ST Lucia ISimangaliso Boat Safari and Emdoneni Wildcat Day Tour 1
Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary
ST Lucia ISimangaliso Boat Safari and Emdoneni Wildcat Day Tour 3
ST Lucia ISimangaliso Boat Safari and Emdoneni Wildcat Day Tour 4
ST Lucia ISimangaliso Boat Safari and Emdoneni Wildcat Day Tour 5
ST Lucia ISimangaliso Boat Safari and Emdoneni Wildcat Day Tour 6
1 / 6

ST Lucia ISimangaliso Boat Safari and Emdoneni Wildcat Day Tour

(3)
Durban, South Africa
Boat Tours
Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees

About this activity

Combine a 2-hour guided boat safari through iSimangaliso Wetland Park—South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site—with a visit to Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary near Durban. Spot hippos, crocodiles, and fish eagles in their natural habitat, then meet rescued and rehabilitated cheetahs, caracals, and other wild cats up close.

The tour leaves from Durban and heads north of South Africa to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park- Greater St Lucia.The  iSimangaliso Wetland Park was announced South Africa's first World Heritage Site in December 1999, while its name still remains as the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. It received this prestigious status in recognition of the beauty of the landscape, its unique ecological processes, and the exceptional diversity of species that the park protects.


You will go on a 2 hour boat estuary where you will have a chance to be close to hippo's, crocodiles, and the famous fish eagle. After the trip you will take a leisurely walk along the estuary and see the beauty of the coastline area.
From there you will go to the Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary where you will the opportunity to learn more about South Africa's wild cat species. You will be taken aback by the beauty of the caracal, enchanted by the very playful  and mesmerized by the speed and agility of the cheetah.


The aim of Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary is to care for cheetah's, several cats etc. which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and are in need of care and rehabilitation. They also intend to breed successfully if possible and release the offspring back into their natural habitat.

Highlights

  • ✓2-hour estuary boat safari with hippos, Nile crocodiles, and African fish eagles
  • ✓Walk along the pristine iSimangaliso coastline after the boat tour
  • ✓Meet rescued and rehabilitated cheetahs and caracals at Emdoneni Sanctuary
  • ✓UNESCO World Heritage Site exploration in Greater St Lucia
  • ✓Learn about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts

Insider tips

  • ★Early morning boat departures offer the best wildlife activity and lighting for photography
  • ★Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens—hippos and crocodiles can be spotted at distance
  • ★The sanctuary cats are most active in cooler morning hours; plan your sanctuary visit accordingly
  • ★Wear neutral-coloured clothing to avoid startling wildlife during the boat safari

Good to know

  • •10-hour full-day tour includes transport from Durban, boat safari, coastal walk, and sanctuary visit
  • •Boat safari lasts 2 hours; comfortable footwear recommended for the estuary walk and sanctuary
  • •Bring sunscreen, hat, and water; the estuary has limited shade
  • •Check accessibility with the operator in advance if you have mobility concerns

Who it's for

Wildlife photographers and nature enthusiastsSafari-lovers seeking an alternative to Kruger National ParkConservation-minded travellers interested in sanctuary workFamilies with children aged 8+

Best time to visit

Visit during South Africa's cooler months (May–September) when wildlife congregates near water and cats are most active. Early morning departures maximize sightings and provide the best photography light.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€256
per person