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Provincial Game Reserves/ Beaches
St Lucia Estuary
Province: Kwazulu Natal
Region: Zululand
Main Attractions: World Heritage Site
St Lucia Estuary is one of the tourism focal points of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a recently declared World Heritage Site. The Park comprises a number of conservation areas, the oldest of which is the St Lucia Game Reserve, established in 1895.
St Lucia Estuary is the gateway to the Eastern Shores of Lake St Lucia. The region contains the highest vegetated dunes in the world, extensive and diverse wetland systems, as well as coastal grasslands with an associated fauna which includes the Africa's highest density of common reedbuck. Numerous waterfowl, grassland, forest and sea birds provide an attraction to birdwatchers from around the world.
Tourist amenities include fishing , the Santa Lucia boat tour, the St Lucia Crocodile Centre, and a short self-guided trail through the coastal forest along the edge of the estuary. Caution is necessary when surfing or swimming in the sea as there are no shark nets. Swimming in the lake is prohibited due the presence of crocodiles. Malaria precautions are necessary. Accommodation is provided at St Lucia Estuary in three camping and caravanning grounds.
Sugarloaf.
This probably has the best position in St. Lucia. It is situated on the bank of the St. Lucia Estuary within walking distance of the estuary mouth and the beach. This makes for an ideal spot for any fisherman for both estuary and surf fishing. This is also an ideal area for keen birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts as the estuary habitat has many bird and animal species.
The campsite consists of 92 large and shady sites all containing electric plug points. Four well maintained ablution facilities serve these sites. A large swimming pool is concealed amongst the trees providing an excellent sheltered picnic facility for those windy days. Apart from the swimming pool, children also have access to a jungle gym where new friends can be made. The campsite has a 24 hour entrance gate control to ensure the safety of your belongings whilst you are out exploring the area.
Eden Park.
This is a much smaller campsite which makes it very special for the person who wants to get away from the masses. This campsite is situated within a little forest with the four kilometre Gwalagwala hiking trail meandering around the campsite. The trail derived its name from the Purple Crested Lourie which is found within this forest and is one of 63 bird species recorded here. This campsite has twenty shady sites equipped with electricity.
ACCOMMODATION
There are three caravanning and camping grounds. Sugarloaf Campsite has 92 large shady sites which accommodate caravans and tents, each with barbecue facilities and plug points.
The camp has a swimming pool with a picnic facility and 24 hour entrance-gate control. The modern ablutions have hot and cold running water, flush toilets, laundry and dishwashing facilities.
Eden Park situated in a small forest with twenty electrified sites and Iphiva campsite, near the Crocodile Centre has 88 shady sites, non electrified, hot and cold water ablutions with flush toilets and dishwashing and laundry facilities.Tel: (035) 590 1340 and Fax: (035) 590 1343.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Gate Opening and Closing Times: 24 hours a day
Office Hours:
The office is open from 08h00 to 16h30
Camp Telephone Number: (035) 5901340
Camp Fax: (035) 5901343
Facilities:
Boat tours on the St Lucia launch up the estuary narrows.
Special Precautions:
St Lucia is in a malaria area and special precautions are necessary.
No swimming is allowed in the estuary because of crocodiles.
The nearest town which has a full range of services is Mtubatuba which is 25 kms away.
How to get there:
Turn off the N2 into Mtubatuba and follow the signs through town and on 25 kilometres to St Lucia.
Pets are not permitted into the reserve.
Concessions:
Education groups from KwaZulu-Natal are admitted free to the reserve.
Facilities for people with disabilities: Nil
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