Visiting the Crocodile Farm

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Geo: -28.0126, 32.4457

We packed up our tent this morning and left the camp site at about half past eight. Our destination was St Lucia for the day and then staying in the Drakensberg National Park for the next three nights. Along the way to St Lucia we had to stop for a herd of cows to cross the road. There were many people selling pineapples along the road.

At a bit after ten we entered the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, there was now a chance of seeing wildlife. We drove through the town to the beach. Here we went for a walk along the board walk. We could see fishermen on the beach, sand dunes, floating hippos and big fat crocodiles. There was not much in the form of protection between us and these dangerous wild animals, just a bit of distance. Residents in this town have to be careful when walking around at night, in case they bump into the unfriendly hippos.

We then went for a walk along the beach. There were quite a few people here; walking and fishing. We had an early lunch in town and then went to the local Crocodile Centre. For the next hour we walked around and saw many crocodiles of all ages and sizes, as well as a few other reptiles.

The Crocodile Centre has so many crocodiles that it made me wonder what eventually happens to them. On the way out we stopped to watch a troop of Vervet Monkeys. Then we had a quick stop at the supermarket to buy some food for the next few days and then it was time to get on the road, as we had a long drive ahead of us.

We arrived at the Giant's Castle just after sunset and just in time before the gates closed. Here we were staying in a chalet and it was such a treat compared to camping and the accommodation in Kruger. I was looking forward to seeing the view tomorrow morning.

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Photos

01 Cow Crossing
Cows stopping traffic as the herd crossed the road.

02 Pineapples
Along the way we saw many road side stalls selling fresh local pineapples.

03 Sign
The sign by the road entering St Lucia.

04 Wetland Area
The famous St Lucia wetland area.

05 Local residents
A pod of hippos standing in the water.

06 The Other Locals
Big, fat crocodiles.

07 Wetlands
The wetland area.

08 Sign
The sign at the waters edge.

09 Locals
Hippos and crocodiles hanging about.

10 Snail
The Giant African Land Snail.

11 Me
Me and the warning sign along the boardwalk that leads to the beach.

12 Beach
Looking towards the beach.

13 Boardwalk
The boardwalk that lead us to the beach.

14 Beach
The beach at St Lucia.

15 Beach
The beach at St Lucia.

16 Beach
The beach at St Lucia.

17 A Big Fat One
A big fat crocodile at the Crocodile Centre.

18 By the Pond
Crocodiles by the pond.

19 Prickly
Leaves with prickles.

20 Cycads
Very old cycads.

21 Sign
The sign to warn people because the fences aren't very secure.