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Activities in St Lucia
THINGS TO DO
Tours, activities and things to do can be booked at Leopard Corner Lodge.
A variety of restaurants, surf shops, photo shops, grocery stores and curio shops are available in St Lucia.
We will facilitate all Activity / Tour bookings on behalf of our guests, free of charge.
Activities and Tours :
- Ocean Explore & Fishing Adventure
- Big 5 Open Safari Game Drive : Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park
- Turtle Tours (Seasonal)
- Cape Vidal Beach and Bush 4 x 4 Game Drive Safari
- Snorkeling Safari Cape Vidal
- St Lucia Estuary Hippo and Crocodile Boat Cruise
- Elephant and Cheetah Tours
- Walking Safari’s & Birding Tours
- iSimangaliso Sunrise / Sunset Safaris – Eastern Shores
- Chameleon night drive 4 x 4 Safari
- Bicycle Tours
- Crocodile Centre
- Horseback Safari
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Rock and Surf / Fat Bike Fishing
- Cultural Tours
- E – Bike Tours
About our little town…St Lucia
Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the St Lucia Estuary, the village of St Lucia is the only private village surrounded by a Natural World Heritage Site.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park) was proclaimed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site on 1 December 1999 by UNESCO protocol.
Situated on the North-Eastern coast of Kwazulu-Natal in the kingdom of the Zulu, the Park starts south of the St Lucia Estuary and stretches north to Mozambique, comprising 332 000 hectares and an impressive 280km coastline.
iSimangaliso is considered the most definite Eco-Tourist experience. This Natural World Heritage Site is a macrocosm of culture, wildlife, plant-life, minerals and scenery, so diverse, that many visitors return year after year for more.
Lake St Lucia – an 85km estuarine lake – is filled with over 1 300 Hippo, several thousand Crocodile, 182 species of Fish and 526 species of Birds. Fish use the lake as a nursery and the endangered Leatherback turtles swim thousands of sea miles to lay their eggs in the metal-enriched beach sands.
The natural scenery comprises five rivers, lakes, verdant pastures, marsh, mangrove swamps, mountains, coral reefs, massive vegetated sand dunes and rural villages.
Walking trails border the town where one may come across Red Duiker, Mongoose, Vervet Monkeys, Honey Badgers and lots more. Various Activities and Safaris are available daily from St Lucia, travelling to the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa – the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, a mere 54km away.
With un-spoilt beaches and splendid views, St Lucia remains a true paradise and a must for every traveler to see.
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iSimangaliso Wetland Park St Lucia –Place of Wonder
iSimangaliso Wetland Park was recognized by UNESCO due to its rich ecological diversity. It is a natural beauty and features unique ecosystems concentrated in a small area.
The high level of diversity for the flora and fauna species is due to the different types of ecosystems that are present in the park.
Africa’s largest estuarine system sustains an awe-inspiring ecosystem.
Lake St Lucia owns a sense of place like no other – one of the most abundant, naturally endowed and beautiful pieces of real estate on earth. If the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a miracle, (which iSimangaliso translates to from Zulu), then the lake is the heart that sustains that miracle.
It is the focal point of the UNESCO World Heritage Listing and has been a Ramsar Wetland of International importance since 1986.
It is 80km long and 23 km at its widest point.
Aside from the lake and dune ecosystems, the Park protects a marine zone of warm tropical seas, coral reefs and endless sandy beaches; the Papyrus and reed wetland of the uMkhuze swamps, on the north of the lake; and on the western shore, dry savannah and thornveld. Any one of these would justify conservation, but their confluence around Lake St Lucia makes this a world-class wilderness.
More than 50% of all water birds in Kwa-Zulu Natal feed, roost and nest in this Estuary. Of the 155 Fish species that have been recorded in the Lake St Lucia Estuarine system, 71 species use Lake St Lucia as a nursery area, and at least 24 of these are important in marine line fisheries.
More than 2180 species of flowering plants have been documented here and it is home to many species of antelope such as waterbuck, reed buck, kudu, nyala, impala and duiker.
We will facilitate all Activity / Tour bookings on behalf of our guests, free of charge.
