• St Lucia
    St Lucia

St Lucia - Place of Wonder

Nestled along South Africa’s wild coast, the St. Lucia region is a treasure trove of biodiversity — from majestic elephants and powerful rhinos to the giant humpback whales that grace our shores during the winter and spring months. And then, just when you think you’ve seen it all — something magical happens in St. Lucia.

St. Lucia offers more than just wildlife sightings — it offers immersive experiences. Explore the wilderness on open-vehicle safaris, self-guided walking trails, or snorkel along the vibrant, protected reefs at Cape Vidal. The region is home to the world’s highest vegetated dunes, sprawling wetlands, and coastal grasslands teeming with life — including Africa’s highest density of reedbuck.

Bird lovers will be in paradise here, with an astonishing array of waterfowl, forest birds, grassland species, and coastal seabirds attracting birdwatchers from across the globe.

  • Eco-adventures abound
  • Game drives
  • Night safaris
  • Turtle tours (Nov–Mar)
  • Whale watching (June–Nov)
  • Fishing and boat cruises
  • Guided or self-guided hikes through lush coastal forests
  • Guided bike tours
  • Visits to the nearby St. Lucia Crocodile Center
  • And so on!

Explore all activities 

And then, just when you think you’ve seen it all — something magical happens...

A Village Where Hippos Roam Free

In the heart of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — lies the charming village of St. Lucia. Here, nature doesn’t stay in the bush; it strolls right through the streets.

Every evening, as the golden sun dips below the horizon and the heat softens, hippos emerge from the estuary and wander into town. With their slow, swaying gait, they pass cafés, cross the main street, and nibble at lawns as if they own the place. And in a way, they do.

In St. Lucia, people and wildlife coexist in rare harmony. Locals calmly shine their torches to guide these massive visitors, saying gently: “Let them pass — they’re just out for a snack.”

For children, it’s a living fairytale. For photographers, a dream. For travellers, a story they’ll tell for a lifetime.
And for the hippos? Just another stroll through their village.

Hippo's in St Lucia - near Afrikhaya Guest House

Stay at Afrikhaya Guest House — Your Gateway to the Elephant Coast

Discover an outdoor paradise where adventure meets tranquility. From world-class safaris to moonlit hippo sightings, every day in St. Lucia is full of wonder.

As Nelson Mandela once said:
“The St. Lucia Wetland Park must be the only place on the globe where the world’s oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest terrestrial mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the whale).”

Visit Afrikhaya — and let nature come to you.

Book your stay now!