South Africa · Boating

ST Lucia ISimangaliso Boat Safari

10 Hours Round trip from Durban Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Full-day trip from Durban to St Lucia and iSimangaliso Wetland Park
02 Guided 2-hour estuary boat safari
03 Explore South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Site
04 Look out for hippos, crocodiles, birdlife, and other wildlife
05 Free time for lunch in the town of St Lucia
06 Visit the beach area before returning to Durban

Travel north from Durban to St Lucia and discover the remarkable iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Site. This full-day experience combines scenic coastal travel with a guided 2-hour estuary boat safari, where you can learn about the reserve’s history and look out for its rich wildlife and birdlife.

Formerly known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, this vast protected area is celebrated for its biodiversity, near-pristine coastline, and striking natural scenery. After your boat tour, enjoy free time in the town of St Lucia for lunch and a browse among local street vendors, then visit the beach area before returning to Durban.

Travel north from Durban to St Lucia and discover the remarkable iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Site.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Durban, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Languages English, French, Greek, Polish, Portuguese

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

ST Lucia ISimangaliso Boat Safari

The tour departs from Durban heading northward along the coast to northern KwaZulu-Natal. The first stop is the town of St Lucia and the estuary
inside the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. There you will board a river boat for a 2 hours guided tour of the estuary. The local guide will inform you of the reserves history and its incredible wildlife.

The iSimangaliso Wetlands Park was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site in 1999. Previously known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, the UNESCO site dates back over 120 years. Established in 1895 the reserve is considered South Africa's third largest park with its’ unique ecosystem spanning over 280km of near pristine coastline and 328 000 hectares more magnificent scenery. The protected area is home to one of the largest population of hippopotami in SA as well as an estimated 1000 crocodiles. Isimagaliso has a wealth of plant, bird and animal life, including lion, zebra, African elephant, leopard, giraffe, black and southern white rhino and fish eagles.

After the boat tour, you will travel to the town of St Lucia for lunch and shopping at the local street vendors. After Lunch the tour guide will show you the beach area before heading back to Durban.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Durban 2 cities · 10 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

National Park fees entrance fees
Professional tour guide,
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off (selected hotels) within a 5km radius from Tropicana hotel
Entry/Admission - iSimangaliso Wetland Park

What's Not Included

Food and drinks: however opportunity is provided to buy something to eat and relax

Know before you go

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Collection and drop off from Durban in an Air-conditioned vehicle
Included : All entrance fees to all attractions and Qualified Tour Guide
Excluded : Lunch not included
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Wear : comfortable clothes, shoes , jackets, and hut and sunscreen.
For special pick-up arrangement contact
If the last minutes booking is 5:00 pm, kindly contact by
We also do pick-up at the Durban Harbour Passenger Terminal / Richards Bay Terminal or any pick-up at a 5km radius from Tropicana hotel (Durban)
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION: Pickup & drop off service with in a 5km radius of 1st Zulu Safaris office at Gooderson Tropicana Hotel, 85 OR Tambo Parade, Durban. If you are out of our pickup radius, special arrangements can be made to pick you up at your location of choice
DEPARTURE TIME: 06:30 AM
RETURN TIME: 07:00 PM
WEAR: Comfortable clothing and shoes, hat, sunscreen, jacket.
LOCATION: iSimagaliso Wetlands Park, KwaZulu-Natal
AGE: All ages welcome
DATES: All year round
TRAVELER TYPE: Single or Per Person Sharing