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Off the tranquil shores of St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, lies a story of war, escape, and survival that forever shaped the local landscape, both physically and historically. The tale of the SS Timavo, an Italian passenger liner that ran aground during World War II, is one of the most fascinating maritime episodes in South Africa’s coastal history.

Imagine a place where hippos roam the streets after dark, flamingos dance across mirrored waters, and every sunrise feels like a personal gift from nature. Welcome to Lake St Lucia — the shimmering heart of South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This is not just a destination; it’s a wild, living, breathing masterpiece tucked along KwaZulu-Natal’s lush coast.

Tucked away in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, just a scenic drive from the coastal town of St Lucia, lies one of Africa’s most enchanting wildlife reserves: Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park. It’s a place where the ancient rhythm of the African bush still beats strong, where the Big Five roam free, and where the wild whispers stories of conservation, survival, and raw natural beauty.

You’ve planned your adventure in St Lucia and surrounds, packed your sunhat, braced yourself for hippos casually strolling through our town. But nothing—and we mean nothing—can prepare you for one of St Lucia’s most underestimated residents. The extra large garden snail with an appetite that would make any chef weep.

Yes, we’re talking about the African Giant Snail, a creature so magnificently slow and stylish, it could only be found ambling around the lush grounds of Lidiko Lodge.

St. Lucia, on the northeastern coast of South Africa, is a paradise known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and, of course, the cheeky vervet monkeys that call this region home. These fascinating primates provide endless entertainment for both locals and visitors alike, often leaving behind amusing and unforgettable encounters.