Lake Sibhayi | |
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Location | KwaZulu-Natal |
Catchment area | 530 km2 (200 sq mi) |
Basin countries | South Africa |
Surface area | 64 km2 (25 sq mi) |
Average depth | 10.9 m (36 ft) |
Water volume | 700,000,000 m3 (2.5×1010 cu ft) |
Surface elevation | 20.8 m (68 ft) |
Frozen | Never |
References | [1] |
Lake Sibhayi, also known as Lake Sibaya, is the largest natural freshwater lake in South Africa, with a surface area of 64 km². 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.
Contents |
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. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife run a campsite and chalets. There is also a private lodge - 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.
Area 77 km²
Maximum Depth 43m
Average Depth 12m
Elevation 20m AMSL
Location 27° 15' S - 27° 25' S and 32° 32' E - 32° 44' E