17 Best Things to Do at St. Lucia South Africa: A Guide for 2025
Looking for the best things to do at St Lucia, KZN?
Then you’ve come to the right place! The list of things to do at St. Lucia, South Africa is exciting and varied.
From iconic African wildlife and hippo boat tours, to kayaking in the lake and soaking up some sun on the beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone.
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I was lucky enough get a few days in St Lucia during a recent volunteer experience. I had an incredible time, and just wish I’d had longer to spend there.
I got to go on a hippo and croc tour and loved seeing baby hippos in the groups (or ‘bloats’) playing as they swam with mom. I went kayaking, too, and saw hippos and crocs in the water. At a safe distance of course – our guide made sure of that.
And after I toured the town on foot and I decided I never wanter to leave. Read on for my guide to the best things to do at St. Lucia, South Africa!
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Things to Do in St Lucia South Africa
Along with the variety of activities, you’ll also find no shortage of delicious food in St Lucia. From local cuisine to seafood dishes, you’ll find something to suit your taste. I tried as much as I could during my visit.
This energetic little holiday town is located on the northeastern seaboard of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. Tucked in between the great St Lucia Estuary and the Indian Ocean, it’s a pretty coastal spot that has a lot of things to see and do.
If you’re a nature lover, St Lucia is definitely the place for you! Wildlife in the area includes elephants, rhinos, leopards, zebras and giraffes. You can see some of the most epic African animals in person.
1. Go on a Wildlife Safari:
There’s nothing like seeing Africa’s iconic animals in the wild. A safari drive in one of the many nearby game reserves is a fantastic thing to do at St Lucia, South Africa.
The uMkhuze Game Reserve is just 30 minutes from St. Lucia. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the African savannah and observe some of the most impressive wildlife.
You can expect to spot giraffes, zebra, antelopes, wildebeest and more as you drive through the park. There’s also a chance to spot some of Africa’s most sought-after predators, such as lions, cheetahs and leopards.
You might even see the extraordinary endangered rhinos – black and white.
Another incredible safari option from St. Lucia is the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve. A Big 5 park and the oldest official game park in Africa, it’s about an hour’s drive away.
As well as the famous Big 5, Hluhluwe Umfolozi is also home to sleek and speedy cheetahs. Plus the critically endangered African Wild Dogs. It’s always a treat to see these guys.
No matter what you’re looking for, game viewing in St. Lucia is an adventure you’re going to love. It’s a great way to get in touch with nature and experience the beauty of this area of South Africa.
2. Take an estuary boat ride to see hippos and crocs:
Hippo boat tours in St. Lucia, South Africa offer a unique and unforgettable experience. A tour will take you along the St. Lucia River Estuary, which is home to a large population of hippos.
You’ll be able to observe these massive animals in their natural habitat and learn all about the important role they play in the local ecosystem.
You’ll also get to see a variety of other wildlife including crocodiles and the occasional leopard! It’s an amazing experience and a rare opportunity. Don’t miss it!
Estuary boat rides in St. Lucia, South Africa are also a great way to explore the area and spot some of the incredible birdlife that inhabits this unique coastal region.
The St. Lucia Estuary is home to an abundance of bird species, including African Fish Eagles, herons, cormorants, and much more.
It’s a great way to get out on the water and observe some of St. Lucia’s incredible wildlife – don’t forget to bring your camera!
3. Take a Paddle:
Kayaking in St. Lucia, South Africa is such a fantastic experience. From the serene Lake St. Lucia to the rocky shores of Cape Vidal and beyond.
There are plenty of opportunities to explore this unique coastline from the water.
Paddle through mangroves, spot birds and other wildlife, or just take in the stunning scenery and relax. Whether you’re a lifelong kayaker or are paddling for the first time, you’ll love it.
You’ll be able to explore the area’s many coves, bays, and islands in a safe and enjoyable way. It’s a great, active experience, and you’ll get to see more of the area.
