South Africa
Whales & Hippos in St Lucia
The drive from Hazyview to St Lucia was long but surprisingly scenic, passing through small towns and endless countryside. St Lucia had this relaxed vibe from the moment we arrived. We explored iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Cape Vidal, where we spotted whales offshore while lying on the sand. The next day we had a slow beach day at Jabula Beach, followed by a hippo and crocodile boat tour at sunset. Seeing hippos grunting just a few meters away was both funny and slightly terrifying.
Drive from Hazyview to St Lucia
iSimangaliso Wetland Park & Cape Vidal
We spent the day exploring iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which feels very different from Kruger. The landscapes are greener, more open, and suddenly you’re driving from wetlands straight to the beach. We didn’t see as many animals as in Kruger, but we were lucky to spot rhinos and even a honey badger from very close by, both firsts for us. We followed the Grassland Loop and Red Dunes, stopping at viewpoints like Mission Rocks to stretch our legs and enjoy the view. Later, we tried to drive the Vlei Loop but had to turn back because it was flooded and not marked anywhere, so that’s something to watch out for. We ended the day at Cape Vidal, sitting on the beach and watching the waves. The water was rough and the weather too cold to swim, but seeing whales from the shore made it extra special. Bringing binoculars turned out to be a great decision.
Hippo & Croc Boat Tour
In the evening, we joined a boat tour to spot hippos and crocodiles on the river. There were quite a few boats out, but we booked one with a maximum of 15 people, which made the experience much better. The guide was very knowledgeable and pointed out crocodiles, hippos, and other animals along the way. The calm water and soft evening light made it a really enjoyable way to end the day.
