Why visit St Lucia you may ask? This sleepy little town, where nothing happens all day long, or so you may think. Well let me tell you, behind the scenes it is anything but quiet.
We got up at 5:00 this morning to start preparing the scrumptious breakfast, can you smell the bacon?
Somewhere a guide is picking up guests for the Big 5 safari to Umfolozi/Hluhluwe Park. A deep-sea skipper may already be jumping the waves with his eager anglers on board, birders are up and about being guided by local guides. To keep a long story short, this town is ready to keep you well fed and entertained by the time people in the cities just opened their eyes.
It is true, you will not find a Woolies in town. BUT we do have a Salad Bar where you can shop for home made fresh salads made daily, artisan bread at a local shop and stocked supermarkets that will help you with a friendly country good morning and a smile. Taking a stroll in the main road will take you past gift shops, restaurants catering to every taste and whim, a pharmacy if you have an ache or pain, a stationary shop, a jewellery shop to get you out of the pickle of a forgotten anniversary and so much more. What more do you need? Now that I think about it, I can do with a massage. And ladies, our beauticians know what they are doing, they will have you sorted in no time.
Now off to nature to discover the beautiful bounty you must explore. The beautiful walking trails by the crocodile centre will take you through bush and grasslands and if your lucky enough, spot the herd of zebras grazing. If you don’t want to walk, book a horse ride and see everything from a dizzy height. The Igwalagwala trail meanders through trees so tall you strain you neck looking for the top, red duiker shyly peeking through a bush, a lourie calling for his mate. Let peace be your companion!
Take a drive to Cape Vidal with a stocked cooler. You may run across a herd of elephant using their right of way. Now although this is debatable, I am pretty sure they do this on purpose. it is their road after all. Use the refreshments in your cooler to survive this ordeal and take lots of pictures to tell the folks back home.
Mission Rocks on the way to Vidal is my favourite spot. So much to see. Explore the rock pools or take a long solitary stroll down the beach towards Bats cave. Shake of the stress of everyday life and just breath in God’s creation. The waves crashing being all the music you may need.
Western shores are where you can see the giraffe – lots and lots of them. When you get to the boardwalk, get out, don’t be a lazy bone and do the short walk to the lookout point. There is a handy bench for the not so fit to catch their breath. The view when you get there is worth the effort.
The crocodile centre showcases and displays these ancient reptiles perfectly. You will find them in all sizes. From the very small to the gigantic and old specimens to be amazed by.
A Lake Cruise on Lake St Lucia is a must, you haven’t been to St Lucia if you haven’t been on the Lake to see the hippos, crocodiles and so many bird species. Then you may just be one of the lucky ones and spot an Elephant in the lake or a Leopard on the bank of the lake. It is 2 hours you will never forget.
If your car is full of petrol or diesel, why not drive to the cheetah sanctuary, an hour away from St Lucia, and have your photo take with these amazing cats. Your guide will inform you what is safe to do and what interactions are possible. Now is not the time to be over adventurous – stick to the rules people. Other cat species can be seen as well, with the smaller cats being fed in the afternoon. If you haven’t done this yet, now is the time.
Now that you have come so far, another 30 minutes further, why not go further and meet the elephants. Up close and personal. How humbling it is standing next to this giant animal and feel the touch of its trunk.
After a full day of activities, settle down at Umlilo Lodge and enjoy a delicious home cooked meal. You can choose a bobotie with yellow rice or why not go for something a bit hotter and take a bunny chow served in freshly home baked bread. Our Potjiekos is a firm favourite or an South African Braai. Not in the mood for something traditional, we have you covered. Serving a variety of pizza, lasagne and shepherd’s pie. Desert is just as delicious with malva pudding or salted caramel pancakes. Yummy!! Walk it all off looking for a hippo wandering the street. Yes, its true!
This is our home, not just a business and we love spoiling you. Come, stay a day or two or three and see for yourself. Our rooms are luxurious, spacious and comfortable – you can “sokkie” (an Afrikaans word for dance) in there if you want to. Fully stocked with amenities and a small fridge, kettle and more. Our front office is ways willing to phone around and make your bookings for an endless array of activities ranging from Big 5 and other safaris, turtle and whale watching, night drives, bird watching, horse riding, bicycle tours and fishing.
See you soon!