Yup, there are hippos out there. Give them a wide berth, and you should have no problem. If you’re nervous about a possible encounter, take a guided paddle – your guide will have experience in keeping a safe distance.
Speak with the front desk of your hotel about booking a kayak for yourself!
4. Go for a Snorkel:
If you have the opportunity to snorkel while in St. Lucia, take it. It’s another of the many incredible things to do at St. Lucia, South Africa.
The clear waters of the Indian Ocean offer some of the best snorkelling opportunities around.
The iSamangaliso Wetland Park was actually the first UNESCO World Heritage sight in South Africa. It’s full of awesome underwater natural treasures.
You can find tons of colourful coral reefs, sea turtles, and other marine life. The Cape Vidal and Sodwana Bay areas are particularly popular for snorkelling.
They offer some of the most colourful and diverse coral reefs in the area./
➥ 🤿 Read about the Best Dive Sites in South Africa
You could spot seahorses, beautiful tropical fish, dolphins and even whales if you’re lucky!
Whether you’re an experienced snorkeller or this is your first time, St. Lucia is the perfect place for an underwater adventure.
⛑️ Safety Tip: It’s wise to snorkel only at low tide because the incoming tide can put a lot of water between you and the shore.
5. Take a Hike:
Hiking in St. Lucia is a spectacular way for nature lovers to explore the area and take in its dramatic coastal scenery.
There are a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, ranging from easy strolls along the beach to more challenging mountain hikes.
One of the top-rated hikes is the Cape Vidal Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline. You’ll have opportunities to spot wildlife such as zebra, wildebeest, and antelope.
For a more challenging adventure, try the Leopard Rock Loop. This is an exciting 8-km trail with incredible panoramic views of St. Lucia’s wetlands.
St. Lucia Main Beach is also great for hiking. Just head north toward First Rocks. You can hike about 7 km if you’re up for it.
🦛 Safety Tip: If you plan to hike past the Estuary, be very careful to look out for crocs and hippos. They hang out here too.
Mt Tabor is another popular destination for both regular hikers and experienced climbers. You get an incredible 360-degree view of the surrounding area.
No matter your fitness level, St. Lucia has a hiking trail for everyone.
A guided hike through iSimangaliso Wetland Park might be the best one of all. Learn about the animals, the bird calls, and how to interpret animal tracks.
6. Birdwatching:
iSimangaliso Wetland Park in St. Lucia is full of astounding birdlife. I had never taken much notice of birds until I came to South Africa. The bird species that live here are incredibly interesting. And in many cases, really huge!
And this area around St. Lucia has some of the best and most beautiful of South Africa’s birds.
Along with an abundance of lush vegetation, the area is teeming with some stunning birdlife. From African openbill and brown-hooded kingfishers to greater flamingos and Livingstone’s turaco.
Also keep an eye out for the African Green Pigeon, Malachite Kingfisher and Violet-backed Starling.
Some of the best places to watch birds in St. Lucia include the Eastern Shores, Cape Vidal and Lake Sibaya. At these spots, you’ll be able to observe many of the local species.
Visit St. Lucia Birding to hook up with Themba, local birding expert extraordinaire.
7. Climb on a Bike:
On your own, or with a tour. Cycling in St. Lucia is a great way to explore the area and take in some of its beautiful sights.
The town is fairly level, so is good for beginners as well as more advanced cyclists. Ride around the town itself and check out the local birdlife and maybe spot a little red duiker or two.
You can also cycle along the Estuary Boardwalk to the mouth of the estuary. Here you’ll see more great birds along with the local pods of hippos.
Low tide at St. Lucia Main Beach is also terrific for a bike ride. If you head north toward First Rocks, you’ll have as much as 7 km of cycling ahead of you. But, you will have much easier access at low tide.
A great way to see more of the area and learn about it at the same time is to take a guided tour. There are a lot of interesting facts about the area around St. Lucia, and these guides are the experts.
