Ingwenya Lodge Fact Sheet | Stay, Explore, and Experience St Lucia

Accommodation & Amenities

Ingwenya offers six self-catering units named after the rivers that flow into the St Lucia Lake — Mpate, Nyalazi, Hluhluwe, Mzinene, Mkuze, and Mfolozi. The units range in size from cosy 2-sleepers to a spacious 7-sleeper unit, each with one to three bedrooms as needed. Every unit includes air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, and a daily cleaning service.

Outdoor spaces include a large, deep swimming pool, private braai/boma areas, a treehouse for children, and hiking trails from the grounds. Some units enjoy views of the ocean or surrounding forest, and most are on the ground floor for easy access. The lodge also uses solar power as part of its sustainability efforts. Pets are welcome by prior arrangement in selected units, making it convenient for guests travelling with animals.

Accommodation Units

Mpate (sleeps 2):
A cosy one-bedroom unit with first-floor bedroom sea views and a private enclosed braai area. Ideal for couples. (Rates on request.)

Mkuze (sleeps 4):
A luxury two-bedroom ground-floor villa with a fenced boma for barbecues. Surrounded by garden space. Family-friendly. (Rates on request.)

Mzinene (sleeps 4):
Two-bedroom ground-floor unit with sea views and a private braai overlooking the garden and ocean. Comfortable for families. (Rates on request.)

Hluhluwe (sleeps 4):
First-floor unit with huge wooden deck, overlooking the ocean and estuary, featuring an open-plan layout. Great for families with smaller children. (Rates on request.)

Nyalazi (sleeps 5):
Ground-floor two-bedroom unit with spacious living area and enclosed garden views. Spacious layout for families or small groups. (Rates on request.)

Mfolozi (sleeps 7):
The largest unit, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the ground floor. Direct garden access makes it ideal for large families or groups. (Rates on request.)

All units include air conditioning, fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi, and private outdoor braai facilities.

Summer-Season Appeal

During the South African summer (December–January), Ingwenya Lodge is especially inviting. St Lucia's summer weather is hot and humid, with average highs around 26–30 °C – perfect for beach and water activities. The lodge's pool and shaded patios offer welcome respite from the sun, and the sea is warm enough for swimming or snorkelling.

Mid-December to early April is considered the best time for warm-weather adventures in St Lucia. Local attractions come alive during the holidays, with vendors and nature guides catering to the seasonal buzz of visitors. Guests can unwind with outdoor braais (South African barbecues) under the long, warm summer evenings.

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Ingwenya's location puts guests steps away from St Lucia's famed natural and recreational attractions:

iSimangaliso Wetland Park:
Boat safaris on the St Lucia estuary allow close encounters with hippos and crocodiles. Seasonal wildlife tours include turtle-nesting trips (November–March) and ocean cruises for dolphins and migrating whales (June–November).

Beaches & Snorkeling:
Pristine beaches lie just minutes away. Cape Vidal (within the national park) offers safe swimming and excellent snorkeling over a coral reef, making it a popular day-trip destination.

Water Activities:
The coastline is ideal for fishing on the ocean or beach, gentle water adventures, with opportunities for bodyboarding.

Other Attractions:
Nearby activities includes bird wathcing and guided nature walks. St Lucia town itself has shops, craft markets, and local restaurants for those looking to explore the area's culture and cuisine.

Wildlife & Nature

Beyond the lodge's resident hippos, the entire area around St Lucia is rich in wildlife. Birdwatchers will spot species such as kingfishers and raptors, along with abundant waterbirds year-round.

Nearby Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park (about 50 km from the lodge) offers classic Big Five game drives for wildlife viewing. Guided hiking trails are also easily accessible — for example, the iGwalagwala Trail, just a short walk from Ingwenya Lodge, winds through coastal forest and grassland.

The Crocodile Centre in St Lucia offers a walk-through wildlife park with antelope and other small species, as well as informative crocodile exhibits.

Cultural and dining options in St Lucia town — including local craft markets and restaurants — make for easy half-day excursions when guests want a break from the natural surroundings.

Guest Reviews & Ratings

Ingwenya Lodge consistently earns high praise from visitors. Guests frequently comment on the beautiful views, comfortable rooms, and peaceful setting. The owner, Madeleine, is often noted as exceptionally helpful and welcoming.

One recent guest shared: "Madeleine is the perfect host. Beautiful view! Comfortable rooms."

Reviews highlight Ingwenya Lodge as a clean, tranquil retreat with a sparkling pool overlooking the estuary — and as a place where friendly service and abundant wildlife make every stay memorable.

Availability & Booking

Peak summer (mid-December to early January) fills up quickly in St Lucia, so early planning is advised. Availability around late December (just before December 27) or just after New Year's (after January 3) may be limited. Interested guests are encouraged to inquire directly with the lodge or through trusted online booking platforms.

Ingwenya Lodge can be booked via its official website or through major travel sites. Booking platforms typically list current rates and availability.

For more information or to book, visit the official Ingwenya Lodge website or check leading travel booking platforms. These resources provide up-to-date details on rates, availability, and guest reviews.

Madeleine, Ingwenya Lodge, St Lucia.
+27 72 172 2119
[email protected]