Lush Bush Big Sea

avatar

Best Of Both KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Region

img_8615

Rhino enjoying his space

La Rochelle located at 56 Beach Road in St Lucia, offering 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom self catering accommodation, very homely being fully-equiped, self-contained units.

img_7322

Unit front at La Rochelle

img_7321

La Rochelle gardens to amble through

Less than 1 km from Ingwe Beach, other direction many shops, restaurants are situated on main road just around the corner. Units are surrounded by lush, manicured gardens with indigenous sub-tropical bush of Northern KwaZulu-Natal.

img_7744

Coming off the beach view

Within striking distance of East Bank and West Bank of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park's offering a wide range of wildlife in natural bushveld, offering diverse ecosystems.

img_7875

Double rainbow Sunset Jetty

Estuary boat cruises on offer to view from the water, if one felt inclined to visit further afield the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserves are close to venture out to while up in Northern region. Crocodile Center is situated close to East Bank Gate into nature reserve, however very likely to see hippo and crocodile lazing around on islands in the estuary or while driving through close to water.

img_7931

East Bank Panorama

St Lucia offers 4 long white beaches, a lovely little forest walk at the end of the village, always keep in mind the animals roam free only go out after sunrise or before sunset when walking around town. Deep sea fishing charters failing which enjoy catch of the day at their sports bar/restaurant. Energetic perhaps try fat bike fishing available tours going out early to try your luck casting out.

img_7964

West Bank, Two female Waterbuck with one male next to Blue wildebeest

Certain times of the year trips are arranged to witness Loggerhead or Leatherback Turtle Hatchlings tours are available by arrangement. Night drives into reserves also available only via tour guides with permits. Hike to Bat Cave, be sure to check the tides as this can only be accomplished during low tide from Mission rocks!

img_8431

Mission rocks

No matter what draws you into nature there will be something to peek your interest when visiting this small hidden gem, people are friendly, proud of their neat clean town they call home.

img_8715

Looking down main road of village

img_8716

Viewing entrance to village after bridge crossing

Taste of what is to come!

img_8007

All journeys start with excitement

img_8014

Rippling effects, sun-ray glittering diamonds with small water fowl bobbing

img_8069

Vistas of sheer magnitude where we feel one in nature

img_8086

Where life never ends, reviving new

img_8437

Sharp contrast stand out or mold into the tapestry of nature

img_8549

Dwarfed by size, depth, height

img_8650

Take me on wing to see again

img_8436

All paths lead back to the bush once again

img_8633

Flat topped trees, an African sunset sings praise of thanks to day time life, heralds in the night where nothing sleeps, changing of the guard!

Leave only footprints, more about this region will be rolling out taken over the next days, weeks who knows possibly months.....

SA_Hive_LineBreak.png

All photography is my own using a Canon PowerShot SC730 HS, resized for easier loading, writing is my own.

Thought for Today: "He who ventures into the bush should close his ears to rattling." - African Proverbs

QuriteS.png

QuratorLogo.png

Combination_PapillonCharity.png How To

SiBlo_Logo_1.png

joan.gif

hive-106316 nature photography travel southafrica qurator palnet photofeed amazingnature wednesdaywalk
0
0
0.000
149 comments
avatar

Now I know why I’m moving to KZN. Haha, it’s so beautiful ❤️🤗💕

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

So pretty! I would not mind a holiday there.

Is it affordable or must I break the piggy bank?

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Affordable for the family, great place.... I've been addicted to for some years!

!LOLZ

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Hehe. I best be making some money and some plans then!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Everyone flocks to Cape Town when Durban has amazing places to explore 😅

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I know! I have to deal with them when they get here!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Not fun when places you used to enjoy are now expensive entry fees with long queues to enter...

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Beautiful area and it seems to be so peaceful.
I still get all excited when I see wildlife in this area that I've seen many times before. Seeing the wildlife you have included in this post must make your heart race.

It's great to see you getting away and hopefully leaving any residual baggage from home far behind you.

Seeing a rainbow doesn't happen too often, seeing a double one even less.

The last handful of pictures with simple and short statements were captivating.

