ST Lucia ISimangaliso Boat Safari and Emdoneni Wildcat Day Tour

The tour leaves from Durban and heads north of South Africa to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park- Greater St Lucia.The  iSimangaliso Wetland Park was announced South Africa's first World Heritage Site in December 1999, while its name still remains as the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. It received this prestigious status in recognition of the beauty of the landscape, its unique ecological processes, and the exceptional diversity of species that the park protects.

You will go on a 2 hour boat estuary where you will have a chance to be close to hippo's, crocodiles, and the famous fish eagle. After the trip you will take a leisurely walk along the estuary and see the beauty of the coastline area.
From there you will go to the Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary where you will the opportunity to learn more about South Africa's wild cat species. You will be taken aback by the beauty of the caracal, enchanted by the very playful  and mesmerized by the speed and agility of the cheetah.

The aim of Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary is to care for cheetah's, several cats etc. which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and are in need of care and rehabilitation. They also intend to breed successfully if possible and release the offspring back into their natural habitat.

ST Lucia ISimangaliso Boat Safari and Emdoneni Wildcat Day Tour

The tour departs from Durban heading northward along the coast to northern KwaZulu-Natal. The first stop is the town of St Lucia and the estuary inside the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. There you will board a river boat for a 2 hours guided tour of the estuary. The local guide will inform you of the reserves history and its incredible wildlife. 

The iSimangaliso Wetlands Park was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site in 1999. Previously known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, the UNESCO site dates back over 120 years. Established in 1895 the reserve is considered South Africa's third largest park with its’ unique ecosystem spanning over 280km of near pristine coastline and 328 000 hectares of magnificent scenery. The protected area is home to one of the largest population of hippopotamuses in SA as well as an estimated 1000 crocodiles. Isimagaliso has a wealth of plant, bird and animal life, including lion, zebra, African elephant, leopard, giraffe, black and southern white rhino and fish eagles.   

After the boat tour you will be given time to have lunch at the local restaurants in the town of St Lucia. After lunch your guide will take you to the river mouth for a walk before leaving St Lucia for Emdoneni Wild Cat Project. 

Emdoneni Cat Project offers a guided tour about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. The aim of the Emdoneni Cat Project is to care for the various wild cat species which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and need care and rehabilitation. Emdoneni’s guided tour offers visitors a unique and exciting
opportunity to literally get up close and personal with their magnificent cat species. There are four species of wild cats at Emdoneni; African Wildcat, Caracal, Cheetah and Serval. This once in a lifetime opportunity can be enjoyed whilst being educated on a tour.

Tour Itinerary:

· iSimangaliso Wetlands, Guided Boat Safari. 

· Emdoneni Wild Cat Project Guided Tour.