Before you go

Your trip to St. Lucia.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

St. Lucia – KwaZulu-Natal Destination iSimangaliso and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi

How to get there

Aeroporto Internacional King Shaka (DUR) La Mercy · 230 km
Aeroporto de Richards Bay (RCB) Richards Bay · 80 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before buying. International flights arrive in Johannesburg (JNB), and there are domestic flights to King Shaka International Airport (DUR), about 230 km via the N2, roughly 2.5 hours, and to Richards Bay (RCB), about 80 km. Transfers operate from Durban.

How many days

Three days for the estuary boat trip, Cape Vidal and a safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. Those who want to relax on the beach usually stay longer.

When to go

Winter, from May to September, is dry and mild, with humpback whales passing offshore. From November to March there is turtle nesting, with hot and rainy weather.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Yes, for Cape Vidal and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. In the village, the estuary boat trip and the restaurants are within walking distance.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in St. Lucia

Morning
Boat on the estuary
Take the estuary boat trip to see hippos, crocodiles and birds.
Afternoon
Cape Vidal
Follow the park road to Cape Vidal, stopping at the lake viewpoints and picnic areas.
Late afternoon
Return through the park
Drive back slowly, watching for animals on the road, and exit before the gate closes.
Evening
Dinner in the village
Dine in the village and be aware of hippos grazing on the lawns.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What to do in St. Lucia?

Estuary boat trip, a day at Cape Vidal, safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and, in season, whale and turtle watching.

Do hippos walk through the village of St. Lucia?

Yes, it’s common to see them at night on the lawns. Keep your distance and never position yourself between the animal and the water.

How far is St. Lucia from Durban?

About 230 km from Durban airport, roughly 2.5 hours via the N2.

Can you swim in the sea at St. Lucia?

At the village beaches the sea is open and strong; for swimming, Cape Vidal has more sheltered sections near the reef.

Back to St. Lucia