Enjoy the remainder of your stay, relax and kick up your feet.

Peace!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

So many photographs this time after extremely wet season, it is going to take some time to organize and share.

Total wow factor being up in the area once again, my annual retreat of late at this time of the year.

Double rainbow on first day was a good omen, we had an excellent week, really was fun sharing with my eldest for his first ever visit up to the region.... yup hubby stayed home to look after the dog 😅

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

WOW such a beautiful area, all the beauty and wildlife
would love to see turtles hatching sometime

Thanks for joining Wednesday Walk :), I truly enjoy exploring the world virtually each Wednesday seeing walks from all around the globe and feeling I am there and experiencing it all myself, such as I did in your post just now :)

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Booking is imperative, apparently leave early hours to walk under a guided tour, would also be my number one choice watching the little ones make it to the water.

!BEER thanks for visiting.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I bet it must be so popular

Cheers and !BEER

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

It looks beautiful but sadly just getting there from the UK would be way out of my budget. I'll either have to hope I make a lot of hives or I'll just have to enjoy your photos and descriptions.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I believe you that in such an area you don't need no internet and enjoy the nature without social networks 😁
A real Rhinoceros met during a walk, how cool is that?

Awesome post and photos, Joan 😊

!WINE makes a delicious dinner with !PIZZA :)
!invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Did not touch internet the whole week, listened to night life, sound of sea crashing with fire going after dark.

At night you drive around the corner to enjoy fresh fish catch of the day, simply delicious with a !BEER needless to say. One cannot walk as leopard, hippo and rhino have been spotted around town by local folk.

Self driving is what we prefer, there are tours that are available. Some people do get their car flipped over when scaring the animals like Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, respect is a two way street!

!WINEX
!LUV
!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

That's what I would love - being completely offline for a week, only nature and photography. I'm trying to be off the internet on weekends, but it doesn't work.

I'm not sure if I would like to drive on my own, at least not for the first times until I know where to go and what to expect. My respect for the animals is great, of course, but I don't know if I would behave right when I meet a Rhino face to face 😁 !LOLZ

Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday 🌞

Have a !PIZZA from me, served with !WINE and !LUV
!invest_vote

Btw, the beer doesn't work together with other bot commands anymore.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Being completely away from internet was good medicine, only phoned home at end of each day to check all was OK at home.

These parks are easy to drive alone, many loops with places to walk always being aware you in the wild. Take time, we use most of daylight hours, packed picnic lunch and refreshments, drive 20-40 km/hour, so not to upset any animals close to the road.

Rhino was 6 - 8 metres away on side of the road, slow approach gave us a fantastic sighting to switch off vehicle and watch him in the late afternoon. Being out of season with few people visiting was a bonus.

Have a great Tuesday!

!LUV
!WINEX
!PIZZA
!BEER

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Yep, phoning home is always a must, so everyone knows you're alright too and haven't been lunch of a lion 🦁

I think I would drive even slower because such a trip would be a once in my life opportunity 😉

Have a !PIZZA from me, served with !LUV
!invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Safer with wildlife than driving on our highways, always feel safer, more comfortable in the bush to be honest.

Phoning home imperative to check everything is still as it should be.... 🙃

Fresh Snoek steak was a treat, !PIZZA is satisfying back down here, always served with !LUV

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Zac has told me some stories about your traffic and how dangerous it is. So I also believe that driving through a herd of rhinos might be much safer 😂 !LOLZ

Oh, I haven't had a steak in quite a while and a Snoek sounds delicious - think I would prefer it to a !PIZZA fresh from the Oven 😋

!invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Getting to/from destinations always troublesome, last time we came back at start of riots it was hair raising experience! Yes to mingle in with animals in parks a lot safer.

Here is a cellphone picture of the Snoek steak, caught same day deep sea fishing, super delicious!

IMG_20220529_185849.jpg

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Good evening, Joan, and sorry for my late reply, but real life came in the way - busy days at work and then tired evenings 😴

Well, when I read "steak" I thought of something different, to be honest, and "snoek" didn't sound like a fish to me - maybe I should have googled it 🤣 !LOLZ
But nevertheless it looks delicious 😋

Have a !PIZZA from me, served with !LUV
!invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Never having eaten it previously this was a wonderful surprise, should have arranged with straight salad since chips hardly got touched 😄

This will find you into Friday, hopefully a weekend off to catch your breath!

