Participating in a guided launch tour of Lake St. Lucia is one of the most memorable experiences to be had in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Several operators offer tours lasting about two hours and departing at different times of the day. In this time the cruisers move about 8km up into the lake from the jetties in St. Lucia town, bringing visitors close to a variety of aquatic life and giving an interesting glimpse into the ecology of the lake system.
During our recent visit to iSimangaliso, we enjoyed a tour on the 80-seater Santa Lucia, a joint operation between Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Thompsons Tours. A cashbar on board sells drinks and snacks while a guide gives detailed explanations of the surroundings and wildlife encountered along the way. We passed several pods of hippos (witnessing one naughty youngster chewing on another tourboat), a few crocodiles, numerous birds, wildlife on the shore, got a chance to view the mangrove marshes and even saw a shark’s dorsal fin briefly break the water’s surface.
This gallery should give you some idea of what you can look forward to on a guided launch tour of Lake Saint Lucia!
DeWetsWild 
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Beautiful pics! I had just been researching this area for a possible trip next summer. To save some money, we are thinking of renting a car and driving parts of SA. Is Kruger during July school holidays simply a bad idea? Would love to know your thoughts. We don’t think we can afford the flights and guided safaris on top of it so we are looking for self-drive instead.
In my opinion self-drive is definitely the way to go, you can explore at your own pace, linger where you want to, etc. And stay longer with all the money you’re saving!
Early July in especially southern Kruger can be hectic owing to the school holidays, so if that’s the only time you have available I’d suggest going for Shingwedzi in the north of the Park, or else one of the smaller camps in the south, like Talamati and Biyamiti. SANParks will open telephonic and e-mail bookings for June and July 2016 on the 22nd of July at 07:30AM SA-time, and the Park books up very quickly. The planning of a Kruger-holiday is almost as exciting as being there!
Valuable information. Thank you so so so much. I am going to look into the other spots. Yes, I remember reserving spots in Namibia and said never again… but then again, I still want to return there too.
Only a pleasure! Just shout if there’s anything else you want to ask 😉
Tog te lekker!!!! 😉 Tog te mooi!! 😛
Dankie AJ!
Reblogged this on Concierge Librarian.
There is something about hippos I find very endearing … especially when they are submerged in water with just their eyes and ears popping out. Great pictures!
Thanks Joanne! I think their docile appearance causes many people to underestimate them, with dire consequences. Best to admire them from a safe distance!
I agree completely 🙂
Pragtige pos,Dries! Dis altyd lekker om na wild te kyk vanaf ‘n boot…dan kom mens naby die waterdiere.
Baie dankie Dina. Dit is beslis n heel (lui)lekker, en vir ons n redelik ongewone, manier van wildkyk!
The launch tour was one of the best parts of our trip too. Could have spent an entire morning just observing the hippos in the water.
It was a nice perspective on an animal we’re all familiar with but seldom see in any other pose than sleeping on a sandbank 😉
About how much does a baby hippo weighs? They are super cute!
We totally agree that the babies are very cute, but mom will definitely not allow any people near to play with them! They weigh only about 30kg at birth.
Fabulous set of discoveries. I love curious hippos.
Thank you Jane! We also always find hippos a treat, even if their portly figures hide their very dangerous moods…
I was so shocked on safari to see them running from the woods back to the water early in the morning. That was unforgettable.
It’s astounding just how quickly those short legs can carry their bulky bodies, isn’t it Jane!?
Yes, they are the most interesting creatures!
The hippos steal my heart every time! Wonderful photos.
Thanks Lois! The baby hippos especially drew a lot of “oohs” and “aahs” from the people aboard the Santa Lucia that morning.
well, don’t see any pics of guys water skiing there lol.. I guess hitting a croc while doing so might be ur demise, so don’t fall down huh,,not much swimming there huh! ? …..well i wouldn’t anyhow 🙂 . lewks like smooth water an nice place to hang out 🙂
😀
Water-skiing on Lake St. Lucia, and even swimming, would certainly not be in your own best interest Q, but I’m guessing the crocodiles and sharks won’t mind people trying 😉
Great pictures! I love the little hippo and the hippo pile-on. I fly out of the US one month from today. I sold one of my cameras and bought a new and better all-purpose lens.
Now you really can begin counting the sleeps Rosemarie!
Inspiring post, so interesting so fascinating added wonderful captures… 🙂
You’re a very kind and generous commentator, Drake. Thank you!