St Lucia is the buzzing gateway town at the southern end of the Route22 Elephant Coast route, sitting right on the edge of the St Lucia estuary inside iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It is famous for the hippos and crocodiles in its waterways — you'll often see hippos wandering the streets at night — and for being the launch point for boat cruises, beaches and safaris.
Hippo & crocodile boat cruises
The classic thing to do in St Lucia is an estuary boat cruise to see hippos and Nile crocodiles up close, along with pelicans, fish eagles and other waterbirds. Cruises run daily and are one of the most popular and family-friendly activities on the whole Elephant Coast.
Beaches, Cape Vidal & things to do
Beyond the estuary, St Lucia is the springboard for Cape Vidal's swimming and snorkelling beaches, the iSimangaliso Eastern Shores game drive (with elephant, rhino, buffalo and zebra), whale watching in season, turtle tours in summer and coastal walks. The town itself has restaurants, shops and tour operators.
Accommodation in St Lucia
St Lucia offers the widest choice of accommodation on the southern route — guesthouses, self-catering, B&Bs and lodges to suit every budget. Book a base here for at least two nights to cover both the estuary and Cape Vidal; compare stays in the Route22 directory.
Planning a visit to St Lucia?
Find lodges, camps, tours and activities near St Lucia in the Route22 directory — or list your own business on the route.