Lake Sibaya

Ramsar logo

Lake Sibaya

  • Country: 
    South Africa
  • Site number: 
    528
  • Area: 
    7,750 ha
  • Designation date: 
    28-06-1991
  • Coordinates: 
    27°20'S 32°40'E
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

Lake Sibaya. 28/06/91; Kwazulu/Natal; 7,750 ha; 27°20'S 032°38'E. The largest natural freshwater lake in South Africa, separated from the ocean by forested dunes; includes areas of swamp forest and wet grassland. A large variety of endangered or endemic species of reptiles, fish, birds, mammals and plants occur. The site is important for numerous species of breeding birds and supports the second largest population of hippopotamus in Kwa Zulu. The lake supports a diverse zooplankton fauna, 15 species of aquatic and 43 species of terrestrial molluscs, as well as flora and fauna unique to South Africa. A research station is located within the site. The lake provides water for Mbazwane and Vasi. Human activities consist of livestock grazing and cultivation. Ramsar site no. 528. Most recent RIS information: 1988.

Administrative region: 
Kwazulu Natal

  • Global international designation: 
    • World Heritage site
  • National legal designation: 
    • none
  • Last publication date: 
    28-06-1991

Downloads

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)

Site map

Additional reports and documents