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Ocean Explore Fishing Adventure
Exciting new Tour!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
Join us on a fun filled approximate 3-hour adventure to experience the thrill of surf launching before setting out in search of the ocean treasures. Visit the wreck of the Jolly Rubino – an Italian freighter that was wrecked after a fire on 12 September 2002, becoming beached just off St Lucia – causing the St Luca Estuary mouth to be manually closed to avoid the oil spill into the estuary.
See the Maphelane dune – at 187m this is the highest vegetated dune in Africa, and the second highest in the world. While having a few fishing lines in the water you stand a chance of catching a Natal Snoek (Queen Mackerel) in the shallows passing Maphelane dune on your way to the Jolly Rubino shipwreck.
On your way back in the deeper waters, charters will be targeting Yellow Fin Tuna and several other fish species. All fish caught can be cleaned at Fisherman’s Restaurant, vacuum packed and stored for you to take home later, or enjoy your freshly caught fish in the restaurant for dinner that evening. While on your way back to the beach, you will be traveling up north against the Indian Ocean warm current flowing from Mozambique. It is here where you will encounter Flying Fish, pelagic sea bird life feeding on the shoals of feeding frenzy game fish, and depending on the season, you may encounter turtles, whales, dolphins, and sharks. Please note that Marine Life Legislation clearly stipulates and prescribes to boats/operators/charters out on the ocean how to deal with whales, dolphins etc. when encountered.
Our charters/operators are well informed regarding these requirements and are bound to keep to these rules. This is a great value for money activity! On this activity you will do and experience so much more than on any of the other ocean activities where only one experience is targeted.
Duration of tour : +- 3 Hours
Trip departs: Tide dependent, 06:00
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Big 5 Safari 4 x 4 Game Drives:
Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
Option 1: Full Day Package
ETD: 05h00 ETA: 16h00
A full day excursion through this Big Five reserve. Once the hunting grounds of the famous Zulu Chief Shaka, the Park is renowned for its efforts in saving the white rhino from extinction and the magnificence of these first foothills of the coastal escarpment. White rhino abounds, and sightings of elephants are not unusual. The park also has lions, cheetah, black rhino, leopard, wild dog, a large population of giraffes and much more.
Bird sightings may include lesser jacana, lappet-faced vultures, bateleur eagles, white-headed vultures, Southern banded snake eagles etc. Price includes breakfast with hot tea and coffee, a delicious lunch consisting of a traditional South African Braai (Barbeque) plus refreshments.
Option 2: Half Day Package
ETD: 05h00 ETA: 12h00 – 13h00
This tour is recommended for families with small children and in hot summer months.
Breakfast and refreshments are included.
Option 3: ELITE Package
ETD: 05h00 ETA: 16h00
All guests are GUARANTEED a “window” seat, ensuring a truly fabulous safari experience.
Breakfast, full barbeque safari, binoculars and extra coolers with beverages and snacks provided. Max 6 guests on the back of the vehicle. Blankets or Ponchos will be provided on rainy days and in winter.
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Turtle Tours (Seasonal)
a Once in a lifetime experience…
Turtle Tour Overnight to Kosi Bay
This is a seasonal trip where you experience the miracle of nesting of the leatherback (Weighs up to 900kg) and loggerhead turtles.
Step into the world of these amazing and ancient reptiles as they dodge sharks off shore and humans, crabs, badgers and jackals on-shore to return to and hatch from these ancient nesting grounds.
An overnight tour with qualified guides. Dinner, Breakfast and refreshments incl. (A visit to Tembe Elephant Park included on our way to Kosi Bay.)
NOTE : Reservations available: (Seasonal November to March)
Turtle Tracking from Cape Vidal
Departure times are tide dependent.
Enjoy a night safari to and from Cape Vidal then travel 25 kilometers north along the beach in search of nesting turtles and hatchlings.
Experience the miracle of the Leatherback Turtle reproduction. This tour is tide dependent – departure times vary according to tides.
You will also experience a night drive to see nocturnal animals on the way to your turtle experience.
You will be collected from your accommodation and returned to your accommodation six to seven hours later.
This tour includes a light dinner and refreshments.
