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Excursions

f Do-It-Yourself Tours (DIY) - Mostly only entrance fees to pay 

pawnav diy-1 The Crocodile & Enterpretation Center
pawnav diy-2 Walking Trails
pawnav diy-3 Cultural Village Experience
pawnav diy-4 Angling
pawnav diy-5 Swimming
pawnav diy-6 Snorkling
pawnav diy-7 World Heritage Park (Wetlands&Cape Vidal)
pawnav diy-8 Bat Cave on the Beach Rocks
pawnav diy-9 Hluhluwe / Imfolozi Game Reserve
pawnav diy-10 Bird Watching

 

Guided Tours 

pawnav gt-1 BIG 5 Game drive safaris
pawnav gt-2 Khula Village
pawnav gt-3 Kayak Safari
pawnav gt-4 Lake St Lucia Boat Cruise
pawnav gt-5 Bird Watching Excursions
pawnav gt-6 Horse Riding Safari
pawnav gt-7 (Nite Chameleon / Leopard) Drive
pawnav gt-8 Deep Sea Fishing Safaris
pawnav gt-9 Wetland - World Heritage Tour
pawnav gt-10 Turtle Sighting Tour
pawnav gt-11 Whale Watching Tour 

 

1 The Crocodile & Interpretation Center 

The Crocodile & Interpretation Centre is involved in an International breeding program for Dwarf and Long snouted crocodiles, American Alligators and our Nile Crocodile, the largest in the world. Feeding and demonstrations are held on Saturdays from 15h00 as well as Sundays from 11h30 am. ( Weather permitting ) Open from 08.00H to 16.00H daily , seven days a week. Entrance fees R 50.00 per adult and Half price for children .

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2 Walking Trails 

Due to the release of Elephants in the Greater St Lucia Wetland park the trails in the Park are no longer self guided, a ranger must be booked at the Cape Vidal KZN Offices

Imvubu Trail from the Croc Centre down to the Hippo Pools in the lake.
Igwalagwala Trail near the Eden Park Caravaan Camp – Purple crested Lourie, many birds and the little Red Duiker.
Iphiva Trail near the Iphiva Caravaan  Camp – fresh water pans – many animals and a birders paradise.
Iphotwe Trail also near the Iphiva Camp – bush and grasslands.
Ihlati Trail also near the Iphiva Camp – bush, grasslands and down to the beach.

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3 Cultural Village Experience 

This is a Self Drive activity for the whole family . The newly built VEYANE CULTURAL VILLAGE aims to offer tourists an Authentic and interactive ZULU cultural experience while giving members of the community an opportunity to benefit from tourism .Experience the contemporary Zulu village life . Call on traditional healers and learn about their remedies. See Zulu beadworkers and weavers at work and have a go too . Be spellbound by the magic of Zulu storytelling ,and be entertained by talented musicians and Zulu Dancing

4 Angling 

There is a wide variety of angling areas . Shore and estuary Anglers can fish The Mapelane section . St-Lucia mouth to First Rocks & Cape Vidal whereas the estuary fishing is best at Honeymoon Bend and on the main lake itself . Obtain a fishing permit and respect regulations .

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5 Swimming 

The Indian Ocean temperature along this stretch of coast seldom drops below 22 degrees . Surf conditions are normally very moderate but the waves along the coast can be tough with strong currants during High Tide . Therefore swimming at Low Tide is always recommended for St-Lucia beach and Cape Vidal . There are no shark-nets , as uptill now , no accidents has happened at our beaches by Shark-attacks .

 6 Snorkling 

You will have to travel through the iSimangaliso Wetland park to get to the beautiful Cape Vidal ( 30 Km ‘s from St-Lucia through the park ) Entrance fees must be paid on entering the park . Cape Vidal , north of St-Lucia is a beautiful Barrier Reef of carbonated Sandstone Which allow you to snorkel at Low Tide and see the hundreds of tropical fishes . A children’s paradise and an adult playground . Spent at least half a day …

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7 World Heritage Park (Wetlands & Cape Vidal) Game Viewing 

