Excursion St. lucia nature reserve - hippo haven tour at Richards Bay

South Africa's abundant bird and wildlife species are yours to discover during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing cruise at the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.

Richards Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Lake St. Lucia, Nature Cruise, Sandbank Islands, Birdlife

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.30-hour drive north to the beautiful iSimangaliso Wetlands Park (formerly St. Lucia Wetlands Park). Upon arrival and after a brief comfort stop, embark your awaiting boat for a leisurely, approximately 1.5 - two-hour nature cruise on Lake St. Lucia. The lake is dotted with marshy, sandbank islands that are home to thousands of birds, with over 526 different bird species extant in the St. Lucia Wetlands Reserve.

Mangroves, Fish Eagles, Oyster Banks, Vegetated Dunes, Crocodiles & Hippos

Along the way, see mangrove swamps, prolific birdlife, oyster banks with stories of days gone by, and the second-highest vegetated dunes in the world. The echo of the fish eagle’s haunting cry can be heard whilst viewing the basking and nesting sites of the Nile crocodile, and hundreds of hippos that make their homes in the estuary; in fact, this area comprises the greatest confluence of crocodiles and hippos in South Africa.

Refreshments & Snacks, Breath-Taking Views

During your cruise, enjoy refreshments and finger-food snacks whilst marvelling at your breath-taking beautiful surrounds. At the conclusion of your nature cruise, return to the embarkation point. Upon arrival, disembark the boat, re-board your coach, and commence the approximately 1.30-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Richards Bay, iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, Nature Cruise, Lake St. Lucia, Hippos, Crocodiles, Diverse Wildlife & Bird Species, Refreshments & Snacks

Note

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 109 yards (about 100 metres), at times over uneven, bumpy, gravel, and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the boat. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a light, weatherproof jacket, bottled water, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones during the nature cruise. Guests are not permitted to speak loudly, as this disturbs the animals. Smoking is not permitted during the nature cruise. The bottom-deck of the boat is covered; the top deck is open. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife and bird sightings are not guaranteed. Due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife at the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, the tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change without prior notice. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. The driving time between the pier and iSimangaliso Wetlands Park is approximately 1.15 hours in each direction.