A trip to St Lucia has always been on my bucket list and I had the opportunity to tick that off during my stay at Ingwenya Lodge.
I had seen and heard of the beauty of St Lucia from a number of people. It is fair to say that I was looking forward to exploring the town for myself.
My friend and I were met at the reception by the owner, Madeleine Harmse, and she filled us in on what to do in and around her beloved town.
Her knowledge and passion for St Lucia and its surroundings was very admirable and we definitely took her advice during our stay.
In the end, my stay in St Lucia lived up to expectation and I can honestly say that I am looking forward to my next visit.
Accommodation at Ingwenya Lodge
The Ingwenya Lodge consists of six self-catering units. The lodge is named after the Zulu word for crocodile due to their abundance in the area.
Visitors can choose from their Mkuze, Nyalazi, Mfolozi, Mpate, Mzinene and Hluhluwe units.
Each of the units is named after the feeder-rivers that flow into the famous St Lucia Estuary.
We spent a night in their Mfolozi unit and we were certainly impressed with their offerings.
Each of the units is similar in styling, yet maintains its uniqueness. Ingwenya Lodge is the ideal destination for groups of friends or families, who wish to base their holiday in St Lucia.
The views you enjoy on the property will make you pinch yourself. The outdoor eating area at my unit had a breathtaking view of the abundance of nature that is found within St Lucia.
Facilities at Ingwenya Lodge
This is the perfect establishment to base your adventures from within St Lucia. A self-catering stay is offered by Ingwenya Lodge and allows for visitors to enjoy their own cooked meals.
An outdoor braai area is a great way for overseas tourists to get a glimpse of what South African cuisine is all about.
The units are all air-conditioned. I can definitely vouch that this is essential for the area.
The picturesque swimming pool is often a welcome sight for a weary traveler. This large pool is well-maintained and makes for the perfect way to end of a day of exploring.
This family-friendly accommodation in St Lucia has a treehouse and trampoline for children. This, in particular, caught my attention as I thought that this would have been a great retreat for me when I was still a child.
Madeleine also told me that Ingwenya Lodge is also a pet-friendly accommodation. Visitors don’t have to worry about leaving their cats or dogs at home as they have the facilities to accommodate them.
Complimentary Wi-Fi and DStv are found in all the units.
Things to do in and around St Lucia
I am fortunate in the sense that I have been to a number of destinations around South Africa, but nothing compares to St Lucia. My stay in this popular tourist-town was eagerly anticipated and was definitely worth the wait.
St Lucia is renowned for being one of two towns in the world that are located within a World Heritage Site. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was the first declared heritage site in South Africa and receives a vast number of tourists from all corners of the world.
I was well aware of the abundance of nature found in the area, but seeing it first-hand is a completely different experience. The diversity of flora and fauna left me in awe.
St Lucia has become synonymous with the hippopotamuses that are found in the area. I was surprised to find out that these animals freely walk around the town in the night to feed.
The best way to explore the town and the Isimangeliso Wetland Park is to make use of one of the numerous tour companies that are found in St Lucia.
A trip to Cape Vidal is a must for anyone visiting the region. Located 30km north of St Lucia, visitors can expect some of the best coastlines and snorkeling spots in the county. I was delighted to spend some time exploring Cape Vidal during my stay.
Reviews from previous Ingwenya Lodge guests
“The property is well kept, close enough to the center, yet far enough from the town’s hustle. the host is very welcoming and extremely accommodating. She is very knowledgeable of her home town and reachable whenever we needed her,” shared 149elie on their TripAdvisor page.
Barbara Rushiti wrote, “Great accommodation, well serviced with outstanding sea view”.
David wrote this on their Booking.com page, “Ground floor position leading onto lawn with open view across treetops to the ocean. Lovely garden, lots of birds. Very quiet position. Good service from efficient staff, very friendly and helpful owner. Walking access to forest trails.”
Ingwenya Lodge is located on 163 Hornbill Street, St Lucia. For bookings, call 072 172 2119 or email grootkrokodil@ingwenyalodge.co.za Alternatively, you can do your bookings online HERE. Here is their location on Google Maps. Also follow them on Facebook HERE.
