• If you've been searching for paradise your entire life to no avail, it could be time that you embark on the road trip of a lifetime to the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park on the east coast of South Africa. Situated on the North Coast of KwaZulu Natal, approximately 240 km from Durban and only 189 km from the Mozambique border, the park, which encompasses Lake St Lucia as well as the pint-sized town of St Lucia is without a doubt one of the most beautiful in the country. The prolific wildlife and majestic Estuarine landscapes are just two of countless reasons why your next road trips should take you to St Lucia.

    Getting ready for your road trip to St Lucia

    Due to the fact that St Lucia lies in a region that carries a low malaria risk, it's important to consult with your doctor prior to your road trip to determine whether malaria prophylactics will be required. If you are traveling in the summer, it's important to pack a range of lightweight long-sleeve shirts and long pants to prevent the mosquitoes from biting you. A mosquito net and mosquito repellent are also very worthy investments. Apart from mosquito-proofing yourself, you also want to ensure that your vehicle is trustworthy and that you've had everything including the tires, windows, brakes, and fluids checked prior to your departure.

    Plenty to see and plenty to do

    There are very few road-tripping destinations in Africa that will provide you with the same amount of natural beauty and exhilarating activities to engage in as the St Lucia Wetland Park. If you're an adrenaline junkie, you can opt to swim with dolphins, scuba dive, or hike along one of the countless paths in the region. If you want to spend time in nature without engaging in strenuous activities, you can take a leisurely stroll on the beach, visit the Isiphaphalazi Butterfly Dome, or spend the day at the nearby Chane Cheese Farm.

    A small town and its welcoming residents

    With only one road leading into the tiny town with the friendly people, you can’t miss the shops and restaurants that have been serving locals and tourists alike for decades. It's not unusual to see a variety of animals such as buck, badgers, bush pigs, mongoose, and even hippos roam freely around town, especially considering that the town is bordered by the estuary itself which is home to more than 800 hippos and 1,200 crocodiles. In addition to engaging in a myriad of exciting outdoor activities, you can also embark on a leisurely visit to one of the nearby traditional villages, where you will learn a lot about the native Zulus and their colorful culture.

    When visiting St Lucia, you're bound to fall in love with its striking simplicity. It is, after all, often in the unlikeliest of places, such as the KZN coast, that you find the rarest of gems.

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