After the Durban International Marathon: Two Nights at St Lucia and iSimangaliso

The Route: Durban hotel → Transfer north → St Lucia (2 nights) → Estuary boat trip → Return to Durban Logistics: Get one written quote for the room, the transfers and the boat trip. Marathon Month: May Duration: 2 nights

Durban hotel ──(transfer north)──> St Lucia (2 nights)
                                        │
            Durban <──(transfer)── Estuary boat trip <──┘

South African government tourism lists boat trips and the wetland ecosystems of iSimangaliso as the draw here. A boat is seated and slow, which fits a body that ran 42.2 km. Rest on the Sunday and travel on the Monday.

May in St Lucia: the area is subtropical and sits north of Durban, so expect it to be warmer and more humid than the city. Take a hat and sun cream.

Health Check First

TravelHealthPro separates the malaria risk in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal from the lower risk in Durban. If you add St Lucia, get itinerary-specific advice four to six weeks before you travel and ask about prevention.

Getting There

Ask the operator for a transfer time and the pick-up point, because the road distance depends on your hotel and where the lodge is. Put the bags where you can reach a water bottle, and ask for a break on the way.

The Days

On the first day, check in and walk only as far as dinner. On the second, book the estuary boat trip through a local operator and ask about boarding steps, the length of the trip and shade. Government tourism does not publish a boat timetable, so confirm departure times when you book. No wildlife sighting is guaranteed.

The Lodge

Choose a lodge through your operator and ask whether the grounds are fenced, how far the room is from the dining area and whether it can serve an early breakfast. Check what the quote includes.

Getting Home

Return to Durban on the third day, leaving slack for the road. King Shaka International Airport (DUR) lists shuttle and taxi operators, so book a transfer for your flight.