St Lucia Tours and Safaris 

St. Lucia, situated on the northeast coast of South Africa, lies within the boundaries of the esteemed UNESCO World Heritage site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Originally named "Rio de la Medaos do Oura" ("River of the Dows of Gold") by survivors of the Portuguese ship Saint Benedict, the name was later altered to St. Lucia. In 1822, the British officially designated St. Lucia as a township. The region is steeped in both environmental and cultural history. 

Originally, the town began as a modest fishing village, attracting visitors from across South Africa eager to explore its abundant fishing waters. Over the years, with the rise of ecotourism, we now welcome travelers from every corner of the globe. The town is located near one of Africa's largest populations of free-roaming hippos, which continue to venture into the town each night to graze on the lush grass planted by town residence.

Renowned as the gateway to wildlife in South Africa, St. Lucia is an extraordinary town. On the eastern side lies iSimangaliso Wetland Park, bordered by the magnificent Indian Ocean, while the western area features the undulating hills of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. St. Lucia serves as an ideal central hub for exploring the surrounding region, with numerous attractions just a stone's throw away.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is South Africa’s first designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, officially recognized in 1999, although its historical roots as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park trace back to the late 1880s. Over the years, the park has experienced significant growth and the successful reintroduction of wildlife that had previously been over hunted in the region.

The Eastern and Western Shores, known as Cape Vidal and Dukuduku respectively, now proudly host four of the Big Five, excluding lions. The park's beach areas remain unspoiled and natural, with Mission Rocks and Cape Vidal being particularly popular destinations for both visitors and locals. Coastal dune forests accentuate the beach, providing a habitat for some of the most spectacular birdlife in the region. Currently, iSimangaliso Park is home to over 65% of the southern African bird population within its boundaries.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, situated west of St. Lucia, is acclaimed as one of the oldest wildlife parks in Africa. Many regard it as one of the most picturesque parks to visit, distinguished by its unique landscape and rich historical significance that set it apart from other parks in Southern Africa. Notably, it is the site of Operation White Rhino, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by Dr. Ian Player in the 1960s aimed at rescuing the Southern White Rhino from near extinction.

Today, the park is home to a substantial population of both black and white rhinoceroses and has reintroduced programs to combat the illegal poaching of these magnificent creatures. Recently, majority of the rhinos in the park have undergone dehorning as a protective measure against the dire illegal trade in rhino horns. The park has a very unique history and fauna and flora and Furthermore, hosts a thriving population of lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and leopards, all of which can be observed during safari tours.