You can rent a bike or arrange for guided tours with St. Lucia SA.
8. Horseback riding:
This is kind of one of those magical things to do in St. Lucia, South Africa. Something you might see in a movie and never dream that you might get the chance to do it yourself someday.
Now is your chance! Ride along one of the long stretches of beach, or through the African bush. It’s a beautiful and peaceful way of exploring a beautiful and peaceful place.
Take a ride through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and experience all of this. You can even plan a horseback tour geared toward a special occasion or activity.
Are you on your honeymoon in Africa? A honeymoon safari on horseback is the ultimate romantic way to celebrate.
You can even set out with bird or photography experts, and turn it into a unique learning experience.
Visit the Bhangazi Horse Safaris for these options.
9. See Nesting Turtles:
One of the most exciting and popular things to do at St. Lucia, South Africa is the turtle tours. Both loggerhead and leatherback turtles nest here, two of the largest species of turtles.
Leatherback turtles are the world’s largest reptiles, weighing in at up to 900 kg, or 1984 lbs! Loggerheads, on the other hand, are “only” 150-300 kg, or 330-660 lbs.
From the start of November, you have a good chance of seeing female adult turtles coming up on the beach. They come each year to dig a nest and lay their eggs.
As it gets closer to the end of March, the hope is to catch sight of the tiny hatchlings running across the beach, making their way across the sand to the sea.
This is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience, so if you’ll be in St. Lucia during this time, be sure to book a tour.
🐢 Tips: Go with a certified tour operator who runs a walking tour, with no vehicles to disrupt the turtles. Also, try to find one who will go as far up the beach as the Maputaland Turtle Sanctuary.
You’ll be able to observe the turtles in their natural environment, as well as gain knowledge about their lifecycle and importance to the local ecosystem.
This is an incredible opportunity to witness nature up close, and a great way to spend your time at St Lucia.
10. Beaches and Sunbathing:
St. Lucia’s long, beautiful beaches are great places to relax in the sun and take a refreshing dip.
St. Lucia Main Beach, aka. St. Lucia Beach, is an easy 2 km walk from the town centre. And if you’re driving, you’ll find lots of parking.
There are also 3 area beach parks with ablutions. These include Main Beach, Ingwe Beach, and Jabula Beach.
A little farther afield, iSimangaliso Wetland Park has long stretches of beach.
Cape Vidal is a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling due to its crystal-clear waters and abundance of vibrant marine life.
Mission Rocks Beach is another great spot, about halfway between St. Lucia and Cape Vidal.
Safety Tip: Stick to low tide when it comes to swimming in the St Lucia area. When the tide starts to come in, the water gets rough and can be dangerous. And, as always, and especially when you’re swimming in unfamiliar waters, watch out for rip currents.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, check out Sodwana Bay – it’s known as one of South Africa’s best dive spots.
This is also a good area to go if you enjoy exploring rocky outcrops and tide pools.
11. Have a Cultural Experiences:
Visitors can learn about local culture with visits to traditional Zulu villages and explore the area’s rich history with visits to historic sites.
St. Lucia, South Africa is a vibrant cultural destination. The Zulu people are the largest ethnic group in Southern Africa. Today the majority of Zulu live in St. Lucia’s province of KwaZulu-Natal.
While you’re here you have the opportunity to tour a local Zulu village. You can visit the homes of local people, and their schools, and visit with them in person.
The Veyane Zulu Cultural Village is your chance to experience a Zulu community in action. You can learn about Zulu healing traditions and medicine.
You’ll get to not only see their craftwork but learn by trying your own hand at it.
Some other favourite activities at Veyane are the Zulu storytelling and of course the traditional music and dancing.
Check out some of these cultural things to do at Cultural Tours St. Lucia South Africa.
12. Shopping and Dining:
St. Lucia is home to a small range of shops, restaurants, and cafes that are sure to keep you busy for a while.