!LUV to you all, work is always taxing one working to a clock.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I love chips 😋

Yep, I'm off work this weekend, no clock telling me what to do, but the weather doesn't look very promising, but I will try to get out and take some photos somewhere anyway 😀

Wishing you also a wonderful weekend, dear Joan 😊🌞

Have a !PIZZA from me, served with !LUV
!invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Fish outweighed the chips this time....

Enjoy meandering whatever the weather allows, always something happening!

Happy Saturday from sunny Durban !LUV

!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

We have had a quite nice day, mostly clouded, but no rain and it was and still is very warm here 🌞
Wishing you a nice Saturday evening and a great Sunday 😊

Have a !PIZZA from me, served with !LUV
!invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Sunday arrived another sunny cool day, sadly no beach walks with E.Coli in our rivers and sea, Woody would not understand going down not swimming....

Hope the sun shines for you and heat does not become extreme or uncomfortable.

!PIZZA
!LOLZ

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Dogs love water and to swim, so I also think that Woody would have disappointed if you to stay out of the water.

Just as you enjoyed a sunny cool day, we enjoyed a warm and sunny Sunday, a nice walk in the morning and the rest of the day I have been lazy and editing images in between 😊

Maybe you like a !PIZZA fresh from the Oven 😋
!invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Good you got our planned route through trees on hot days, then a lazy Sunday afternoon, what more can one ask for 😅

!LUV from Durban with sunny skies once again.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Lazy Sunday afternoons are the best ... as long as I don't start thinking of Monday 😅 !LOLZ

Have one more !PIZZA from me, as always served with !LUV
!invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Need to learn how to switch off by the sound of it...

🙃

!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I will retire in a couple of years and don't think I will learn this anymore 🤣 !LOLZ

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Something I learned from young, switch off to outside noise when needed, does help except when someone realizes you no longer listening.

!BEER

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I know people who are masters in not listening - the new one in our office is such a guy: talking to a wall gives me better response 🤣 !LOLZ

Maybe you like a !PIZZA fresh from the Oven 😋
!invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Talking to the wall gives better response, believe me I get the 'deer in headlights' response quite often 😃

!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I have never heard the term "deer in headlights" but it suits perfectly to these kind of colleagues 😂 !LOLZ

Maybe you like a !PIZZA fresh from the Oven 😋
!invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Thank you for your witness vote!
Have a !BEER on me!
To Opt-Out of my witness beer program just comment !STOP below

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar
(Edited)

PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA!

PIZZA Holders sent $PIZZA tips in this post's comments:
joanstewart tipped papilloncharity (x2)
@johannpiber(6/15) tipped @joanstewart (x10)
joanstewart tipped johannpiber (x7)
papilloncharity tipped joanstewart (x3)

You can now send $PIZZA tips in Discord via tip.cc!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

What an impressive place, Joan! It looks perfect for unwinding. I hope you had a great time and were able to relax and put all the difficult weeks of rains and mudslides behind you. Cheers!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Damage is evident all the way up, rivers flowed heavy with some damage to roads and bridges. We did not go off into see the towns, much like ourselves everyone is trying to get up and running as soon as possible.

Break was planned prior floods, waited to the last minute to hear if we would be able to go up.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I hope the damage can be recovered soon, and it's good that you were able to go and unwind for a few days.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Many of our areas still suffering with no water connection, other areas electricity, this double whammy hit hard, might take some time to right everything once again.

Thanks for visiting and kind thoughts, break was great could have been longer.... 🙃

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar
(Edited)

I can imagine the situation will be difficult for a while. Here without natural disasters, the situation of services is terrible, and electricity and water cuts are frequent, especially water.

I hope you can take another break soon. Have a lovely day:)

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Water and electricity major problems in our country all the time, floods have made it worse!

