| Lake
Sibaya Nature Reserve contains the largest
freshwater crystal clear lake in South Africa
and is separated from the coast by impressive
sand dunes rising to 536 feet (165metres). The
lake contains some crocs and hippos, and there
are boats (with skipper) for hire for fishing
trips. The pristine coastline of this reserve
stretches for 62 miles (100km).
Kosi
Bay Nature Reserve is a coastal reserve
with a string of four lakes and a wide variety
of terrain and unique eco systems in the fig tree
and palm forests, mangrove swamps, freshwater
lakes, sand dunes, pristine beaches and coral
reefs. It is home to the Tonga people who use
ingenious fish traps made from reeds, to make
their daily catch in the tidal lagoon.
The
lakes contain crocs and hippos, while antelopes
inhabit the dry inland parts of the reserve. The
mouth of the lake system is considered to provide
some of the best snorkelling in South Africa.
But the areas is most famous for its leatherback
turtles, that lay their eggs in the soft beach
sand from the end of October through to January.
Turtle viewing is allowed with wildlife rangers.
Rocktail
Bay is a (40km) stretch of unspoilt,
undeveloped, pristine coastline where a sophisticated
conservation model has been successfully implemented,
between conservation authorities, local communities
and Wilderness Safaris tour operator. A small
number of visitors stay at Rocktail Bay Lodge
and can experience nature walks into the coastal
forest, watching turtles laying their eggs, boat
trips out to sea, scuba diving and snorkelling.
This eco-friendly tourism project is successfully
helping to preserve the area and create jobs.
The
warm sea of this coastline attracts a great diversity
of marine life including loggerhead and leatherback
turtles, ragged-tooth sharks and enormous whale
sharks, bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales,
plus a myriad of colourful reef fish and other
sea creatures. |
