iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching along the KZN coast from Maphelane to Kosi Bay — 280km of beaches, wetlands, coral reefs, and subtropical forest. St Lucia is the gateway town where hippos famously wander the streets at night. The estuary is home to over 800 hippos and 1,200 crocodiles. There are caravan parks in St Lucia town with easy access to the park. It's about 3 hours from Durban up the N2. Rent a camper on Kampi and experience the most biodiverse area in South Africa.
St Lucia Estuary is the heart of the park — boat cruises for hippo and croc spotting are a must. The Eastern Shores section has the Cape Vidal beach (snorkelling, fishing) and game viewing (rhino, buffalo, leopard). Western Shores has a self-drive game loop. Whale watching from the beach is excellent June-November. The Mkhuze section in the north has some of the best bird hides in Africa. If you have time, drive north to Sodwana Bay for scuba diving on the coral reefs, or all the way to Kosi Bay for the lakes and pristine beach.
Ballito
R3100/day
Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality
R1150/day
Empangeni
R980/day
Ballito, Kwazulu-natal, South Africa
R2250/day
Brettenwood Coastal Estate
R1600/day
Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality
R500/day
Ballito
R275/day
Ugu District Municipality
R950/day
Ugu District Municipality
R950/day
Yes. St Lucia town has caravan parks with power hookups, close to restaurants and the estuary boat launch. The park's Cape Vidal camp also has camping. Book St Lucia town parks directly.
Probably. Hippos graze on the lawns at night and sometimes wander the streets. Don't approach them — hippos are extremely dangerous. Keep your distance, stay in your car, and enjoy the spectacle.
About 280km — roughly 3 hours on the N2 north. The road is tarred all the way. Fill up at Mtubatuba before the final stretch.
Low to moderate risk, especially in summer (November-April). Take antimalarials, use insect repellent, and sleep under a net or in a closed camper. The risk is lower in winter.