The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park was declared South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Site on 1 December 1999. The park has 280km of near-pristine coastline and comprises 328 000 hectares of magnificent scenery. Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park encompasses an immense mosaic of habitats ranging from marine systems (coral reefs and beaches) and coastal forests (from salt and fresh water marshes to the open estuarine waters of Lake St Lucia itself) from lush coastal plains to the drier woodland areas. This is a remarkably beautiful place in South Africa. There are several resorts to choose from but for now we choose
La Rochelle
Get away from the hurly-burly of city life and escape to the coastal sanctuary of La Rochelle near the quaint village of St Lucia. Situated in lush, landscaped gardens and surrounded by indigenous bush, the self-contained and fully-equipped units overlook the Lake St Lucia, part of a world heritage site in far northern KwaZulu-Natal.
With overhead fans to cool in the tropical weather, guests can relax in comfortable and spacious rooms or enjoy a private barbeque on the patio. Lounge next to the swimming pool or soak in the spa bath. A haven for stressed families, parents can take a time-out while their children have fun in the playground or games room. Even adults can indulge their inner child with trampolining and mini-golf. Try boating, volleyball, picnics and relaxing walks.
A wildlife paradise, the estuary boasts the greatest concentration of hippo and crocodiles in South Africa, and its game fishing makes it a fisherman’s paradise too. For twitchers, there are 542 different bird species in the area. Turtle breeding season starts in October and continues through to April the following year, while the whale-watching season is from June until December. If that’s not enough, visit the nearby game parks, crocodile farms or colourful craft markets.
Soak in the beauty and natural tranquility of this resort and enjoy a true African experience.
