Start your day with a 4-5 hour morning open vehicle safari into the world-renowned Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, about an hour's drive from St Lucia. Enjoy a picnic breakfast with a “sunrise” coffee and rusks in the African bush. Then continue your safari and enjoy whatever “Mother Nature” presents you. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is the oldest park in Africa. Steeped in history from back in the days when this area was the royal hunting grounds of great King Shaka Zulu. An incredible mosaic of wildlife, birds, and landscapes all woven into one huge tapestry…also home to Africa's iconic “Big 5” and the genetic home of every white rhino alive in the world today! Hands down, the most spectacular game reserve in South Africa…in our opinion anyway!
Returning to St Lucia for a lunch break (about 1,5 hours) on the covered veranda at Barraca restaurant looking out over McKenzie Street…or grab some snacks, stock up on some drinks and head directly into iSimangaliso Wetland Park for the afternoon. Totally up to you and you can arrangements with your guide, Sifiso, on the day! As you wind your way to the beach at Cape Vidal, you will be amazed at the incredible diversity of wildlife roaming this magical park. Feel free to bring along your own snacks and “sundowners” if you wish. Your guide will have the perfect spot for you to stop and enjoy them as you make your way out of the park. If you need a cooler bag with ice, let me know and I'll arrange it for you.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park - South Africa's first declared UNESCO World Heritage Site for Nature, just a short 5 minutes drive to the gate from virtually anywhere in St Lucia. Translated from the local Zulu language “iSimangaliso” means “place of miracle or wonder” - an incredibley diverse and enchanting park with this section being home to 4 of Africa's magnificent “Big 5”. Meandering between the St Lucia Estuary to the west, home to an estimated 1200 nile crocodiles and about 800 hippos and to the east, some of the highest vegetated sand dunes in the world until you reach the beautiful beach at Cape Vidal. Along the way you are treated to an abundance of plains game and spectacular birdlife. Spending some time exploring the pristine beach and marine environment, all the while completely surrounded by nature. Driving back to St Lucia is an exciting prospect as well because you get a second chance at spotting as much wildlife as possible as you make your way back out of iSimangaliso.