NOTE : Reservations available:
(Seasonal November to February)
Duration of tour : +- 6 – 7 Hours
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Cape Vidal Beach and Bush 4 x 4 Game Drive Safaris
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
Option 1: St Lucia World Heritage / iSimangaliso FULL DAY tour
ETD 06h00 ETA 14h00 – 15h30
ETD 08h00 ETA 16h00
We show you why the St Lucia Wetland Park has been given this International status. Join us on a full day, of road exploration of this pristine (Eastern Shores) area – includes an ecological over-view of the area, wonderful game-viewing, birdwatching, short walks and a visit to Cape Vidal with snorkeling and whale-watching in season.
Learn more about the five ecosystems that make up this unique park. Experience the Bush, Forest and Beach all in one day! On the 06h00 departure, Breakfast, Full braai(BBQ) lunch, snorkeling with an experienced guide (tide and weather dependent) Snorkeling gear, towels and drinks are included.
On the 08h00 departure, Full braai(BBQ) lunch, snorkeling gear and drinks.
Option 2: St Lucia World Heritage / iSimangaliso HALF DAY tour
ETD 06h00 ETA 12h00-13h00 (includes breakfast & refreshments)
ETD 10h00 ETA 15h00 – 16h00 (includes lunch & refreshments)
ETD 08h00 ETA 13h00 (light refreshments are included)
Take a drive through the park with the possibility of seeing many animals such as leopard, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Wildebeest, Antelopes, Warthog etc. You will arrive at Cape Vidal which is a beautiful beach where you will be able to Snorkel (Tide and weather dependent) and/or swim in the beautiful ocean.
On the 06h00 departure, Breakfast or Full Braai(BBQ) lunch, snorkeling with an experienced guide (Tide and weather dependent) Snorkeling gear, Towels and drinks are included.
On 08h00 departure, light refreshments and Snorkeling gear will be provided.
Option 3: St Lucia World Heritage / iSimangaliso ELITE Tour
ETD 06h00 ETA 14h00-15h30
You will have your own “window seat” guaranteed.
You will also have an extra cooler/ice box with extra snack and refreshments, and you will be provided with binoculars.
Max 6 Guests. Breakfast, Full Braai (BBQ) lunch snorkeling with an experienced guide (Tide and weather dependent) Snorkeling gear, towels and drinks are included.
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Snorkeling Safari Cape Vidal
This special tour focuses on snorkeling in the Cape Vidal bay.
Guests are required to meet their guide at the Cape Vidal beach before embarking on a snorkeling trip.
The trips are two hours long.
Guests are given a safety briefing before heading into the snorkeling adventure.
Your guide will accompany you into the water as well as supply buoys for safety and snorkeling masks and fins to make swimming easier.
Our priority is safety!
We always have flotation devices in the water if someone feel the need to hold onto something buoyant.
You will be in the water for roughly 1-1.5 hours after which your guide will serve coffee and tea and point out some interesting species you may have seen.
For your convenience wetsuits can be hired at an additional cost.
Full Tour Details:
Duration of tour: Run from 6am to 4pm depending on tides and conditions
Meeting time: To be announced on booking.
Included: Snorkel, fins, mask, cup of coffee/tea or hot chocolate.
Meeting point: Cape Vidal marine office/fuel station parking area.
Duration of tour:
Half Day ± 6 hours
Departure time: 6am
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St Lucia Estuary Hippo and Crocodile Boat Cruise
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
A must for all visitors! Join us for a 2-hour boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary, exploring the various eco-systems and looking out for hippos, crocs, kingfishers, fish eagles, herons, mangrove swamps and much more. Your skipper and guide will share his vast knowledge of the wildlife you may encounter. A real birders and photographer’s delight. Get those cameras ready!
There is an option of a morning or a sunset trip. On these cruises you will have some of the best up-close views of Hippos and Crocs in Africa.
Refreshments are served on the trips. It is recommended to bring a light jacket for the afternoon sunset trip as their may be a slight wind chill. Remember to pack a camera and some sunblock and a hat. Whilst Hippo and Crocs are the main attraction the lake also attracts good bird life and sometimes game can be spotted on the banks.
