Lake Sibhayi

Lake Sibhayi
Location KwaZulu-Natal
Coordinates 27°21′29″S 32°41′07″E / 27.35806°S 32.68528°ECoordinates: 27°21′29″S 32°41′07″E / 27.35806°S 32.68528°E
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, a 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.

Tourism

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.[2]

The popular beach resort of Sodwana Bay is nearby.

Basic Data

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

References

  1. ↑ "Lake Sibaya". Department of Environmental Affairs (South Africa). Retrieved 28 January 2010.
  2. ↑ http://www.zulunet.co.za/mabibi/

External links