Lake Sibhayi

Lake Sibhayi is the largest natural freshwater lake in South Africa, with a surface area of 77km². The lake is also wrongly known as Sibaya or Sibayi.

The lake is located in the Maputaland, or Umhlabuyalingana, area of KwaZulu-Natal, on the east coast of South Africa.

It is part of the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park and is recognised under the Ramsar Convention as a "Wetland of International Importance" on 28 June 1991. In December 1999 The Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

279 bird species have been identified at Lake Sibhayi.

The Mseleni Water Project and Mbazwana Water Supply Scheme both get their water from Lake Sibhayi.

Tourism

[http://www.lake-sibaya.co.za/ Lake Sibaya Lodge] is situated on the northern shores of the lake. It is an upmarket lodge with 16 chalets.

Between Lake Sibhayi and the Indian Ocean is Mabibi. [http://www.kznwildlife.co.za/ Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife] run a campsite and chalets. There is also a private lodge - [http://www.zulunet.co.za/mabibi/ Thonga Beach Lodge] .

The popular beach resort of Sodwana Bay is nearby and many people visit on day trips organised by tour operators based there.

Basic Data

Area 77km²

Maximum Depth 43m

Average Depth 12m

Elevation 20m AMSL

Location27° 15' S - 27° 25' S and 32° 32' E - 32° 44' E

References

* [http://www.environment.gov.za/enviro-info/sote/nsoer/resource/wetland/sibaya_ris.htm Lake Sibaya Info Sheet - South African Wetlands Conservation Programme]

* [http://www.ilec.or.jp/database/afr/dafr03.html Lake Sibaya - World Lakes Database]