Do and buy
Clever Hippo Book Exchange and home industry
Bring a second-hand book, take one away with you… or be tempted by the crafts and bakes produced by the townspeople. Owner Megan Siemens’ milk tart is a hit. BiB’s Centre, McKenzie Street.
061 927 7200
St Angela Skills Development Centre
A profound sense of peace descends on you as you watch crafters create beadwork, sewing, weaving and sculptures, surrounded by the serenity of nature and the church next door. 162 McKenzie Street
cmutezi@gmail.com (Sister Catherine Mutezi) 079 809 5178
Advantage Tours
Advantage holds the concession in the St Lucia section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park and offers a range of excursions, including whale-watching at sea, hippo tours on the lake and game-watching tours in the nature reserve (up to Cape Vidal, where you can also scuba-dive). McKenzie Street (at the circle as you enter town). advantage@zululink.co.za advantagetours.co.za 035 590 1259 or 083 487 2762
Butterfly Dome
It might appear slightly neglected, but when you enter the dome you will see unbelievably beautiful butterflies, other insects and spiders. 4km from town on the Mtubatuba road. 078 164 4966 (Ngiphokuhle Zikhali)
Banana Box Supermarket, Butchery & Hardware
Aside from the good butchery, Banana Box also stocks every imaginable product under the sun. There’s a huge selection of biltong, which hangs below rows and rows of game trophies displayed on the wall. 36 Pelican Street henkbananaboxx@telkomsa.net 035 590 1050 (supermarket) or 035 590 1727 (butchery)
Spar
This is probably the only Spar in the country where you will hear more Dutch and French A true Italian family restaurant – the owner visits every table to make sure everyone is happy. No wonder it’s buzzing even on a weeknight out of season. “Italian” means many things, but the best of those things is… pizza! Just keep some room for the tiramisu. McKenzie Street. 035 590 1150
Ocean Basket
When you’re in the mood for seafood, Ocean Basket is always a safe bet, and