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Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise

This 2 to 2.5-hour boat trip takes you onto the St. Lucia Estuary, cruising among hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife—from herons to crakes. We’ll collect you from your accommodation in our open-air Unimog 4x4 vehicle, with blankets provided for comfort. Bring something warm during the cooler months, and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate on board. Sunsets from the boat are spectacular—a perfect way to end the day with unforgettable photo opportunities.

Duration: 2 hours
Summer: 10am - 12pm / 4pm - 6pm
Winter: 10am - 12pm / 3pm - 5pm / 3.30pm - 5.30pm
Price from: R450 per person

Shakabarge Coffee & Croissants

Start your day with a 3-hour sunrise cruise along the St. Lucia Estuary—home to hippos, crocodiles, herons, crakes, and a wealth of birdlife. A true delight for birders and photographers alike! We’ll collect you from your lodge in our open-air 4x4 vehicle, with hot coffee and fresh croissants to enjoy on board. This tranquil morning experience includes a light continental breakfast and guarantees close-up hippo sightings, with African Fish Eagles and Kingfishers often completing the scene.

Duration: 3 hours
Summer: 6am - 9am
Winter: 6.30am - 9.30am
Price from: R495 per person

Guided Bicycle Tour

Explore St. Lucia and its surroundings on a 2.5 to 3-hour guided bicycle tour with a local Zulu guide. Enjoy birdwatching, game viewing, and scenic rides around the St. Lucia Estuary. Routes range from 15 to 25 km on sand tracks, trails, gravel, and tar—perfect for novice to intermediate riders. Refreshments included. Tours can be scheduled anytime between sunrise and sunset.


Duration: 3 hours. Anytime between sunrise and sunset.
Price from: R350 per person

Hiking Trails

Choose between a guided forest walk or an exploration of the pans and grasslands of the Wetlands for a close-up look at the area’s unique ecology. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, home to an incredible variety of seabirds, water birds, and waders. The iGwalaGwala Forest, on the edge of town, offers some of South Africa’s best forest birding, while the iPhiva Trail provides diverse habitats and excellent birding opportunities — perfect for spotting rare and special species to add to your lifelist.

Duration: 3 hours. Anytime between sunrise and sunset.
Price from: R325 per person

Chameleon Night Safari

Discover a new way to experience the iSimangaliso Wetland Park—under the cover of darkness. This 3-hour nocturnal adventure explores the forests, pans, and grasslands of the Eastern Shores in an open-top Unimog safari vehicle. Spot hippo, buffalo, crocodile, chameleons, porcupine, nocturnal birds, antelope—and occasionally hyena or leopard. The endemic Sitara’s Dwarf chameleon is a rare highlight, and the stargazing is spectacular, with clear views of the Milky Way. Enjoy hot chocolate and rusks under a sky full of stars for the perfect ending to your night safari.  

Duration: 3 hours (8pm - 11pm)
Price from: R775 per person

Eastern Shores Excursion

Explore the forests, pans, and grasslands leading to Lake Bhangazi on this early morning or late afternoon adventure. Discover the Wetlands’ wildlife, history, and scenic beauty, with a stop for a bush breakfast or sundowners at Catalina Bay or Lake Bhangazi—followed by a thrilling spotlight night drive through the reserve. 

Duration: 5 hours
Mornings: 7am - 12pm
Afternoons (summer): 4pm - 9pm
Afternoons (winter): 3pm - 8pm
Price from: R795 per person

St. Lucia World Heritage Tour

Discover why the St. Lucia Wetland Park earned its World Heritage status on this full-day off-road adventure through the pristine Eastern Shores. Enjoy game and bird viewing, short walks, and a visit to Cape Vidal for snorkeling and seasonal whale-watching. Explore five diverse ecosystems—Bush, Forest, and Beach—all in one unforgettable day. A full braai lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included.

Duration: 7 hours (8am - 4pm)
Price from: R995 per person

Turtle Tour

Experience the miracle of nature as Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles return to the beaches north of St. Lucia in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park to nest and hatch. Witness these ancient reptiles navigate predators both at sea and on land—sharks, crabs, badgers, and jackals—as they continue their timeless cycle of life.
*SUMMER MONTHS ONLY - NOVEMBER TO MARCH 

Duration: 6 - 7 hours at night (dinner on the beach included)
Price from: R1 950 per person (maximum 8 guests)

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