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When you think of South Africa, the things that come to your mind are the vines of Cape Winelands, the plains of the Bushveld, sea-side towns and Table Mountain.
Although the lakes in South Africa are less known, they are beautiful and a popular tourist attraction. While most of the lakes in South Africa are spread across the country, many of them are found closer to the coast. These lakes are havens for birds, water birds and other aquatic life. Interestingly, South Africa has its own lake district with over 270 lakes concentrated within a 20 km radius near the Chrissiesmeer town.
6 Lakes In South Africa You Must Visit
South Africa boasts of many captivating lakes for tourists to explore. These beautiful lakes in South Africa can offer memorable experiences and adventure to people of all ages.
1. Lake Chrissie
Photo: Raul Ling / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Lake Chrissie is a shallow freshwater lake situated in the Mpumalanga province in South Africa. It is about 6 miles long and 2 miles wide. Belonging to the farming region of New Scotland, the lake was named after Christina, daughter of then president of South Africa. Lake Chrissie is well-known for herds of bleskbok at its shores and its vast birdlife. Over 80 diverse aquatic birds and 180 different species have been spotted in the area.
Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa
2. Lake St. Lucia
Photo: Jessica Leonard / Wikimedia Commons
Classified as a major World Heritage Site of Isimangaliso, Wetland Park, Lake St. Lucia is Africa’s biggest estuarine system. It is 80 km long and 23 km wide. More than 50% of KwaZulu’s birds nest and feed in this estuary, and the lake supports between 6000 to 17000 birds annually. Low water levels have attracted over 20,000 flamingos and winter months have seen around 5000 white pelicans. The lake waters are also home to 155 fish species, and the shores are home to waterbucks, hippos, kudu, antelopes and reedbucks.
Location: Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
3. Lake Sibaya
Photo: Graham Maclachlan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lake Sibaya, South Africa’s biggest natural freshwater lake, is nestled within the densely vegetated Greater Simangaliso Wetland Park between Kosi Bay and Lake St. Lucia. Visitors can notice a huge population of crocodiles and hippos in this lake, making it unsafe for swimming. Lake Sibaya, too, has a rich bird life such as kingfishers, herons, and spoonbills, making it ideal for bird watching. Lake Sibaya is believed to have been connected to the sea by a river earlier, but currently, no river water feeds into the lake.
Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
4. Zeekoevlei Lake
Photo: Abu Shawka / Wikimedia Commons
Relatively large for a city lake (250 hectares), Zeekoevlei’s water body is situated near the densely populated region of Cape Town, in the southwestern part of Cape Flats. Zeekoeiveli was first discovered in 1656 by Van Riebeek when it was populated with hippos. While the hippo population has diminished in the lake over the years, the Rondevlei Nature Reserve has become the main home to hippos in the Cape Town region. Being a unique urban nature reserve, Zeekoevlei shares its boundary with 136 private homes.
Location: Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve, Cape Flats, Cape Town, South Africa
5. Flamingo Lake
Photo: Charles J Sharp / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A best-kept secret of Hermanus, Overberg, South Africa, the Flamingo Lake is a 1000-hectare lake that is a part of the estuary of Bot River. A narrow strip of sand dunes divides the lake and the river. Occasionally, the entry breaks open, and the lake drains into the sea. You can take a walk along the lakeside to spot jellyfish and other aquatic creatures in the waters, or a flock of flamingos on the lakeside. Encompassed by wetlands and nature reserves, you can capture the lake, sea and birdlife experiences at the Flamingo Lake.
Location: Hermanus, Overberg, South Africa
6. Wilderness Lakes
Photo: warrenski / Wikimedia Commons
Wilderness Lakes is the lake district or a five-lake system belonging to the Garden Route near Cape Town. This district extends between Sedgefield and Wilderness. They are situated on the coast, between the coastal sand dunes and the Outeniqua Mountains. These lakes are fed by rivers that break through the dunes and join into the Indian Ocean. This area is a Ramsar site and a vital wetland system for local birds. During winter, the waterbirds come to this area from the inner wetlands. The dunes protect these lakes from the existing southerly winds.
Location: Southern coast of Cape Province, South Africa
Places To Visit Around The Lakes In South Africa
Discover the best places to visit around South Africa’s lakes, from stunning scenery to vibrant wildlife and thrilling outdoor activities.
1. Cape Town
Photo: Hilton1949 / Wikimedia Commons
Cape Town is a beautiful city surrounded by natural beauty, high mountains, botanical wonders, and turquoise colour sea. The must-visit places in Cape Town include Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, a UNESCO heritage site. You can spot African penguins at Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, visit urban shopping centres such as Victoria Wharf and Canal Walk or check out the exquisite restaurants in the city.
Location: South-west coast, South Africa
2. Kruger National Park
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
One of the biggest national parks in the world spanning an area of over 2,000,000 hectares, Kruger National Park is the oldest in South Africa. It offers visitors a one-of-a-kind safari experience in close proximity with wildlife in their natural habitat. While the park is home to hundreds of animal species, the main attraction is the “Big Five” that include: lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and Cape buffalo. You can go on both day and night safaris in this park.
Location: Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa
3. The Garden Route
Photo: South African Tourism / Wikimedia Commons
The Garden Route runs along South Africa’s southeast coast and is one of the most scenic driving routes in the world. This 200 km long picturesque route connects Storms River and Mossel Bay. If you wish to enjoy the route in its entirety, you can visit the beautiful Knysna town, Oudtshoorn’s ostrich farms, Cango Caves, the Great Route National Park and Plettenberg Bay. You can interact with elephants in the Knysna Park Reserve or visit the Garden Route Mall to enjoy a great shopping experience.
Location: From Mossel Bay to Storms River, South Africa
4. Hermanus
Photo: Olga Ernst / Wikimedia Commons
Hermanus is a tiny town in the Western Cape but filled with tourists throughout the year. Rightly known as the Whale Capital of South Africa, tourists from all over the world flock here just to view the dolphins and whales. You can see the whales from the cliffs or during one of the whales watching boat tours. There is a whale festival celebrated in Hermanus every year in September. The best time for whale watching in Hermanus is between June and December.
Location: Walker Bay, south coast of the Western Cape, South Africa
Right from cities to adventure sports, culture to wildlife, captivating scenery to sun-kissed coastlines, there is plenty to discover in South Africa. You can experience a unique cultural mixture and the least crowded beaches in this amazing country. These lakes offer a perfect escape to indulge in natural beauty apart from spotting diverse aquatic species in a calm environment. If you wish to check out the great outdoors of lakes in South Africa, book your holiday with TripXL and make it an unforgettable one.
Cover Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels
