Bushwillow is ideally located with many attractions close by. The region offers a great variety of activities to suit all travellers of all ages, whether feeling adventurous or feeling in the mood to just relax. One could easily stay a week in the region to appreciate its diversity and beauty.

Bushwillow will endeavour at all times to facilitate your experience whilst on your vacation on the Elephant Coast. We will be happy to assist in making enquiries and bookings but it should be understood that Bushwillow takes no responsibility if the activity does not meet your expectation or has to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, etc.

The list of activities below will be updated on a regular basis, so please be sure to check back here for new items.

Current Activities Available During Your Stay

Boat Cruises
Boats allow one to explore the further reaches of the lake systems. Find yourself up close to hippos and crocodiles, as well as a variety of bird life including the awesome and vocal fish eagle. Boat cruises depart from St Lucia or nearby, on the Mzinene River, subject to weather conditions.

Beach Trips
The Indian Ocean and its long sandy beaches are here for your enjoyment. Picnics, leisurely walks and snorkelling can be enjoyed by all. Be advised that the sea has strong currents and not life guarded and therefore swimming is for the experienced only. Cape Vidal, St Lucia & Sodwana Bay are all ideal beach sites in this region.

Bird Watching
For the 'twitcher' or bird enthusiast, Zululand offers many 'lifers' with over 400 species, 5 of which are East Coast Littoral endemics. With 29 Red Data species and a number of other special birds, the bird watcher will hardly have chance to put his/her binoculars down. Experienced field guides can help facilitate and enhance this experience. During the winter months some of our birds migrate northwards, but there are still many good birds to be seen, and those with patience will be duly rewarded.

Cultural Tours
Visit one of the cultural villages in Zululand to better understand the Zulu culture. Take a cultural walk into the heartland and enjoy a traditional lunch. Craft shops will offer you that piece of Zululand to take home with you.

Fishing
For the keen fisherman, shore fishing and deep sea fishing permits can be obtained. Fishing trips from St Lucia, False Bay and Sodwana will test and satisfy even the most experienced fisherman.

Flight in Small Aircraft
Take a flight in a small aircraft over the area and literally have a birds eye view of the Wetlands system (weather permitting).

Game Drives
Be taken on a game drive in an open vehicle with a qualified field guide. A half or full day excursion in Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park, the premier rhino reserve in the world. It is a must for the wildlife enthusiast. Its scenic hills and valleys and bushveld are in sharp contrast to the open, flat savannah of Mkuze Game Reserve; another must see reserve. At Mkuze, the hides and pan systems allow for a relaxed and excellent bird viewing opportunity. Alternatively, you may drive your own vehicle in the parks in the daytime. Night drives can also be arranged into a nearby Big 5 private game reserve.

Horse Rides
Take a ride on the beach at St Lucia or Sodwana Bay or in a nearby Game Reserve. All levels of experience are catered for.

Quad or Mountain Bike Safari
For the sporty - take either a quad bike or mountain bike safari at a nearby lodge, on the banks of False Bay.

Mountain Trail
Be taken on a scenice drive on the Lebombo mountain range and have magnificant views of the area. Stop off for a walk up Ghost Mountain if you are feeling in the mood for some exercise. The sandy roads make the drive a fun experience.

Paddling and Canoe Safaris
Explore Greater St Lucia Wetland Park getting close to hippopotamus, crocodiles and the abundant bird-life by canoe. Day and overnight trips can be arranged.

Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
Snorkel or scuba dive on the Southern most coral reefs in the world at either Sodwana Bay or Cape Vidal. Enjoy the great variety of sea life. Being close to the vivid colours of the seabed and its marine creatures can leave one humbled. There are a variety of operators to choose from. Equipment can be hired or you can bring your own.

Spa Treatment
Visit a nearby health spa and enjoy a relaxing massage or other beauty treatment. The therapists will ensure that you leave feeling pampered. Enjoy a healthy lunch after your treatment and relax away the rest of your day.

Turtle Tours
KZN Wildlife (Provincial Conservation Authority) operates an interesting and informative night trip to watch the Leatherback & Loggerhead turtles laying their eggs on the shorelines.(Seasonal: November to March)

Walking Trails
Get close to nature on foot. Self - guided walking trails of various lengths are found in False Bay Park. A wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors, be it bird watching, tree identification or just ambling through the bush. Guided walks can be taken at a variety of destinations with a suitably qualified guide.

Whale Tours
Take a boat trip from St Lucia and get close to a variety of marine mammals including southern right whale, minke whale, brydes whale, orca whale and a variety of dolphin species. It is the entertaining humpback whale that steals the show, being active and readily approachable. The tours are conducted in a very sensitive manner; the operators may only stay with a group or individual for a maximum of twenty minutes, and then he cannot approach again for a period of three hours in order to keep the impact to the minimum. Be sure you have sea legs for this trip! (Seasonal: June - November).

A close encounter with a Manta Ray!