Top St Lucia Outdoor Activities

Maximize your chances of spotting the “Big Five”, as well as wild dogs and cheetahs by visiting Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park with a game ranger. Board open-air safari vehicles directly from your St. Lucia hotel and set off as the sun rises and the bush begins to come alive. Snap photos of African wildlife from up close and learn about how this park brought back the rhino population in the 1960s.

Our whale watching experience stands out through a combination of professionalism, compliance, and authentic ocean adventure. We are fully licensed boat-based whale watching operators, adhering strictly to marine conservation and approach regulations to ensure responsible and sustainable wildlife encounters. In St Lucia, the experience includes an exhilarating surf launch directly from the beach, adding a sense of adventure before heading into open ocean waters where whales migrate close to shore. Our experienced skippers and qualified marine guides offer informative, engaging commentary, ensuring the experience is both educational and memorable. We operate purpose-built vessels designed for safety, comfort, and optimal viewing. Above all, we focus on delivering a respectful, conservation-driven marine experience that prioritises both guest safety and the protection of these magnificent animals.

Nature and wildlife fans—this is the tour for you. Spend a day at iSimangaliso Wetland Park and learn fascinating insights about its wildlife from a ranger who accompanies you. Then, if the weather and tide allows it, you can go snorkeling at Cape Vidal. Once you’ve built up an appetite, there’s no need to worry about searching for a restaurant, as a picnic lunch is included with a scenic view.

Embark on a game drive in South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park when animals are most active when you book this sunset game drive. After pickup from your St. Lucia hotel, join a small group for your journey into the bush during the golden hour. Animals you might spot include leopards, buffalo, elephants, rhinos, zebras, and several species of antelope.

Small-Group Big 5 Safari into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park with only 6 guests per safari vehicle: Bush Breakfast, Traditional Braai (BBQ), and an experienced Heritage Ranger at the wheel. Embark on a exhilarating adventure with our exclusive "Six on Safari", tailored for a maximum of six guests, Guaranteed window seat and uninterrupted views of the wild. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa. This 96000 hectare Park is home to the African Big 5, Wild Dogs, Cheetah and much more. All of our rangers have numerous years of experience in their respective fields and will undoubtedly ensure that you have a marvelous day out on your Full-Day Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Safari. We have 23 years of experience in the tourism industry and we would be delighted to host you on this magnificent safari.

Explore the stunning contrasts of Isimangaliso Wetland Park with two safari drives that take you through lush grasslands and ancient sand & dune forests to the pristine beaches at Cape Vidal. This unique experience combines a wildlife experience in the heart of the Zululand bush with the incredible untamed beauty of the South African coastline. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this safari offers opportunities to encounter diverse wildlife in their natural habitats while enjoying the stunning scenery of the park. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and biodiversity of South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Enjoy two safari drives in one incredible tour - Experience both bush and beach environments - Ideal for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers - Discover the unique biodiversity of Isimangaliso Wetland Park

If your time in St. Lucia is limited and you want to explore the natural world—both on the ground and underwater—then this action-packed day of activities is the one for you. Join a guide on a safari adventure to discover the eco-diversity of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Look out for chameleons, elephants, hyenas, leopards, zebras, and more; then, go snorkeling in an area that’s home to over 50 species of fish.

This tour is suitable for solo travelers, families, groups, etc. The close and personal encounters as you watch from your boat gives a unique experience in one of Africa's most biodiverse environments. As you navigate the serene waters, you’ll witness hippos surfacing just meters from the boat and crocodiles stealthily gliding through the water or sunning themselves on the banks. The knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the behavior and ecology of these animals, making the experience both thrilling and educational. A great tour for all.

Experience one of South Africa’s most wildlife-rich estuaries from the comfort of a spacious double-deck cruise boat. This guided boat safari takes you deep into the breathtaking waters of the St Lucia. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the cruise offers fascinating insights into the estuary’s unique ecosystem while bringing you up close to some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife. Watch pods of hippos surface just meters from the boat, spot Nile crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and keep your camera ready for the incredible birdlife that calls this wetland home. The relaxed pace of the cruise allows plenty of time for photography and wildlife viewing, while the elevated deck ensures unobstructed panoramic views of the estuary’s lush surroundings. With experienced skippers who know the waterways intimately, every trip offers excellent opportunities for sightings.

Imagine witnessing Leopard stalking, Elephants close by or Hippos grazing. A Night Drive Safari offers some truly amazing thrills and sightings.

Wherever you are in the Zulu Kingdom you are no more than 3 hours from Africa’s iconic Big 5. Today, however, you shall be a whole lot closer. It is a 05h00 start. As you know wildlife, especially predators, are most active around dawn and dusk. The Big 5 Bucketlist Safari gives you the best chance to see the Big 5 on a day tour within KwaZulu Natal. Enter into a Premier Private Game Reserve and meet your knowledgeable ranger. Listen to a briefing on game drive etiquette before you start your 3 hour morning safari. Your ranger will track wildlife while keeping tabs on sightings throughout the reserve giving you the best chance to be in the right place at the right time. This reserve only permits travellers staying at their luxury lodges to traverse the park, unless you’re with us of course. Time for lunch. After lunch we’re heading deeper into the reserve. Embark on another 3 hour game drive focusing on different game. At approximately 16h00 we will depart for Durban.

Two iconic safari experiences. One unforgettable night. This isn't a bus tour — it's a bespoke wildlife adventure led by expert guides in one of Africa's most biodiverse corners. Witness hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles on a guided estuary cruise, then rise before dawn for a Big 5 game drive through Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. With 4-star accommodation, all gate fees, and conservation levies included, everything is taken care of — so you can simply lose yourself in the wild.

