The Elephant Coast has a wide variety of hostels and backpackers to choose from. Every hostel on the Elephant Coast and in South Africa is a unique entity. There are no mass produced hostelling franchises here. Have a look at each of the hostels and backpackers below and you are sure to find one that suits your budget, your needs or your particular taste. St Lucia backpacker hostels are ideally suited for exploring the St Lucia world heritage site. Elephant Coast IntroductionA unique safari destination. The Elephant Coast boasts the best of wildlife both on the ground and in the water. The Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park are both world-class conservation areas. The area is also still steeped in Zulu tradition and has a great rural feel. What to see and do St Lucia Wetlands ParkA World Heritage site. The vast Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park comprises coral reefs, long sandy beaches, coastal dunes, lakes, lagoons, swamps and an estuary. As if that isn’t enough, the rich waters are also home to many species of fish, birds, over 800 hippo and 2500 crocodiles. Hluhluwe Umfolozi (shu-shlu-wi)A world-renowned rhino sanctuary. Hluhluwe Umfolozi specializes in the conservation of the white rhino, 1600 of which live in an area of 880sq km together with 300 of the more dangerous black rhino. The BIG 5; lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffaloes can be spotted here. Diving in Sodwana BayPopular with divers and snorkellers for its diversity of fish and invertebrates and its collection of hard and soft corals. The waters are warm, seldom dropping below 20°C. The average visibility is 15m and can reach 30m. In summer, turtles leave the ocean to nest on the beach. Where to stay Khula VillageThe Khula settlement is situated on the outskirts of St. Lucia. You can do all
the things you want in the area and even get another perspective of South African life. Accommodation is provided in authentic Zulu huts. Tour the village and watch women weaving grass mats and other daily activities. St. LuciaA holiday resort town on the banks of the St. Lucia estuary with fun activities for everyone – kayaking with the hippos on the lake, whale watching in season, snorkeling at Cape Vidal and so much more. Hluhluwe Umfolozi Sodwana Bay | 
