Wetlands and Wildlife - 355km

Photo © Struik Publications

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DUMAZULU

Dumazulu, a name meaning ‘the thundering Zulu’, is devoted to the history, culture and customs of the Zulu nation. This traditional village consists of over 50 Zulu people living in a homestead where they perform daily tasks and manufacture crafts much as the Zulu people did a century ago. Visitors can watch the women making clay pots, weaving baskets and doing beadwork, while the men are involved in tasks like making spears and shields – the traditional weapons of Zulu warriors. The highlight of a visit to Dumazulu is watching the spectacular dances, while in the evening guests can watch Zulu plays over dinner. Other attractions include a snake park with over 100 species of indigenous snakes, and a crocodile park.

FALSE BAY PARK

...lies on the western shores of Lake St Lucia, where the lake is roughly shaped like an H. It is a popular destination with anglers, but the presence of species such as African broadbill, crested guineafowl, yellowspotted nicator and pinkthroated twinspot make it an excellent spot for birders. For those who wish to explore their surroundings on foot there are two self-guided interpretive walks. The Dugandlovu Hiking Trail meanders for 8 km through bush and along the lake shore to a rustic overnight camp overlooking Hluhluwe River. Also of interest are the marine fossils to be found along the lake shore, among them fossil corals and ammonites. The patches of sand forest are home to the rare suni and several interesting tree species, while reedbuck, waterbuck, nyala, impala, bushbuck and Burchell’s zebra are among the animals to be encountered on foot. Facilities are limited to camp sites and a swimming pool.

FANIES ISLAND

Fanies Island, on the western shores of Lake St Lucia, overlooks a maze of reed-covered islands, and was named after an early Zulu headman. Situated among magnificent coastal forest, the tranquil rest camp has a long-standing reputation for superb fishing, but also offers excellent birding possibilities – the Narina trogon and trumpeter hornbill can be seen here. Along two self-guided trails, visitors might chance upon red duiker, bushbuck and reedbuck, while the lake is home to hippo. Facilities include rest huts, a seven-bed cottage and a swimming pool.

CHARTER’S CREEK

Charter's Creek, on the western shores of Lake St Lucia, is a popular base for angling, bird-watching, or simply relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere. It was named after AE Charter, a former provincial secretary who was a keen conservationist. Visitors can explore the rest-camp surroundings by setting off on the two self-guided trails, or experience the tranquillity of the lake on a luxury boat cruise. Tours last between 1,5 and 2 hours; in addition to hippopotamus, crocodile and African fish eagle, there is also a chance of seeing buffalo, waterbuck, reedbuck and kudu along the lakeshore. Accommodation ranges from a seven-bed cottage to rest huts.

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Page: 1 iSIMANGALISO WETLANDS PARK [FORMERLY KNOWN AS GREATER ST LUCIA WETLAND PARK]
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park 5 presents an ever-changing kaleidoscope of lake, marshland, forested coastal dunes and grasslands. The nucleus of the park is Lake St Lucia, which was proclaimed a game reserve in ...

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