|
We boarded the ferry for the sundowner tour on a beautiful April evening, one of the best months to visit the Greater Wetlands, when mosquitoes are few (but Gin and Tonics still flow). In general, St Lucia's winter is often compared to a European summer, and the tropical summer heat is moderated by the Indian Ocean. The first 12 km up the Estuary passed with great anticipation with not much else to do than getting the camera lenses ready and the drinks filled up. Soon enough the captain spotted the first herd of river horses and the crowd on board shifted dangerously to the very lee of the boat - everybody wanting to get that first awesome holiday shot! The imbalance was easily taken care of by the captain's next heart-beating announcement: crocodiles on the shores under the mangrove trees, at three o'clock! And a few meters away from the ancient reptile, stood a Kudu eyeing us out, while a Giant Kingfisher was perched watchfully in the tree above it - picture perfect.
Encounters with crocodiles can also be safely undertaken at the Crocodile Park a few minutes outside St. Lucia - as long as one keeps from climbing the fences, and approaches the enclosures at a steady pace (anything on wheels better first gets an overhaul on its braking system). An ideal family getaway, the centre is representative of the whole St Lucia Region and not only features local crocodile, but has a breeding programme for two endangered African crocodile species - the Dwarf and the Long Snout. (And in their thatched shop, they serve some of the best coffee we have had on our trip!)
|