high of 22°C (72°F). While the area boasts 300 days of sun, rain is possible from December to February. Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles breed here from November to March. Humpback whales can be seen off the coast from June to December. Scuba diving is possible year-round but the best conditions are to be had from April to September.
Weather Forecast & Climate History
South African Weather Service
Weather Underground
Travel health & child safety
 
The Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park lies in a malaria area. In South Africa, malaria is a risk in some coastal areas as well as the provinces bordering Mozambique. Swimming is not permitted in Lake St. Lucia and is restricted to certain rocky areas along the Indian Ocean coast.
Malaria Information & Risk Map
Malaria in Southern Africa
Things to keep in mind
 
Take only photographs and memories with you; refrain from collecting or purchasing natural souvenirs, such as rocks, flowers and shells.

Great family attractions in Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park

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