The St Lucia Estuary forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The wider Lake St Lucia system is Africa's largest estuarine system, extending across an extensive network of lakes, channels, wetlands and surrounding habitats.

Freshwater from rivers meets the influence of the Indian Ocean, creating a dynamic environment that supports an exceptional range of aquatic and terrestrial life.

But this is not a static landscape. Water levels, salinity and the balance between freshwater and seawater change over time, influencing the animals, plants and habitats that depend on the system.

The estuary is a place where ecology is visible. Look at the water, the exposed banks, the birdlife and the movement of animals, and you're watching a living system at work.

St Lucia is one of those unusual places where wildlife isn't confined to a distant reserve. The town and its surrounding natural habitats sit right alongside the animals' territory.

Hippos are a familiar presence in the estuary and sometimes move through the town after dark. Nile crocodiles inhabit the waterways, while waterbirds feed along the shallows and banks.

The wider iSimangaliso landscape also supports elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino and a remarkable variety of smaller mammals.

The wider park has recorded more than 520 bird species. Depending on water levels and seasonal movements, Lake St Lucia can support substantial gatherings of flamingos, pelicans, waders and other waterbirds.

A LITTLE LOCAL ADVICE

Hippos are wild animals, even when they appear surprisingly close to town. Keep your distance, never approach them on foot and take particular care after dark. Do not feed wildlife.

One of the most interesting things about Lake St Lucia is that its character changes with the water.

Rainfall, river inflows, evaporation and the connection with the sea all influence the estuary's water levels and salinity. During wetter periods, freshwater flows help replenish the system. During extended dry periods, water levels can fall and salinity can increase.

These changes affect fish populations, aquatic vegetation, birdlife and the animals that rely on the wetlands.

It is also why conservation matters here. The estuary is not simply a beautiful backdrop for tourism.

It is an important nursery and feeding environment for aquatic species, and a vital part of the wider coastal ecosystem.

Understanding this makes a boat safari more interesting. You're not just looking for hippos; you're travelling through a living ecological system.

The Eastern Shores section of iSimangaliso stretches between the estuary and the Indian Ocean, creating a landscape of remarkable contrasts.

Coastal forest gives way to grassland, freshwater pans, wetlands and towering vegetated dunes. Further east, the beaches open onto the Indian Ocean.

Cape Vidal and Mission Rocks are two of the best-known coastal destinations in this section. Cape Vidal is particularly popular for beach days, snorkelling and fishing, while Mission Rocks offers a more rugged coastal setting.

The scenery changes considerably as you move through the park.

Give yourself time to stop at viewpoints, explore the designated access areas and appreciate the different habitats.

Lake St Lucia is one of South Africa's important waterbird habitats. Its shallow waters, reed beds, mudflats and surrounding vegetation attract an impressive range of resident and migratory species.

Flamingos, pelicans, herons, storks, kingfishers and waders are among the birds associated with the system.

The surrounding habitats also support forest and grassland species, making the wider St Lucia area particularly rewarding for birdwatchers.

You don't need to be an expert birder to enjoy it. Bring binoculars, take your time and pay attention to what is happening around the water.