Hopefully soon another break, really need more than a week at a time 😅

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

This town looks clean Joan, beautiful share! Thanks for showing us St. Lucia, it is not looking like I will be heading there for the project I spoke about, there appear to be lease agreement issue with the mall and Telkom...

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Isolated little stretch between sea and estuary, people and town simply amazing in attitude.

Pity the project did no pan out now in winter months, always best time to enjoy. Any place that relies on Telkom needs their head read!

!BEER

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Sorry, out of BEER, please retry later...

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Wonderful you are having a marvellous holiday Joan. Already a rainbow to start. Great captures of the lovely views. Imagine seeing hippo or rhino around town!

Relax and enjoy, ♥️

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Wonderful break thoroughly enjoyed, small area relies on tourism which is still sadly lacking, we did enjoy the quiet though!

Security at night told us Rhino were enjoying towns pavement lawn during the night, one of the day staff had seen a leopard in the early morning two weeks earlier.

Back to share some of the magic seen up there now.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Hello dear friend @joanstewart good afternoon
What a beautiful place you show us in this opportunity, without a doubt a place that I would love to know.
I appreciate that you share these beautiful images
have a prosperous week

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Lost in the wild for a week was best medicine for the soul, peaceful place to enjoy, hopefully one day you will get to visit.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

This looks stunning! Have you seen any surfers on those 4 long white beaches you mentioned, or off the rocks even? If I look at the surf guide book, this area around St Lucia is still very vast and unmapped by surfers, so there could still be discoveries to be made!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Never seen any surfing up that way, some swimming with warnings of crocodile, hippo or sharks in the waters.

Highly protected region with whales, dolphins, turtles perhaps surfing is banned, not sure, it would be something one would have to inquire about.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Furthest that I went up is Richard's Bay and always wanted to visit St Lucia.
Maybe sometime in the future who knows?

An excellent post Lady Joan.

!BEER !PIZZA !LUV

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

If it was not so hot and humid during summer months I would seriously consider living up there. Lovely place I hope you do manage a visit one day.

!LUV
!BEER
!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Oh yeah, I forget about the heat that far up north.
I think a trip along the coast from Cape Town to Durban will be a great experience. And then on to St Lucia, but one would have to have ate least a 3 week break. And with traveling expenses going through to roof due to the oil price, it doesn't look that it will get any better in the future.

I read an article today about a farmer in Harrismith that has returned to plowing with Percheron horses.
Now if one would do the trip in a horse cart it will take a few months :)

!LUV
!BEER
!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

We did Durban to Cape Town with the boys when they were younger over two weeks travel stopping off mainly Parks Board accommodation which was a fantastic trip.

Farmers turning to horses, oxen or donkeys to plow will not be surprising considering fuel cost, slower, cleaner not so sure about cheaper.

Hey ho Silver riding in on horseback would be a sight!

!LOLZ
!LUV

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Certainly a great idea, as Parks Board accommodation I have never tried. Will have a look at their prices.

Most definitely very much cheaper, if one plants hay and oats for the horses between the rows of produce. The guy has a perfect solution to plant feed for the horses and mielies for the sheep.
Then he also has lands of special grass for the cattle and he also cuts everything with the horses.
Apparently he borrowed the ideas from the Amish communities in the USA.

No thank you, an old horse buggy will do us fine and it even has an open boot for Troy to sit in!

!LOLZ
!LUV

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Parks board have some stunning accommodation, no TV or radio, purely regions for superb photography in nature.

Following tried and tested methods makes perfect sense in self-sustainability.

Horse buggy sounds comfy!

!LOLZ

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Ideal for my purposes !LOLZ

Yes, agreed and the older the better, as it is always simpler and effective.

A great idea methinks.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

National Parks Board not sure of pricing, we used extensively in earlier years, always happy wherever we went.

Planning a journey is a lot of fun, perhaps one day an amble down to the Cape again.

!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Well we will have to prepare for a shock as everything is going through the roof pricewise.

Will have to wait for just before December still in out of season. Won't miss you guys on your next trip here.

!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Prices will have to be adjusted to avoid famine for extremely poor, perhaps food coupon handout at shops in preference to grant aid would also assist more.