On entering the World Heritage Park ( iSimangaliso ) with your own vehicle ,you have to pay a entrance fee for your vehicle and the passengers .The park opens at 05.00H-19.00H during the summer and from 06.00H -18.00H in the wintermonths . Late afternoon or early Game drives are very popular , and remember to turn off at the different loop-roads in search of the wild animals ( except lions) , regular Leopard sightings are reported as well as wild dogs and hyenas . Visit the Look-out point after the turn-off on your way to Mission Rocks Beach . You view the Indian Ocean ( Whales , dolphins in season ) and the 80 Km St-Lucia salt-water Lake .Awesome ! ! Mission Rock’s Beach is a rocky stretch of coastline but a fisherman’s paradise . Cape Vidal for swimming , snorkeling and fishing . A late afternoon SUNSET drive is extravaganza ! ! .

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8 Bat Cave on the beach 

Walk northwards from Mission Rocks along the uninhabited beach for between 45 minutes to one hour to the Egyptian Fruit Bats Cave . Make sure to wear suitable shoes against the gravel-sand and rocks . Recommended to visit during Low Tide

9 Hluhluwe / Imfolozi Game Reserve / BIG 5 Game viewing 

These are the two oldest Game Reserves in South Africa ( 1895) and they were previously the hunting grounds of the Zulu Kings. This “ Self drive Activity “ with your own car ( 45 minutes from St-Lucia ) to take a chance of spotting the animals yourself is adviced to do in the early mornings and Late afternoons to have a good chance of seeing the animals . Entrance fees have to be paid per vehicle for adults and children . The park is open from 05.00H -19.00H in Summertime and from 06.00H until 18.00H during the wintertime . This is BIG 5 Country , but also home to all the other beautiful wild animals and amazing birds , big and small ! ! Although you can do this Game park yourself , we strongly advice to do an organized tour with one of the operators in town ; don’t miss all the information about the animals , have a relaxing day instead of driving and searching for the animals , and in the meantime trying to avoid driving into potholes . The experienced eyes of the guides will find the animals ten times better than yourself ( value for money ! ! ) .

  Elephants     Rhino's

 Leopards     Lions

10 Bird Watching 

(Under construction) 

GUIDED TOURS

1 BIG 5 Game Drive Safaris 

These Safaris are specialized for Big 5 Game viewing and are conducted in an open 4x4 safari vehicle . The park was established in 1895 and is one of South Africa’s oldest Game reserves . It used to be the hunting grounds of the Zulu Kings . The white Rhino’s of South Africa was saved from extinction in this beautiful park with rolling hills , forest patches and thornveld valleys watered by four rivers . Nyalazi Gate in the south-east on the road from Mtubatuba in only 45 minutes drive from St-Lucia . We advice the 10-hours Gamedrive trip , starting at 04.00H or 05.00H in the morning , with a pick-up at our guesthouse . Breakfast in the park , and a Braai/BBQ lunch in the park as well . This Safari Trip is an unforgettable , memorable and very informative experience ….don’t miss this Value for money Trip.

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2 Khula Village 

Come and meet the people of Khula Village, just outside St. Lucia town, when you accompany their Zulu guide on a three to four hour tour in an open safari vehicle and immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of the “ People of Heaven “. See how the Zulu people of today have adapted to the modern, Western way of living but still keeping their age-old traditions alive.

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3 Kayak Safari 

This 2 – 3 hours Kayak Safari takes you onto the St-Lucia Estuary around Honeymoon Bend ( a Honeymoon Couple ” disappeared ” here ..? ) , the Oyster Beds And further north along the lake .There is usually a halfway stop for resting and enjoying cold-drinks .You are accompanied by experienced guides but unfortunately no children under 12 years are allowed on this trip . You will be kayaking between Hippo’s , Crocodiles and a abundant species of birdlife . The meeting point is only a 10 minutes drive from the guesthouse .

 4 Lake St Lucia Boat Cruise 

Lake St-Lucia is the largest estuary in Southern Africa , part of a 38.000 Ha spread of tidal and Semi-tidal waters . Some ancient creatures have been calling it home for around 140 million years –here you will find fossils , pectin claims, fossilized worm burrows , hippopotamus , crocodiles , the world famous Fish Eagle , and huge numbers of other birds . Africa’s biggest area for the breeding of waterbirds . Boatcruises on Lake St-Lucia / Estuary , are going out every 2 hours . There is a choice of Big Boats and Small Boats .We can help you with any booking .

