With World Wetlands Day recently commemorated to remind us that wetlands play a vital role for our planet, we’re listing some of our wonderful getaway destinations in significant wetland zones. Not only are these places of particular ecological interest and importance, they are also beautiful spaces in which to rejuvenate.
Kosi Forest Lodge, Isimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is a 11 000 hectare wonderland of wetlands,ocean and lakes. It is home to the rare Raffia Palm, the Palmnut Vulture, wild date palms, mangrove swamps and sycamore fig forests. Hundreds of birds, as well as bushbuck, duiker and monkeys inabit the reserve.The beautiful Kosi Bay lake system is an astonishingly beautiful area of tree-fringed waterways where a huge variety of birds can be seen, and so can hippo and crocodile.
Kosi Forest Lodge is secluded in a sand forest on the banks of a placid lake in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve. This wetland wilderness is a treasured part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, a truly unspoiled natural paradise. Enjoy canoe and boat trips on the wetlands, as well as walks through pristine raffia forests, and day trips to breathtaking coastal beaches. Eight forest cabins are set among fig and milkwood trees, and have fabulous open-air bathrooms. Mail us.
Makakatana Bay Lodge, Isimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Isimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site is South Africa’s second largest protected area after the Kruger National Park. iSimangaliso means miracle / wonder, making this the perfect name for this remarkable area. The Park contains three major lake systems, eight interlinking ecosystems, traditional fishing practices that are many hundreds of years old, most of the country’s remaining swamp forests, the largest estuarine system in Africa, and coastal dunes that are 25 000 years old. As many as 530 bird species have been recorded there.
Makakatana Bay Lodge is set in dune forest on the banks of Lake St Lucia, the lake being the focal point of the Park. Makakatana’s guests enjoy game drives in the surrounding reserve, as well as unforgettable boat cruises on the estuary, extraordinary beach trips and day-safaris in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. Eight luxury rooms are secluded along timber walkways in a forest, and include family accommodation and a honeymoon suite. Mail us.
Hluhluwe River Lodge, Isimangaliso Area, KwaZulu-Natal
Hluhluwe River Lodge offers a wonderful nature escape for the whole family in the Lake St Lucia area. The lodge is tucked away in a forest and boasts spectacular views. Activities include boat tours to see hippo and crocodile, and excursions to the pristine beaches of Cape Vidal and Sodwana Bay. Hike in the surrounding sand forests, and enjoy mountain biking adventures in scenic locations. Self-drive safaris in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi are also an option. Guests are accommodated in appealing forest chalets on a fully catered basis, some with views of Lake St Lucia, and there is also a house available on a self-catering basis. Mail us.
Farmhouse Hotel, Langebaan Lagoon Area, Western Cape
The Langebaan Lagoon is a beautiful wetland situated within the West Coast National Park. This lagoon is one of three lagoons worldwide that is not fed by freshwater. Instead it is completely open to the sea. With Ramsar wetland status, the lagoon has immense ecological importance. The lagoon’s unique salt marshes are the largest in South Africa. The lagoon supports large numbers of crabs and snails and more than 70 different marine algae. It is also an important nursery for juvenile fish. Up to 55 000 water birds frequent the lagoon zone during summer. It is also a place where locals and visitors come to swim, sail, kite-surf and picnic on the shores.
The Farmhouse Hotel overlooks the exquisite Langebaan Lagoon. Boasting gorgeous water views, the hotel offers a relaxed stay in the town of Langebaan, with water sports and coastal leisure quite literally on the doorstep. The lagoon’s vivid turquoise waters create stunning views at the hotel’s restaurant where traditional Cape cuisine and seafood are served. Mail us.
De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape
De Hoop Vlei (vlei in South Africa meaning a natural pool of water) is a 19 km wetland within the De Hoop Nature Reserve, and is featured on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. In fact it’s the oldest Ramsar wetland in South Africa. When you stay at De Hoop Collection’s accommodation, you can go eco-boating on the vlei to enjoy bird, game, otter and sometimes porcupine sightings. At least 75 different bird species have been recorded here.
There is a variety of accommodation to choose from in De Hoop Nature Reserve, both catered and self-catering. The self-catering accommodation includes the thatched, 2-bedroomed Vlei Cottages that have partial views of the vlei. These cottages also offer a living area with well-equipped kitchen and fireplace, and bathroom. Mail us.
Mail us to book awe-inspiring wetland and wilderness getaways in South and Southern Africa, or call +27 21 797 7122 to speak to a consultant.