Be sure to experience the local cuisine. Every day in St. Lucia should end with a delicious meal! Head to one of the local restaurants to sample some of their signature dishes such as bobotie, curried fish and pap.
You’ll also find a lot of seafood dishes, as you might expect in a coastal town.
If you’re looking for the best cup of coffee, stop by the St. Lucia Coffee Shop. If you’re more in the market for lunch or dinner, head for the Hippo Cafe, both on Mackenzie St.
If you’d like to do some shopping while you’re in town, have a look around the St. Lucia Arts and Crafts Market. You’ll find a wide selection of local handmade crafts, as well as fresh fruits.
They open early – at 5:30 every morning – and don’t close until 6 pm. Go early for the best selection.
You’ll also find a few gift shops around the small town and a couple of casual clothing stores. Ants & Mustard is a nice place, right on the main street – Mackenzie St. Canerat Crafts is also worth a look.
13. Go Stargazing:
The darkness of the night sky in St. Lucia offers impressive opportunities for stargazers. Spot constellations and planets with your naked eye or through a telescope.
The lives of the people of Africa have long been tied to the stars. Zulu people refer to the Milky Way as umTala, or a “hairy stripe” in the sky.
The stories and myths are fascinating. As well, if you’re from the northern hemisphere, the southern constellations make for a surreal stargazing experience.
14. Nighttime Game Drive:
Many of the most interesting animals in Southern Africa do their best work at night. A nighttime game drive is the perfect way to see what’s happening when the sun goes down.
Hluhluwe Game Reserve hosts daily night drive safaris in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park that are highly recommended.
Keep in mind that there are no lions in iSimangaliso. However, you will have the chance to see the rest of the Big 5, as well as giraffes, bushbucks, kudus and bush babies. As well, of course, as hippos.
15. Hit the Links:
If your idea of the perfect vacation is a few rounds of golf, you’re in luck. There are some good courses nearby that are worth checking out.
St. Lucia Monzi Golf Club, 20 minutes from St. Lucia, is the nearest course. It’s a well-maintained course with 9 holes, as well as a bar and a small kitchen that provides coffee, tea, and snacks.
The Richard’s Bay Country Club, in the Mzingazi Golf Estate, is about 50 km from town. It’s the highest-rated course in the area, with 18 holes and a well-stocked pro shop.
16. Whale Watching: Whale watching is a don’t-miss thing to do at St. Lucia, KZN South Africa. From June to November each year, these imposing sea creatures migrate along the eastern and southern coasts of South Africa.
St. Lucia is the perfect spot to observe them. You’ll could witness Humpback and Southern Right whales in their natural habitat, as they migrate through the waters off St. Lucia’s shoreline.
It’s an incredible experience! Once you’ve had some good whale sighting, you’ll want to go whale watching every chance you get. Seeing these gentle giants swim gracefully by is unforgettable.
Whether you go whale watching every year or are just curious to learn more about these incredible mammals, St. Lucia is the perfect destination for it.
17. Deep Sea Fishing:
The St. Lucia coast is famous for its game fishing. Barracuda, marlin, and tunny are a few of the record catches of the area.
If a fishing charter sounds right up your alley, there are a few options around. Try contacting St. Lucia South Africa to find out what they have available.
Cape Vidal and Mission Rock are well-liked for shore fishing. Mission Rock in particular is popular with fly-fishermen.
One thing St. Lucia is not in short supply of is fish and tackle shops. If you’d like to give it a try, you can find what you need here.
🎣 Tip: A permit is required prior to boarding a boat for the purpose of fishing. You also need a permit to fish from shore. Purchase one from the local post office.
The Best Time to Visit St Lucia South Africa
The ideal time for water sports, croc and hippo boat tours, and wildlife viewing in St. Lucia, South Africa, is during the dry season, from May to September.