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5 Bird Watching Excursions 

Lake A qualified bird watchers-guide can be booked for an outing or for excursions in the Wetlands , or in and around St-Lucia . Our town and surroundings are on the Zulu-land Birding Route . With more than 400 species of birds this is a South African Diversity Hot Spot . Also Mfazana Pans , about 2 Km north of the Mission Rocks can be visited and is seen as a Bird-watchers-paradise . Since the introduction of elephants on 10 August 2001 into the area , one needs to arrange for a guide at Mission Rocks Office to accompany you . At least 24 Hours before arrival , a reservation has to be made.

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6 Horse Riding Safari 

All riders must be 8 years of age , or older . The max weight for riders is 95 Kg . Riding helmets are supplied and the riders must wear them . An indemnity form will be filled in .Come and experience a horse ride between our Game in the Wetlandpark or make a Bush / Beach combination . You will be surprised how close you will be near the zebras , impalas , wildebeest, rhinos, buffalos , kudu etc etc A qualified rider/guide will accompany the group on safari

7 Nite Chameleon Drive 

This 2 to 3 hour NIGHT affair takes you along the 4 x 4 tracks in the Eastern Shores Reserve of the Wetland Park, where you may encounter various nocturnal residents. Sightings often include hippo, buffalo, spotted eagle owls, nightjars, kudu, water buck, crocodile and even side-striped jackal, python and leopard. Chameleons abound and the endemic Sitara’s Dwarf chameleon is a rare treat. Conducted in an open safari vehicle with two spot lights, accompanied by a qualified guide from 20h00 in the evening, pick-up and drop off at your accommodation.

8 Deep Sea Fishing Safaris 

Everyday Special Deep Sea Fishing chartered boats launch directly from the St. Lucia beach into the breaking surf to go and look for the BIG ONE !!! Safari trips usually lasts between 6 to7 hours depending on the weather conditions. Fishing tackle and bait are supplied and WHAT YOU CATCH – YOU KEEP. Game fishing such as Marlin, Sailfish, Barracuda, Dorado, Snoek, Salmon, etc. as well as Reef Fishing is what your daily program consists off – your choice.

9 Wetland - World Heritage Day Tour 

On the tour the guide show you why this Wetland Park has been given international status. It is a full day, off-road exploration of the pristine Eastern Shores of Lake St. Lucia and includes an ecological overview of this area, wonderful game viewing, bird watching, a short walk up to the Mission Rocks Look-out Point and a visit to Cape Vidal beach with snorkeling and whale-watching in season. Learn more about the five eco-systems that make up this unique park. The Eastern Shores is also home to most of our Wildlife except Lions and Giraffes. Experience the Bush, the Forest, the Beach and all our wild animals in one unforgettable day. Full braai ( barbecue) lunch, snorkeling gear and drinks included. The tour is conducted in an open 4x4 safari vehicle accompanied by a qualified guide.

       Experience the wildlife    Wetland park tour lunch

                             Wetland park tour 

10 Turtle Sighting Tours 

You experience the miracle of the reproduction of the Leatherback turtle, weighs up to 900 kg. and the smaller Loggerhead turtle. The tour includes driving to Cape Vidal for snacks & drinks on the beach under the stars, a beach drive north to Leven Point to look for the turtles and sometimes a beach walk to find them. The return journey, late at night, includes a night drive with spotlights. Departure and pick-up from your accommodation from 18h00 to 22h00 in the evening depending on the High Tide of the sea which will allow for the vehicle to be driven on the beach looking for the turtles. The tour takes about 5 to 6 hours during the night time.

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11 Whale Watching Tours 

Mid May to Mid December, Seasonal. Imagine coming face to face with the 5th largest animal that has ever lived on the planet. This is quite possible when enjoying an awesome whale watching tour aboard ADVANTAGE CHARTER BOAT, St. Lucia. The Humpback Whale is considered to be the most playful and acrobatic of all large whales and is known to thrust their gigantic bodies clear out of the ocean. Come and see these whales as close as 50 m. and enjoy an unforgettable and unique lifetime experience.

 

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The Elephant Coast Guesthouse in St. Lucia, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

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