Seven Things You Didn’t Know About St Lucia, South Africa

1. Hippos Roam the Streets at Night

No, it’s not a travel myth. St Lucia is the only town in South Africa where hippos regularly walk through residential streets, especially after sunset. With the St Lucia Estuary just steps away, hippos often leave the water to graze on the town’s grassy verges. It’s not uncommon to spot one ambling down the main road, right outside a restaurant or even in close proximity to Lidiko Lodge! (Just remember: look, don’t touch.)

2. Situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site

St Lucia is at the heart of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s very first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This protected area is one of the most biodiverse on the planet, home to everything from leatherback turtles and whale sharks to elephants and flamingos. It’s where marine, estuarine, wetland, and savannah ecosystems converge in one spectacular landscape.

3. You Can Safari and Snorkel in the Same Day

Where else can you spot rhinos in the morning and snorkel with tropical fish in the afternoon? In St Lucia, it’s possible. A short drive from town takes you to Cape Vidal, a stunning beach within iSimangaliso, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. On the way there, you’ll pass through bushland teeming with game like kudu, zebra, buffalo, elephant and even rhino.

4. It’s One of the Best Places in Africa for Birdwatching

Bird lovers, take note. With over 530 recorded bird species, including kingfishers, bee-eaters, fish eagles, and turacos, St Lucia is a paradise for birders. The tropical gardens at Lidiko Lodge are a haven for feathered visitors, making birdwatching as easy as stepping outside your room with a cup of coffee in hand.

5. It’s a Gateway to the Big 5

Just a 45 minute drive from St Lucia is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of Africa’s oldest game reserves and home to the Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Known for its conservation success, particularly with white rhinos, it offers guided game drives and self-drive safaris for a classic bush experience.

6. You Can See Both Southern Humpbacks and Whale Sharks

From June to November, humpback whales migrate along the coast, and boat-based whale-watching tours depart right from St Lucia. Later in the summer months, whale sharks and turtles appear, making the marine life here just as thrilling as the land-based wildlife.

7. St Lucia Is Small—But Full of Charm

With one main street, no traffic lights, and a laid-back, friendly vibe, St Lucia offers a refreshing and safe escape from city life. Yet it still has everything a traveler needs: great restaurants, shops, tour operators, and of course, the welcoming comfort of Lidiko Lodge, your peaceful base nestled in tropical gardens just a short stroll from it all.

Plan Your Visit to South Africa’s Best Kept Secret

Whether you're drawn by the hippos, the birdlife, the Big 5, or the rare opportunity to experience beach and bush in one holiday, St Lucia delivers something truly unique. And there’s no better way to experience it than with a stay at Lidiko Lodge, where nature and comfort go hand in hand.

Ready to discover the wonders of St Lucia for yourself?