Flower bed gardens will become vegetable gardens!

!LOLZ

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

No money for the food coupons my friend. Even though millions are declared in profits there is no money for food coupons. The first of the major food businesses to do this will really reap great benefits as the people will see their care.

So true!

!WINEX

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

With start to cold of winter is when extreme poverty is going to bite hard for too many, two year lock downs are only starting to take it's toll.

!LUV

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

So many are going to suffer, but Papillon will double the feeding support projects. Seem like nothing that we can do about helping against the cold, as we lost all of our contacts up north.
Over here it seems to be ringfenced and it's hard to get in.
The lockdowns are also releasing unexpected results in the suffering fields, even for the middle class.

!LUV

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Soup/stew kitchens regularly feeding many more mouths. Cold spell blanket drive in top gear, yes middle class suffer yet still find to share,

!WINEX

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Glad to hear this and many in the middle class know what it's like to be poor. That's why they share.
Those at the top rather flounce their riches. Not all though as there are cases where they do heroic acts.

!WINEX

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Amazing photos, wonderful place. Thanks for sharing!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Free as a bird up there, away from the maddening crowd. Thanks for visiting.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Oh, sometimes I want to visit these places. Sometimes I just get tired of high-rise buildings, car traffic, noise. And your places look so quiet and cozy.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Escaping to places like this is food for the soul, was an excellent break to sit listening to whispers of nature especially at night.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

So? you taken up real estate management in your spare time?????

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Tour guide may suite me better, working in a parks the best with nature. Estate management means people who I try escape from 😅....

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

"He who ventures into the bush should close his ears to rattling." - African Proverbs

Oh I love this, and reminds me of my time in West Africa:)

It looks a stunning and perfect place to have a holiday. It has everything that I would wish for!
Am so glad you had a great time Joan:)

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

West Africa is still a part of the continent I would love to explore, perhaps one day...

Few short kilometers in any direction offers a different feel, really a bumper place to enjoy, for me always during winter months, summer far too hot and humid.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Ah so too hot in the summer, I shall make a note of that ;)
Yeah West Africa is fun, Africa really is a vast continent, I have done the West and North, time to venture South one day...

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

East Coast where we live is sub-tropical, very hot and humid in summer months, I always advise winter to be better with slightly shorter daylight hours.

Visited Zimbabwe a couple of times (also when Southern/Northern Rhodesia) and Mozambique. West coast still on the wish list as only done Durban - Cape Town or Johannesburg - Cape Town over the years.

Getting to UK or Europe no longer on the cards, we did that when young, now way too expensive!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Yes UK and Europe are expensive now, my inlaws really feel it when they come over from the USA.
Ah so you are East Coast, I will get the South Africa geography sorted!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Travel outside our continent one would need a fair sized bank balance, fortunately plenty to explore still available 😀.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Well it is better for the environment if we cut down on our long distance air travel :)

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Travel industry has taken a knock with recent events, not sure how many will survive or fully recover to former years.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Yes that is true, and now airlines here cancelling flights left right and centre because they overbooked and don't have enough staff!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Hopefully those still flying are able to afford staff soon, people need employment.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

That is so very true, let's keep our fingers crossed!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Not going anywhere myself, people enjoy travel it will never stop completely.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Yes they do, but I am happy with where I have travelled to, so fine if I just stay local now or use a boat:)

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

@joanstewart Wow - I posted my memories of Africa part 2 today and guess what, the first thing in my post I talked about was a Rhino!! What are the chances! Guess Africa gets in our blood and most of us cherish the same good things about Africa.
I have never been to Kwazulu-Natal and enjoyed seeing it through your post. So lush green!
Thanks for sharing

singature small avatar.png

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Open spaces with lots of water everywhere I thought game viewing may be a problem, not so at all parks were empty of humans giving us the most amazing time, plenty of posts to follow 😃...

KZN has some amazing places, tourists normally go to Cape Town or Kruger being marketed overseas. Pilanesberg another region to enjoy not yet recognized by many. Will go take a look at your fond memories.

0
0
0.000
Reply