Maputaland spans across an area of about 10,000 km2, stretching from the town of Hluhluwe and the northern parts of Lake St. Lucia to the border of Mozambique and South Africa. It encompasses a landscape of grassy plains, riverine forests, woodlands, mountain ranges and the warm Indian Ocean. It is the perfect destination to enjoy a safari and surf holiday.
The biggest draw to this area, other than the Big 5 game reserves, is the quaint town of St Lucia which is home to the largest estuarine system in Africa (St Lucia Estuary) and forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park: a UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Lucia is undoubtedly a top tourist destination in Africa, with visitors from far and near looking to witness the highest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles in southern Africa.
Promising an unforgettable holiday, here are some of the best accommodation in and around St Lucia.
Lidiko Lodge is set above the Great St Lucia Lake and is within 5 minutes walking distance from restaurants, walking trails and top attractions. The lodge has 16 garden rooms, each decorated in a contemporary Afro-Colonial style and equipped with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, coffee stations, television, and a private entrance and patio. The lodge facilities include a swimming pool, honestly bar, complimentary Wi-Fi access, reception area, guest lounge, a small library for guests, a dining deck that offers views of birds, monkeys and mongeese often seen in the gardens.
Makakatana Bay Lodge is set on the banks of Lake St Lucia and is the only privately-owned and owner managed game lodge within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The eight bedroomed lodge offers comfortable accommodation and incredible facilities, including a private bush pool on the edge of Lake St Lucia.
Makakatana offers an opportunity to explore the western and eastern shores of the park on guided game drives, as well enjoy full day trips into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve. Cruises on Lake St. Lucia offer fantastic up-close sightings of hippo, crocodiles and reed-birds.
Cape Vidal is situated to the north of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park between the eastern shores of Lake St Lucia and the lush Indian Ocean shoreline, Cape Vidal boasts shallow pools and rock ledges, pristine beaches and verdant wetlands. It is a great place to enjoy snorkeling, sunbathing, turtle tours (seasonal), deep sea fishing, and take drives around the park to spot the abundant wildlife.
Cape Vidal offers self catering accommodation in the form of log cabins and campsites. There is a small shop nearby but if you are staying at Cape Vidal it is best to come prepared or you will need to drive into St Lucia for a grocery store and butchery.
Surrounded by lush Maputaland Coastal Forest, Rocktail Beach Camp is a great place to enjoy nature and an untouched beach that is a lovely walk away from the camp. Guests often spot red duiker, reedbuck and a number of bird species amongst the trees. But the biggest draw to Rocktail is the pristine reef system that boasts gorgeous corals, various fish species, sharks, dolphins and sea turtles. It is one of the top places in the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as enjoy other activities such as seasonal turtle drives, forest walks, safaris in Tembe Elephant Park and catch and release fishing.
The camp comprises of sixteen suites and boasts a dining room, bar and lounge with large wrap-around veranda, a raised viewing deck, wine cellar, large pool, curio shop and a children’s playroom.
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