A practical guide comparing self-catering accommodation and hotels in St Lucia, helping travellers choose the stay that best suits their holiday style, pace and travel plans.
Self-Catering Accommodation in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal - Ingwenya Lodge
Self-catering accommodation on the edge of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, close to Cape Vidal beach and St Lucia town centre – ideal for families, couples, remote workers and relaxed coastal stays.
Summer in St Lucia moves at its own rhythm – warm mornings by the ocean, long beach days at Cape Vidal, wetlands alive with birdlife and hippos after dark. By January, the festive rush has eased but the weather stays warm and the pace softens, making it the ideal time for relaxed self-catering stays and longer coastal breaks.
Ingwenya Lodge sits on the quiet edge of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, close enough to walk into town and reach the beach in minutes, yet still surrounded by nature. Some units look toward the estuary, others open onto trees filled with birds, offering space for families, privacy for couples, room for remote work, dog-friendly stays, and evenings that end around a private braai while the air stays warm long after sunset.
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Our six self-catering units — Mpate, Nyalazi, Hluhluwe, Mzinene, Mkuze, and Mfolozi — are fully equipped, comfortable, and private. They’re designed for easy summer living: cook, braai, explore, repeat.
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And on quieter nights, the wetlands remind you where you are. You might hear hippos grazing beyond the lawn or wake to birds settling into the trees. That balance – ocean days and wildlife evenings – is why guests return to Ingwenya Lodge, season after season.
Self-Catering St Lucia Accommodation at Its Best
Self-catering units are named after the 5 feeder rivers of the St Lucia estuary. All units are serviced daily and equipped with all the essentials like air conditioning, a big deep swimming pool, Wi-Fi (wireless internet) available in all units, and selected DSTV channels.
Experience St Lucia Your Way, one of South Africa’s top destinations
For adventure travellers, St Lucia is one of South Africa’s top Bravecation destinations. Guests often head to Cape Vidal for clear-water snorkelling, explore forest trails, join turtle-viewing outings in summer, or enjoy whale sightings along the coast during winter.
Stories of the Zulu Coast - traditions, and warm hospitality
Experience the traditions, history, and warm hospitality of the Zulu community through locally guided tours that share the culture and stories of this coastline. These tours offer a closer look at music, dance, food, and daily life, along with the stories that have shaped this part of KZN.
Explore St Lucia’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Ingwenya Lodge is situated on the "outskirts" of the residential area of St Lucia, nestled in the heart of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Birding in St Lucia – Year-Round Birdwatching Paradise
From colourful kingfishers to rare raptors, St Lucia is one of South Africa’s most rewarding birding destinations – all year round. Whether you're a seasoned twitcher or just curious about the calls in the trees, Ingwenya Lodge puts you in the heart of it.
Winter in St Lucia: Sunshine, Space & Quiet Beaches
While the rest of the country cools down, St Lucia warms up. May and June bring some of the best weather of the year – and Ingwenya Lodge is perfectly placed for a peaceful winter escape near the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
From Our Guests
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Great place to stay for discovering the wetlands. Madeleine was very helpful with recommendations and everything else we needed. The lodge is in a quiet street which we 100% preferred to the main street. The best part: the amazing sea view (if you stay in the upper apartment). Also the garden and pool are very nice.I would definitely stay there again.
Anonymous
Germany
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Very spacious apartment, good walking access to the town, excellent WiFi signal, nice outside space with BBQ.
Amanda
United Kingdom
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Wonderful views across to the sea, with no intervening habitation. Large, relaxed and private. Helpful and friendly manager. Lovely to have a swim in the pool. Great early morning birding within the property.
Jenstan
United Kingdom
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Madeleine was an excellent host who made us feel welcome. The apartment and location were stunning. We would highly recommend Ingwenya Lodge.
Paul
United Kingdom
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