Shimite
17 November 2007
Fancy a dip in the languid waters of the Indian Ocean, a stroll along a romantic beach or perhaps a walk through unique coastal forest? What about bird watching, whale spotting, turtle gazing?
Does the idea of diving in the same waters as the world's oldest fish set your heart racing? If you long for a game ride at night, deep sea fishing, kayaking among the hippos and crocs then the treasure trove of KwaZulu Natal the St Lucia Wetland Park in its myriad kaleidoscopic diversity is beckoning to you
The St Lucia Wetland Park situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal was recently renamed Simangalisa Wetland Park and the first South African reserve to be declared a World Heritage Site made up of 3 280km2 of pristine natural eco-systems with an outrageous diversity of wildlife offering a very special slice of Africa to eco-tourists with a penchant for extraordinary outdoor experiences.
The park's uniqueness lies in its remarkable diversity, particularly its combination of subtropical coastline and classic African Game Park.
Here are sensitive ecosystems and natural habitats which are home to an astonishing diversity of species, cited the official report by UNESCO when the area was granted its World Heritage Site status.
The vulnerability of St Lucia Wetlands makes a trip to its resort all the more meaningful. Not only have the dunes of St Lucia survived against the threat of titanium mining quashed by the government in 1996 after ecological assessment but the estuary itself is constantly under danger from the whims of nature. The estuary mouth was breached by high seas recently after being closed for five years and the large quantity of seawater has a negative effect on certain vegetation, birds and fish.
The delicate balance of one of the world's most famous eco-systems is constantly observed and documented by those in positions of authority.
Lovers of the great outdoors can take their pick of the ten reserves that make up this wild and wonderful natural arena and choose the location that best suits individual desires and dreams. For instance, Sodwana Bay is a sun kissed resort lying adjacent to Africa's southernmost coral reefs and is renowned for sport fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling. Underwater fanatics are enticed with an unheralded diversity of seascapes teeming with marine flora and fauna. And if head-butting sharks and getting caught up in a bait ball don't offer enough excitement there's always the spectacular night dives when coral polyps come out to feed!!.
Or visit the Mkhuse Game Reserve, a place of great attraction and high contrast with its grasslands and fossil pans, wetlands and dunes. This reserve is a Mecca for bird lovers, with over four hundred bird species to identify. For many highlight includes watching fish eagles swoop over the Nhlonhleka and Nsumo pans, home to huge communities of pink-backed and white pelicans and migrating duck and geese. Here nature fans can take walks in a rare type of sand forest, travel through over 100km of tourist roads for game viewing and enjoy a variety of bushveld trails.
Admirers of wild animals would do well to choose the Maputuland Marine Reserve, where close encounters with Nile crocodile, hippo, rhino, both white and black elephant, buffalo, giraffe, water buck and countless other animals can be experienced. The sea offers opportunities to watch whales cavort along the coast on their northerly migration to calve in Mozambique, and this reserve is famous for observing rare leatherback and loggerhead turtles when they nest in summer.
Are you wild at heart? Then hop in the jeep, keep going north and discover Kozi Bay where spectacular splendour and beauty awaits. Explore the most pristine lake system on the South African coast with its interconnecting channels, and enjoy a tropical paradise of transparent blue waters and marshland. Look out for indigenous treasures, the raffia, wild date and lala palm. And if you are a fisherman...... then welcome to paradise!
Reports have it that until 1938 the Coelacanth fish was thought extinct. Then fishermen found it off the coast of South Africa and the captain of the boat brought the 80kg 1.60m fish with bulging blue eyes and heavy bluish scales to port because it looked so strange.
Also in year 2000 a group or divers found three coelacanths at Sodwana Bay. Since then divers have had the pleasure of observing up to 14 of these ancient fish hiding in caves.
By and large there is never a dull moment this time of the year at the reserve or any of the parks you choose to visit. For more information about travelling or where to spend your holiday, send us an email or write to Travel & Budget at Weekly Trust and you will learn some interesting things.
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