Our fully operational solar power system ensures we remain unaffected by load-shedding.
ABOUT US
The St. Lucia EcoLodge is perfectly situated between the St. Lucia Estuary, the Indian Ocean, and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, making it an ideal base from which to explore South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. The region enjoys a year-round summer climate, ensuring warm, comfortable weather in every season.
For over eighteen years, the St. Lucia EcoLodge has been a favourite among both South African and international leisure and business travellers. It’s a rare gem on KwaZulu-Natal’s sought-after Elephant Coast — easily accessible from the major cities and the rapidly growing hubs of Richards Bay and Empangeni.
Bordering the lush wetlands, lakes, and forests of Zululand, the lodge offers an authentic connection to nature. The ocean and nearby game reserves are just minutes away — and it’s not uncommon to spot hippos, leopards, and a variety of smaller wildlife wandering through the lodge gardens.
ACCOMMODATION
St. Lucia EcoLodge offers 29 fully air-conditioned units, each with large bedrooms, full bathroom, lounge, fully kitted out kitchenette, TV and veranda or balcony. Enjoy our warm, extremely comfortable and relaxed home-from-home atmosphere.
Accommodation choices are bed and breakfast or self-catering.
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We have 29 en-suite units in varying configurations.
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Conference groups are easily accommodated. Our beautiful lodge sleeps 72 guests in comfort!
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Bed and breakfast or self-catering.
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Each unit has its own private entrance and balcony.
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Units are serviced daily.
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Every room has a ceiling fan and is air conditioned for your comfort.
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There is a TV in each unit
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Each room has a hair dryer
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We offer 24 hour check-in
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There is a safe in each room
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Each unit has a tea and coffee station
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Ample secure parking on the premises
GARDEN VIEW SUITES
We have six ground level and six upstairs Garden View suites. They all have twin beds, an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, a fully equipped kitchen and a private veranda overlooking lush, indigenous, tropical gardens. (Double bed available on request subject to availability).
BED & BREAKFAST ROOMS
We have three Bed & Breakfast rooms on the ground level and one upstairs. All have twin beds except for one which has a double bed. Each room features an
en-suite bathroom with bath and/or shower and a private veranda. No kitchen.
OCEAN VIEW SUITES
The two ground level Ocean View suites each feature a King bed, while the two upstairs Ocean View suites each feature a four-poster King bed.
All our Ocean View suites have an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, fully equipped kitchenette and private veranda overlooking the iSimangaliso Wetlands Forest, the estuary, the beautiful Indian Ocean and Mapelane in the distance.
ECO COTTAGES
Our Eco Cottages are large, luxury suites featuring either a King (can be converted to Twin) or a Queen bed, an en-suite with bath and/or shower, a large living area and fully equipped kitchen.
A large veranda with a 180° views of the iSimangaliso Wetlands Forest and the beautiful Indian Ocean in the distance completes the picture of total serenity. Only Eco Cottage 1 has an outdoor shower. Eco Cottage 2 and 3 have an interleading door. Eco Cottage 5 features an additional bunk bed to accommodate children under 10 years of age.
Eco Cottage 1
Eco Cottage 1
Eco Cottage 1
FAMILY STUDIO
The Family Studio features Twin beds and a bunk bed, a bathroom with bath and shower, fully equipped kitchenette and private veranda overlooking lush, indigenous, tropical gardens.
(Double bed available on request subject to availability).
FAMILY SUITES
We have four Family suites with two bedrooms per unit. Each bedroom features a private veranda overlooking lush, indigenous, tropical gardens, an en-suite bathroom with bath and/or shower and a fully equipped kitchen and living area. Three of our Family suites have bunk beds in the upstairs bedroom making them suitable to accommodate six people. Please note that this a double story building with bedroom/s accessible by stairs only. (Twin to double bed conversion available on request and subject to availability).
Swimming Pool
Cool off and relax in our sparkling pool after a day of adventure.
Daily Braai
We light a braai fire every evening. Join in, or enjoy your own on the patio.
Free WiFi
We have free WiFi throughout the lodge and in all our rooms.
Book a Tour
Join a Shakabarker Tour — departures every day from our reception.
Load Shedding
No need to worry about load-shedding — our solar power system keeps us running smoothly!
Delicious Breakfast
Start your day with a delicious breakfast and garden views at our Bistro.
WE ALSO OFFER
A travel desk | Airport transfers | Safe parking | Medical services nearby | A laundry service
Special functions, weddings or birthday parties | A telephone and mailing service | A back up generator | Babysitting services | Wheelchair friendly access | Wake-up calls | Airport transfers
FEAST YOUR EYES ON ST. LUCIA
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located along South Africa’s Indian Ocean coastline, near the borders of Mozambique and Eswatini. The park brings together a remarkable range of ecosystems — from the vast Lake St. Lucia and its tidal estuary to surrounding game reserves and the St. Lucia Marine Reserve, which stretches offshore into the Mozambique Channel.
Your guide, Kian Barker, owner of The St. Lucia EcoLodge and Shakabarker Tours, is a passionate storyteller with years of experience and deep knowledge of the region. Whether you’re dreaming of a hippo and croc cruise, an evening safari, or a day trip to Cape Vidal, Shakabarker Tours offers an unforgettable way to explore the wonders of iSimangaliso and beyond.
Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant indoor celebration or a lush garden ceremony beneath the trees, The St. Lucia EcoLodge offers the perfect setting — with personalised attention and exceptional value.
We pride ourselves on delivering a professional yet deeply personal experience, ensuring your day is as unique and memorable as you’ve imagined. Our in-house event team takes care of every detail, so you and your guests can simply relax and enjoy the magic of the moment.
Our fully operational solar power system ensures we remain unaffected by load-shedding.
A CONFERENCE WITH A DIFFERENCE
The St. Lucia EcoLodge and Conference Centre is situated in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Natural World Heritage Site - an easy two and a half hour drive from Durban. The entertainment and team building opportunities for delegates here are endless!
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Conference reception and welcome lounge.
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Accommodation for up to 72 delegates with overflows in the neighbouring guest houses.
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A 100 seater conference venue and a secondary 48 seater conference venue.
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The Hog ’n’ Hippo Bistro, seating 80 delegates for all events or banquets.
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Executive lounge with bar and upstairs viewing deck.
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Free WiFi.
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Disabled access.
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Tranquil setting in the indigenous garden.
