Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre, ISimangaliso Wetland Park (St. Lucia) & Community Craft Market
Full Day Tour
An ethical animal interaction tour at KwaZulu-Natal’s Emdoneni Cat Rehab Centre coupled with a wetland extravaganza on Lake St. Lucia offers up-close-and-personal encounters with serval, cheetah, hippo and more. Scroll down for full details.
Where Do We Go?
St. Lucia Town
St. Lucia is a small holiday town in the middle of 3 wildlife reserves. With only one main road, wildlife sightings in the town of St. Lucia are common-place.
Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre
Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre is a rare and ethical opportunity to get up close and personal with the African wild cat, serval, caracal and cheetah. The rehab centre makes remarkable contributions to the conservation of these revered cat species. Emdoneni provides a safe haven to cat species injured or orphaned in the wild. The project prides itself on a history of successful release.
Zamimpilo Community Market
Zamimpilo Community Market is sustainable tourism at its best. It’s an impressive market of more than 100 stalls, and it’s run with creative efficiency to provide a seamless experience where you can access hand-made African arts and crafts. It’s an ideal souvenir stop and an opportunity to support local communities. You can taste seasonal fruit and vegetable, and hear first-hand stories of how the art is created.
ISimangaliso Wetland Park (2-hour boat cruise on Lake St. Lucia)
The miracle and wonder of ISimangaliso Wetland Park made it South Africa’s first world heritage site. While on a 2-hour cruise on the estuary system, there will be close encounter(s) with hippo, and possibly crocodile. The park’s birdlife is incredibly abundant and includes the African fish eagle. Lake St. Lucia is surrounded by reserves on either side – giraffe and elephant sightings on the banks are not uncommon.
Is this the tour for me?
- Yes, I have One Full Day Available to tour (If you have less or more than 1 full day that’s okay – check out our other options or talk to us!)
- Yes, I want to visit a Wildlife Sanctuary
- Yes, I like Wildlife, Nature and Conservation
- Yes, I want Up-close-and-personal Experiences with Wildlife
- Yes, I want Rare Photo Opportunities of Myself with Wildlife
- Yes, I will enjoy a Boat Cruise (aboard a comfortable ferry) to view wetland wildlife
- Yes, I’m interested in Birding
- Yes, I’m interested in Photography
- Yes, I’m interested in Local Arts and Crafts with Community Participation
- Yes, I’d like to see or purchase Handmade African Souvenirs and support Sustainable Tourism
What's included in the tour package?
- Pick up and drop off within the Durban metro area
- Entrance fees
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Local snacks
- Morning coffee/tea and muffin
- Lunch
- Restaurant in holiday town of St. Lucia
- Cocktails on a boat cruise / Limited Alcoholic Drinks
- Use of binoculars
- Fully attending experienced tour guide
How long will we need?
- 12 hours
What did others say?
What You Need To Know?