Summer : 10h00 – 12h00 or 16h00 – 18h00
Winter : 10h00 – 12h00 or 15h30 – 17h30 or 15h00 – 17h00
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Elephant and Cheetah Tour
Your guide will collect you at your accommodation in St Lucia whereby you will travel to the Elephant Reserve ( it is an hour transfer there and an hour back).
Once we get to the reserve you will get a guided tour, general info and facts about the Elephants and how they came to be on the reserve. After the talk you will get the opportunity to feed, touch and take Photos with Rambo (the big gentle male) and Rachel (the mischievous female).
You will then enjoy lunch (for your own account), plus have the opportunity to buy some souvenirs at the craft market and Zulu Museum.
Later the afternoon you will travel to do the Cheetah tour.
Here you will be taken to view various cat species like Cheetah, Caracal and Lynx.
You can take a photo with the animals, but no interaction is done.
You will learn about Africa’s largest land mammal as well as Africa’s fastest land mammal.
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Walking Safari’s & Birding Tours
Walks are conducted in an area free from dangerous game, but the trip does afford the opportunity to see some plain game and plenty of Bird life. St Lucia boast an impressive birdlife count and a walk capitalizes on the best chance to see some magnificent species.
If you really want to experience the smells and sounds of the African bush, then this is the experience for you. The walks can be enjoyed by all levels of fitness and ages and can be tailor-made to suit your preferences. The birding walks are a perfect opportunity to add more species to your birding list. St Lucia possess more than half of South Africa’s total bird counts, including a number of endemic species. More than 528 different bird species can be seen in and around St Lucia Wetland park. Whether you are a beginner or advanced St Lucia and surrounds never cease to amaze with birding. Birding walks are done through two habitats to ensure maximum species seen.
Morning Walks : ETD 07h00 ETA 10h00 (Winter Departure)
ETD 06h00 ETA 09h00 (Summer Departure)
Afternoon Walks : ETD 15h00 ETA 18h00 (Winter Departure)
ETD 16h00 ETA 19h00 (Summer Departure)
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iSimangaliso Sunrise / Sunset Safaris – Eastern Shores
A Sunrise or Sunset drive on the Eastern Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. You will be collected from your accommodation in an open game viewer. Enjoy a game drive through the Eastern Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park for about 3 hours. Drinks will be served. Blankets will be provided in winter. You might see animals such as Hyena, Leopard, Buffalo, Kudu, Zebra, Hippo and Bush Pigs to name but a few. There is also an Elite option available for these tours (Max 6 guests on the back of the vehicle – guaranteed window seats, extra snack coolers with light snacks, extra water and a pair of binoculars per every 2 guests to use during the tour)
Sunrise Drive : ETD 06h00 ETA 09h00
ETD 07h00 ETA 10h00
Sunset Drive : ETD 15h00 ETA 18h00
( Mid March – Mid November )
ETD 16h00 ETA 19h00 ( Mid November – Mid March )
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Chameleon Night Drive 4 x 4 Safari
The Chameleon night drive is one of the most sought-after night drives in St Lucia.
The guide will collect you from your accommodation in St Lucia and you will travel into the 4 x 4 tracks of the Eastern shores of ISimangaliso.
The trip is ideal if you want to see nocturnal animals. They include, Hippo, Buffalo, Jackal, Hyena and various night time bird species such as Nightjars and Spotted Eagle owls. Your guide will make use of a spotlight to point out various sightings.
Chameleons abound, and the endemic Sitara’s Dwarf chameleon is a rare treat.
Your guide will also point out the various Chameleon species of the park. Conducted in an open safari vehicle with two spotlights.
The night drives definitely allow for a unique experience as you travel into the park at night.
Tour Details : Duration of tour : +- 3 hours
Trip departs : 20h00 pm
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Bicycle Tours
Always live on the bike side of life!
Anytime between sunrise and sunset (Min 2 persons). This is a 3 hour tour in and around St Lucia with a real Zulu Guide, Bird watching and general game viewing.
Refreshments included.
Tour Details : Duration of tour : +- 3 hours
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Crocodile Centre
Home to a variety of species from all corners of the globe, including Nile Crocodiles, dwarf crocodiles, long snouted alligators and other reptiles.
Along with displaying these animals, the Centre also provides extensive information about breeding, distribution, habitat and evolution.
