Location KwaZulu-Natal Surface area 64 km (25 sq mi) Frozen Never Area 64 km² Catchment area 530 km² | Basin countries South Africa Average depth 10.9 m (36 ft) Surface elevation 21 m Mean depth 11 m Catchment area 530 km² | |
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Water volume 700,000,000 m (2.5×10 cu ft) | ||
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.
Contents
Map of Sibayi, South Africa
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, and it was renamed the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in 2009.
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.
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