St Lucia is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, especially for all the nature lovers out there. UNESCO declared this place’s wetland park as South Africa’s very first a World Heritage Site in 1999. The popularity is thanks to the incredible wildlife and the beautiful nature scenes. Even in the present time, you will see hippos wander into the town’s quieter streets in search of food. Who wouldn’t want to go to a destination that enjoys a warm climate and has plenty of animals to look at and lots of thrilling opportunities for adventure? From whale watching and horse riding to night safaris, St Lucia makes your trip more adventurous and memorable. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a place to stay! The accommodations found here will definitely offer great hospitality to you. Read on for more information on the top safari lodges in St Lucia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 03, 2024.
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1. Umlilo Lodge (from 64 USD) (from USD 73)
Along Dolfyn Avenue in St Lucia lies Umlilo Lodge. This property is surrounded by iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the Heritage Site. A four-star, treehouse-like cottage that offers 12 comfortable guest rooms for the tourists, this lodging also provides a variety of scrumptious English and continental breakfasts that will leave you spoilt for choice. Service includes a packed breakfast to take with you on your trip if you wish to leave in the early morning to explore. There are plenty of restaurants at the nearby McKenzie Street where you can sample local cuisine from places like Braza Restaurant and Ocean Basket St Lucia, the latter specializing in seafood. There are also tourist spots such as Amala Massage & Gifts and Cape Vidal Lighthouse.
Umlilo Lodge
Address: 09 Dolfyn Avenue
2.43 km (1.6 mi) from Crocodile Centre St Lucia
2. Forest Lodge (from 51 USD) (from USD 52)
This lodge, with its location a walking distance from St Lucia Beach, is ideal for beach lovers. It is also near St Lucia Estuary for those who wish to go fishing, hiking, or boating. The lodge provides amenities such as laundry facilities, refrigerator in the rooms, air conditioning, and a minibar. The beautiful garden can be seen from the windows. This lodge provides drives to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Park and trips to Cape Vidal during the day, where a variety of activities await on-site, including horseback riding, cycling, and snorkeling. If you’re hungry, the lodge is conveniently located within walking distance from restaurants like Reef and Dude. If you want something light, look for a cafe called Dirty Dog.
Forest Lodge
Address: 15 Pelican Street
1.69 km (1.1 mi) from Crocodile Centre St Lucia
3. St. Lucia Safari Lodge (from 31 USD) (from USD 100)
Situated within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St. Lucia Safari Lodge enjoys the best of both worlds: it is located on the town’s main road, and it is also a short drive to the wetlands. The location of this property makes it ideal for families and groups on a tour. Accommodation includes facilities such as a barbecue pit, a restaurant, and an outdoor swimming pool with a bar. If you wish, the staff can help you arrange activities such as fishing on the lake or a trip to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve. There are nearby places for food such as KAUAI St Lucia if you wish to stop for a quick snack before going on your tours.
St. Lucia Safari Lodge
Address: 103 Mc Kenzie Street
2.59 km (1.7 mi) from Crocodile Centre St Lucia
4. Makakatana Bay Lodge (from 286 USD) (from USD 560)
This may be one of the more expensive stays, but what they have to offer more than makes up for it. Located on the western shores of Lake St Lucia and within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this lodge not only offers luxurious suites with private decks where you can enjoy outdoor dining, it also has activities such as full-day boat trips to Lake St Lucia, safari drives, and exploring the vast wetlands. Experience the natural wonder that 1,000 hippos, 1,200 crocodiles, and over 500 bird species all call home. Furthermore, this accommodation can provide services such as packed lunches or visitations to the Old Crab House’s wine cellar. With all these available, not only will you relax like royalty, but you will never get bored during your stay.
Makakatana Bay Lodge
Address: Makakatana, Lake St Lucia, Western Shores, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KZN,SA
15.09 km (9.4 mi) from Crocodile Centre St Lucia
5. St Lucia Eco Lodge (from 58 USD) (from USD 52)
St Lucia Eco Lodge features scenic views of the Indian Ocean, along with rooms that not only offer a balcony or patio overlooking the wetlands, but also amenities such as a seating area with television, air conditioning, and an outdoor swimming pool. The restaurant serves both local and international food for breakfast, and guests should also take advantage of the bar that provides thirst-quenching drinks. From boat safaris on Lake St. Lucia to horseback riding in the wetlands, and even activities such as whale watching, this accommodation can help arrange trips or activities for you. Those who have visited this municipality have said that this lodge is their favorite part. With all of these great services and amenities, is it any wonder why?
St Lucia Eco Lodge
Address: 135 Hornbill Street
2.83 km (1.8 mi) from Crocodile Centre St Lucia
Make your stay in St Lucia better with a great safari lodge
St Lucia offers a little of everything, which makes it ideal for those visiting for the first time. As shown above, there is a range of lodging choices for you to consider while planning your trip here. Each one of these lodgings provides comfort and convenience in their own way while also guaranteeing an unforgettable experience. It’s now time to start planning your trip - be sure to use this as your accommodation guide.
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