A well-stocked curio shop offers and interesting selection of books and souvenirs.
Feeding Tours :
Saturdays at 13h30 and Sundays at 11h30
Mon – Fri 08h00 – 16h30
Sat 08h30 – 17h00
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Horseback Safari
Experience St Lucia on Horse back.
There are currently only a 2 hour bush ride or a 2,5 hour beach-only or a beach & game combo ride.
Upon arrival, the guests will be able to choose if they want to include a game ride, or ride on the beach only.
The beach ride takes you along the beach, from Main beach in St Lucia either North towards First rocks or South towards Estuary beach.
The ride is very scenic and some animals can be encountered along the way.
The bush rides starts at Iphiva camp and travels through into the game reserve.
You will be able to view some plain game on horse back.
Please note that no riders over 90kg will be able to do the horse riding.
No kids under the age of 8 on the beach ride for safety reasons.
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Deep Sea Fishing
If you are looking for something completely different, why not join one of the many fishing charters in St Lucia.
The boats launch off St Lucia beach at sunrise or just after. Your guide and skipper will show you all the ropes and the activity can be enjoyed by young and old alike.
Whether you are an old or new hand at fishing the trip is certain to bring some thrill into your life. All bait and tackle is supplied.
You will however need a fishing license which can be obtained from the local post office.
What you catch is yours to keep. The species list is diverse – Summer Fishing Species include Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, Wahoo, Cuda (King Mackerel) and Tuna.
Winter Deep Sea Fishing Species include Queen Mackerel, Tuna and Cuda (occasionally).
Tour Details : +- 5 hours
Trip departs : 05h00 am (Summer)
06h00 am (Winter)
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Rock and Surf / Fat Bike Fishing with Jeff
Whether you are looking for rock and surf fishing, spinning or Fly-fishing experienced guide Jeff Asherwood will be able to assist you.
You can be a beginner or experienced fisherman.
The fishing supports tag and release fishing. All gear , bait and tackle is supplied.
All weather depending trips.
A valid fishing license is also required (obtainable at the post office)
(Photo credit: Jeff Asherwood)
Tour Details :
+- 4 hours
Trip departs :
Weather depending
Equipment as well as bait and tackle included
If a fat bike is required, it can be rented.
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Cultural Tours
The cultural tour takes you into the Veyane cultural village 15 minutes outside of St Lucia town.
The tour takes you through the village, allows you to experience locally brewed beer, gives you a taste of local food and you will then experience a traditional Zulu dance with drumming.
If you want to experience local culture at its best then this is the tour for you.
You will be able to learn Zulu customs and culture.
The tour is very interactive and teaches you about the rich Zulu history in the area. You will also view locally made crafts and a quick visit to a local school.
Duration of tour: +- 3 hours
Beaches – St Lucia
There are a few good beach options when you come to the seaside village of St Lucia.
Whilst many people do walk to the beaches (in and around St Lucia) in the cool winter, we DO NOT recommend walking to the beaches in the summer months.
All the beaches around town have ample parking so it is recommended that you drive there or take the town shuttle.
The two beaches we recommend in town are Main Beach and Ingwe beach. Swimming here should be done with caution as the tides are strong.
If you are looking for a swimming beach – grab the car and head 35km North into the Eastern Shores of the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park.
The drive up affords the opportunity to view some game and the bay at Cape Vidal untamed and sheltered.
Snorkeling can be done at low tide with low wind conditions. The Indian Ocean temperature at St Lucia ranges between 20°C in mid-winter (June–July) to approximately 29°C in mid-summer (December–February).
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E – Bike Tours St Lucia
E – Bike Tours offers fully registered guided fat bike tours in St Lucia iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Come for an unforgettable experience by visiting the forest and the ocean on these state of the art electronic bicycles. Not really into fitness? No problem! Just press a button and the bicycle will do everything for you!
The very experienced guide will not only provide you with a lot of fun, but also with a very educational day out. You will learn a lot about St Lucia’s local history, culture and the fauna and flora!
This is truly a fun adventure !
( Ages 12 + only )
Maximum of 5 people
Duration of tour:
+- 3 hours
Exciting new Tour!!
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