Your safari day is split into 2 halves exploring this magnificent park. The morning will take you through to Cape Vidal beach in an open safari vehicle. This section of the park, the "Eastern Shores" is a spectacular wildlife experience with 4 of Africa's "Big 5" roaming the bush. Arriving for a sunrise coffee & rusks and a light pre-packed breakfast before exploring the most pristine, unspoiled beaches you'll find anywhere! Leaving Cape Vidal you wild your way back to St Lucia for lunch along the same route you came in on. One of the unique features of visiting here is that you get a second chance to search the bush for wildlife! In reality a double safari experience with a beach break in the middle for lunch in St Lucia for your account. Now you see the park you've driven through in the morning from a completely different perspective as you glide past hippo pods and nile crocodiles to end the day.

Join us on a unforgettable 3-day, 2 -Night Safari Adventure from St Lucia. With 22 years of expertise and a passion for the wild, our experienced guides will take you on a journey of discovery and awe. Explore the stunning Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, teeming with diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy 4 star accommodations, delicious meals and thrilling open safari game drives. Let us share our knowledge and love for Africas incredible natural beauty with you. Book your safari package today and create lifelong memories. Hluhluwe/St Lucia/iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Safari For Six is a boutique safari company based in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, specialising in intimate, small-group safaris with no more than six guests per vehicle. We offer carefully curated wildlife experiences in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, guided by professionals who prioritise quality, flexibility, and genuine connection over volume tourism. Our safaris are unhurried, personal, and designed to adapt to each guest because no two safari dreams are the same. As a women-owned, locally rooted operator, we are committed to ethical guiding, conservation respect, and authentic engagement with our region. Expect thoughtful pacing, knowledgeable guiding, and space to truly experience Africa not just photograph it. Safari For Six is ideal for travellers seeking a premium, personal safari experience in a small-group setting. Your Story. Your Safari.

With over 22 years of experience in crafting unforgettable safari experiences. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi park with our expert guides in a open safari vehicle. Enjoy a bush breakfast surrounded by natures splendor.

A fairly early start to the day is needed to drive to the wonderful Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Home to the majestic Big 5 plus some delightful extras such as cheetahs, wild dogs, zebra and giraffes. Any budding little David Attenborough or Steve Irwin will enjoy exploring the landscape and learning about eco-systems, rhino conservation and plants all whilst searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, kudu, vultures and many more African creatures only seen on television or in books. A junior Rangers dream!

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa. This 96000 hectare Park is home to the African Big 5, Wild Dogs, Cheetah and much more. Historically this is also the Park that single-handedly saved the Rhinos from near extinction in the '60s when less than 100 Rhinos roamed the planet. King Shaka also made use of the southern section (Umfolozi) as his personal hunting grounds in days gone by. This park not only offers the most magical sights and sounds but some fascinating historical facts. All of our rangers have numerous years of experience in their respective fields and will undoubtedly ensure that you have a marvelous day out on your Full-Day PRIVATE Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Safari.

We start early morning to the world renowned Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park! 96000 hectares of inspoilt wilderness, rolling hills, ever changing landscapes open savanna and of of course unending wildlife viewing, including the renowned African "Big 5"...But the aprk offer real nature lovers such incredible diversity and your guide will point out some of the lesser, yet equally as facsinating creatures that all together create dynamic habitat. After enjoying a sunrise coffee & rusks with your pre-packed breakfast, you weave through the park towards the exit and a drive to Barraca Restaurant in St Lucia for lunch... After a relaxed lunch your will be driven to Siyabonga Jetty where your Shoreline Sunset Boat Cruise will start from. You now get a chance to see the magnificent iSimangaliso Wetland Park from a very different perspective as you glide past hippo pods and nile crocodiles relaxing and unwinding at the end of an exhilirating day and an African Sunset over the bush!

iSimangaliso - as the name so aptly translates from the local Zulu language means "Place of miracle or wonder". Home to about 800 hippos and 1200 Nile crocodiles inhabiting the estuary systems thoughout the park. The natural diversity of animal, plant and birdlife is simply mind-blowing. South Africa's first declared UNESCO World Heritage Site for Nature in 1999 and has 4 proclaimed RAMSAR Sites in the park boundry. This extensive wilderness runs 220km along the coast from Maphelane, just south of St Lucia to the border with Mozambique at Kosi Bay Mouth. From St Lucia we can only venture 30km into the park to the beautiful beach at Cape Vidal where you can explore the rock pools, miles of unspoilt beach and the warm Indian Ocean. The "wow" factor making a visit to iSimangaliso is that you have a safari experience all the way to the beach and then have second safari on your way out of the park again! A truly unique, once in a lifetime safari experience!

A fantastic flexible option to experience both of KwaZulu-Natal's iconic parks - on one day! You can decide which of the two parks you visit first. Let's start with the oldest park in Africa and the genetic home of all white rhinos alive in the world today - the magnificent Big 5 Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Winding along the dirt roads and through the bush you will be treated to a spectacle of fascinating wildlife, from the smallest creatures, bugs and birds to possibly all of the Big 5. It's never a guarantee, but they are out there somewhere! Heading back to St Lucia, you can decide to have lunch at Barraca which may take up some of your iSimangaliso Wetland Park visit or take a stroll through St Lucia and grab a quick bite and some snacks before heading off through the park to the beach at Cape Vidal! Your guide will drop you at your accommodation to freshen up, or he can drop you directly at Barraca for dinner!