ST LUCIA ESTUARY - OVERVIEW

 
St Lucia Estuary is one of the tourism focal points of the iSimangaliso 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. 

Santa Lucia
Launch tours on the KZN Wildlife launch are run on a daily basis, leaving the jetty next to the bridge over the Narrows just before entering St Lucia town. There are a number of trips that leave at specific times each day.
Booking can be done at the KZN Wildlife office in St Lucia or by phoning 035 5901340/341/345/346 or by e-mailing groblerl@kznwildlife.com or frankell@kznwildlife.com
Costs for the year 1st November 2005 to 31st October 2006 are R90.00 per adult, R45.00 per child 15 and under and R65.00 for a South African pensioner.
Crocs, hippos, and a variety of estuarine wildlife associated with mangroves can be seen from the launch as well as a selection of birdlife typical of that habitat.