Day 1 – Arrival in St. Lucia and the wetlands
Thanks to its location, St. Lucia has grown into a popular base, close to both safari areas and the diverse landscapes of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This vast UNESCO-protected area stretches all the way to the Mozambique border, with a mix of grassy plains, wetlands, lakes and bush. Settle into your charming guesthouse, tucked into a quiet street and surrounded by lush tropical gardens with peaceful koi ponds and a refreshing swimming pool to can cool off in after the journey. Spend your first evening watching the sunset from the garden, and then venture into town for dinner, where you’ll find a handful of local restaurants to choose from.
Day 2 – Hippo boat safari
Venture out onto the water today, as you get to experience a new side to South Africa with a whole new mix of wildlife waiting to be discovered. Alongside a small group of other travellers, you will board a boat in search of hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birdlife. Large groups of hippo spend most of the day submerged to keep cool, so keep your eyes peeled for eyes, ears and noses poking out above the surface, the occasional wide yawn or splash. Their movements can be unpredictable, and they disappear as quickly as they appear, so keeping track of them can be a challenge. Thankfully, your guide has lots of experience reading the water and will help you to spot these majestic animals.
Day 3 – Free time in St. Lucia
We have left today free for you to explore as you wish. If you’re looking for more safari time, head to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park for another chance to spot the Big Five. Or, if you’d like some family beach time, Cape Vidal is well worth a visit with wide open stretches of sand along the Indian Ocean, ideal for snorkelling and bodyboarding. You can easily rent equipment locally and discover the vibrant underwater world just offshore.
Day 4 – Departure from St. Lucia
Sadly, it’s time to leave St. Lucia behind and continue on your family journey through South Africa. You could head towards Umhlanga near Durban, where you can explore the coastline, cycle along the promenade and splash around in the warm Indian Ocean waters.
Accommodation
