LAKE SIBAYACovering up to 77 km2, Sibaya is the largest freshwater lake in South Africa and an important wetland for waterbirds, attracting up to 20 000 waterfowl at times. Among the nearly 300 bird species recorded to date are yellowspotted nicator, brown robin, Woodward’s batis, pinkthroated longclaw, gorgeous bush shrike, purplebanded sunbird and African spoonbill. The lake is home to hippo, crocodile and a variety of fish. But because of low nutrient levels the fish are small in size and angling is not a major attraction. Sibaya is, however, situated conveniently close to Nine Mile Beach, a popular coastal angling spot. Among the smaller mammals to be seen in the coastal dune forest are red and common duiker, samango and vervet monkeys, thicktailed bushbaby, red squirrel and bushpig, while reedbuck favour the open grassland areas. Visitors can explore the surroundings of Baya Camp, a rustic bush camp on the lake’s southern shores, by following a 3,4-km trail, or book a boat trip on the lake. Accommodation is also available in the upmarket Sibaya Lake Lodge. |
