Situated along KwaZulu-Natal’s east coast, St Lucia is a small but beautiful village that is loved for its natural beauty, outdoor experiences and wildlife viewing opportunities.
In this post, we look at the ten best things to do in St Lucia with kids:
#1 Experience iSimangaliso Wetland Park
One of the best places in St Lucia for families to enjoy is iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This beautiful, protected park offers the best in nature experiences and untamed beauty.
Here, you can enjoy everything from 200 km of pristine, beautiful beaches to estuary boat cruises and even magical horse rides.
And that’s before you even factor in the incredible game drives, birdwatching, whalewatching and other experiences that are sure to enthrall the whole family.
For more information on this amazing park, its offerings and entry fees, please contact park management directly or visit their website.
Contact: +27 (035) 590 1633/1602, info@isimangaliso.com
Website: isimangaliso.com
Address: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia, KZN, South Africa.
#2 Explore Veyane Cultural Village
If you are seeking a unique cultural experience that educates and enlightens the whole family, Veyane Cultural Village is the place to go.
Guests can enjoy a tour of Veyane Village, heading into the heart of a real, working Zulu community where traditions and modern life come together beautifully.
Here, you can experience contemporary Zulu village life; learn about the natural history of the Zulu people; see Zulu beadworkers and weavers at work (and even try your hand at these traditional arts yourself) and be entertained by excellent dancers and musicians.
The village also offers accommodation and meals. You can choose from a modern house or one of the thirty traditional beehive huts.
For more information, please contact Veyane Cultural Village directly or visit their website.
Contact: +27 (072) 712 6098 or 073 026 8452, info@veyane.co.za
Website: www.veyane.co.za
Address: Veyane Cultural Village, Dukuduku Khula Village, next to Simunye Information Centre, St Lucia, KZN, South Africa.
#3 Go Birdwatching
One of the most incredible activities to enjoy in iSimangaliso Wetland Park is birdwatching. This can be great fun for families – teach the little ones all about the different bird species and see how many you can spot together.
Given that the park is home to some 530 recorded bird species, you should enjoy some pretty epic birdwatching.
The uMkhuze section of the park is especially excellent for birdwatching and contains some 420 recorded species. It is also one of South Africa’s only pelican nesting sites.
Contact: +27 (035) 590 1633/1602, info@isimangaliso.com
Website: isimangaliso.com
Address: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia, KZN, South Africa.
#4 Go Riding with Bhangazi Horse Safaris
Horse riding is one of the best activities to enjoy in and around St Lucia. Not only is the scenery amazing but it provides you with a chance to really experience the wildlife and pristine beauty at a slower pace.
There are a number of tour providers in the area but one of the best is Bhangazi Horse Safaris. They welcome riders over the age of six and under 85 kg so it means the whole family can essentially get in on the fun.
Guests can choose from beach-and-game or beach-only; game rides or special rides for things like proposals or weddings etc.
For more information on their tour policies, pricing and safety requirements, please contact them directly or visit their website.
Contact: info@horsesafari.co.za
Website: www.bhangazihorsesafaris.com
Address: Bhangazi Horse Safaris, iPhiva Camp, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia, KZN, South Africa.
#5 Enjoy a Stroll on Ingwe Beach
If you love peaceful beach strolls, Ingwe Beach is perfect for this. This scenic beach offers stunning ocean views, public toilets and amazing stretches of pristine, smooth sand.
There are no lifeguards on duty here so the beach is not a swimming beach. It is primarily used for boat launching and fishing, though there are strict regulations and rules around these activities too.
Contact: N/A
Website: N/A
Address: Ingwe Beach, St Lucia, KZN, South Africa.
#6 Visit Cape Vidal
Another gem found within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Cape Vidal is another local attraction for families to enjoy. This beautiful reserve offers everything from lovely accommodation to swimming, sport fishing, snorkelling and even self-drive routes for gameviewing.
For water babies, Cape Vidal offers a selection of rock pools and sheltered beaches that are surrounded by the park’s wetlands and coastal forests.
Note: Cape Vidal falls within a protected region so there are strict rules around activities and general visits.
Contact: : +27 (035) 590 1555, info@stlucia.co.za
Website: stluciasouthafrica.com/cape-vidal-south-africa
Address: Cape Vidal, St Lucia, KZN, South Africa.
#7 Hike the Igwala Gwala Forest Trail
If your family enjoys hikes and nature walks, why not try the delightful Igwala Gwala Forest Trail?
This self-guided forest trail, otherwise known as ‘lovers’ lane’ is named after the purple crested turaco, which is often seen in the forest here.
The trail begins in the main road before leading into the forest (also known as Eden Park). This trail is free to enjoy and no bookings are necessary.
It is family- and dog-friendly so everyone can join in on the adventure!
Contact: : +27 (035) 590 1555
Website: www.kzn.co.za
Address: Igwala Gwala Forest Trail, St Lucia, KZN, South Africa.
#8 Embark on a Boat Cruise on Lake St Lucia
Enjoy a ferry or boat ride on the breathtaking Lake St Lucia, where you can soak up amazing natural beauty and see everything from hippos to crocodiles out on the water.
Other highlights include the rich birdlife that frequents the area. These include fish eagles, herons and kingfishers to name a few of the most commonly sited birds.
There are numerous tour operators to choose from – so pick the one that works best for you!
Contact: +27 (035) 590 1633/1602, info@isimangaliso.com
Website: isimangaliso.com
Address: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia, KZN, South Africa.
#9 Stroll the Estuary Boardwalk
Another local highlight is the beautiful boardwalk from Sugar Loaf campsite down to Estuary Beach.
This wooden, pedestrian walkway navigates through bogs, sandy areas and even marshy wetlands, making it a fascinating outing for all ages to enjoy.
As you walk, take in the local scenery, educate your kids on the importance of protecting nature (especially this delicate ecosystem) and look out for different wildlife and birdlife.
Contact: N/A
Website: N/A
Address: Estuary Boardwalk, St Lucia, KZN, South Africa.
#10 Experience Boat-based Whalewatching
As whales are often sighted off the coast of iSimangaliso, this is another unmissable attraction for families to enjoy in the region.
During their annual, seasonal migration, several whale species pass by the KZN coastline, making this a wonderful seasonal experience.
Happily, there are several tour operators in the area; they can assist you with this exciting water-based adventure.
Contact: +27 (035) 590 1633/1602, info@isimangaliso.com
Website: isimangaliso.com
Address: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia, KZN, South Africa.
These are just ten of the best things to do with kids in stunning St Lucia. Which are you most excited to try?
Book your St Lucia holiday today!