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St Lucia Estuary

KwaZulu-Natal  >  South Africa

A river lined with mangroves, a lot of birds and also hippos and crocodiles.

Added* by Remko Harbers
Most recent update 11 lokakuu 2025

Description

The St Lucia Estuary is a vast, biodiverse wetland system on South Africa’s east coast. The estuary is part of the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It features a mosaic of ecosystems, from coastal dunes and mangrove swamps to savannas and freshwater lakes. The estuary itself teems with life, hosting large populations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and numerous fish species, while its surrounding wetlands and forests attract over 400 bird species, including African Fish-eagle, African Darter, Pink-backed Pelican, Great White Pelican, Greater Flamingo and Lesser Flamingo.

Details

Access

From the town of St. Lucia, exploring the estuary is an easy and nice experience with a guided boat tour. You cannot travel here by yourself using car, etc. You can arrange these tours in the town of St Lucia. Once aboard, you’ll glide quietly along the calm waters of the estuary while the guide points out hippos, crocodiles, and a wide range of birdlife. The tours follow safe, well-marked channels and move at a relaxed pace, allowing for great photo opportunities.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , River , Reedbeds

Conditions

Flat , Wet

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Difficulty walking trail

Accessible by

Boat

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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