This period not only promises cooler weather and lower humidity, making it easier to enjoy all the outdoor activities. But it also increases the chances of wildlife sightings as animals gather around fewer water bodies.
The reduced rainfall during these months means clearer skies and peak conditions. And that’s best all-round for exploring the area’s unique ecosystems and taking part in St Lucia’s water sports.
Saint Lucia Travel Tips
• One of the things that makes St. Lucia extraordinary is the fact that some of its large hippo population like to wander the streets of town.
There’s a lot of lush green grass carpeting the yards of St. Lucia. How is a hippo supposed to resist? They have also been known to wander through town from one body of water to the other.
But remember, while these “townies” as they’re called, are used to being around town and might seem like local mascots, they’re still wild animals. If you see a hippo out on a stroll, move to a safe distance before you take a picture.
It’s also best not to wander around town after dark. The hippos tend to blend into the shadows.
• As much as you can, try to book any tours in advance. They are most likely to book up during local school holidays, especially.
• There are two options for national park discounts. The first is only for citizens of South Africa, people with an SA residency permit, and those with an SA work permit or family resident in SA. This is the Rhino Card.
With it, you get free entry into Ezemvelo KZN wildlife resorts.
People who don’t qualify for the Rhino Card might want to consider the Wild Card. However, it will only be worthwhile if you’ll be spending a fair bit of time in South African SAN Parks after you buy it.
Decide if you feel like you can make good use of it for the cost. It will entitle international visitors to free entry into South African national parks, reserves, and resorts. Residents have a variety of choices.
• South Africa Weather: The driest time to visit St. Lucia is between February and May. The days are longest in March, February is the warmest month, and July is the coolest.
What to Pack for Saint Lucia, South Africa
• swimwear and snorkel gear if you’d rather not use what a tour company provides you.
• neutral colours such as khakis and tans if you intend to go on any safaris/ game drives.
• closed-toed hiking shoes/boots, and flip-flops for when you’re not hiking.
• a daypack to take water, sunscreen, and bug spray on hikes and excursions
• for a complete packing list visit What to Pack for Travel to Africa: Epic Guide
St. Lucia, South Africa: Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Lucia South Africa worth visiting?
This small, vibrant town on the northeastern seaboard of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province is the ideal place for some relaxing beach time, plus all different sorts of outdoor adventures.
Sitting between the great St. Lucia Estuary and Lake St. Lucia, the picturesque coastal spot offers an array of sights and experiences. You can also see Africa’s iconic wildlife.
What is St Lucia South Africa known for?
St. Lucia has South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s considered one of Africa’s remarkable natural wetland and coastal areas. It also includes several important ecosystems, providing habitat for a wide variety of species.
The area is also known for its large hippo population, some of which roam through town, munching on urban lawns, and its excellent big-game fishing.
Can you swim in St Lucia South Africa?
Yes! With hundreds of metres of coastline, swimming, snorkelling, and diving are all popular activities.
Is St.Lucia, South Africa safe?
You’ll find St. Lucia quite safe. As in any place you aren’t familiar with, refrain from walking alone at night. This is especially true in St. Lucia as more hippos roam the town at night when it’s nice and cool.
Is there malaria in St. Lucia, South Africa?
The area of St. Lucia town is considered malaria-free. However, some surrounding parts of KZN do carry a risk, such a St. Lucia Lake and Sodwana Bay.
St. Lucia, KZN South Africa Map
Summing It Up: Things to Do At St. Lucia, South Africa
If you’re looking for things to do in St. Lucia, South Africa, you’ll have no trouble finding some! From scuba diving and snorkelling to whale watching and turtle tours, there are plenty of exciting activities to choose from.
Whether you’re an avid adventurer or simply looking for a peaceful escape, St. Lucia has something for you. I highly recommend at least a few days here!
So don’t forget to add it to your list of things to do when planning a trip to this spectacular part of the world. You’ll be glad you did!
Happy travels!
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