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We recommend that you book a self-drive car for this iSimangaliso Wetland Park Active Escape. Contact us for our competitive car hire rates. However, we can also arrange road transfers from Durban – details on request.
Day 1:
Depart from Durban and drive (approximately 3 hours) north, through the scenically beautiful Zululand area, and arrive at St. Lucia village. This cosy settlement is the springboard for exploration of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, one of South Africa’s World Heritage Sites. Check in at your lodge. In the afternoon, a river safari on the St. Lucia estuary, this offers great opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles and a large variety of birds. In the evening, explore the village on foot, there are many cosy restaurants and shops within easy walking distance of your lodge.
Overnight: St. Lucia
Day 2:
You will be collected for a full-day tour of the Wetland Park: Today we will show you why the iSimangaliso (St. Lucia) Wetland Park has been given this international status. Join us on a full day, off-road exploration of this pristine (Eastern Shores) area. Our tour includes an ecological overview of the area, wonderful game-viewing, bird-watching, short walks and a visit to Cape Vidal with snorkeling and whale-watching in season (June – November). Learn more about the five eco-systems that make up this unique park. Experience the bush, forest and beach all in one day! Full braai (barbecue) lunch, snorkeling gear and drinks included. Late afternoon return to your lodge.
Overnight: St. Lucia. (B,L)
Day 3:
After breakfast, set off on a 2 ½ - 3 hour bicycling tour in and around St. Lucia, with a real Zulu as your guide. A great opportunity for bird watching and general game viewing.
This is followed by an afternoon kayak safari: This guided kayak safari takes place on the St. Lucia Estuary, where the tidal waters are home to a large variety of fauna and flora. Paddle around the mangrove-covered islands and spot basking crocodiles and fishing water-birds. Hear the cry of the fish eagle and view hippos resting in the water or browsing on the grassy sandbanks. This is a great trip for people keen to see wetland bird-life or just to enjoy being in nature; this trip is a fairly non-strenuous flat-water paddle suitable for both experienced and novice paddlers. We pick you up at your St Lucia accommodation, the trip lasts around 3 hours. We stop for refreshments, a cold drink and a snack at a suitable spot on the shoreline, before returning. Rest of day at leisure.
You will be collected at your lodge at 20.00 for a night-drive on the Eastern Shores: This 2.5 – 3 hour nocturnal exploration takes you along the 4x4 tracks in the Eastern Shores Reserve, where you may encounter various local nocturnal residents. Sightings often include hippo, buffalo, spotted eagle owls, nightjars, kudu, waterbuck, 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 spotlights. You will be dropped off at your lodge at approximately 23.00.
Overnight: St. Lucia. (B)
Day 4:
Leave St. Lucia and head back to Durban, or alternatively continue with other Active Escapes in KwaZulu-Natal. (B)
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