Lake Chrissie, also known as Chrissiesmeer, is one of the three largest lakes in South Africa, measuring 9 km long and 3 km wide. Around the lake, one can observe many species of birds and aquatic creatures. One of the lake's special events is the "Frogging Safaris", which are must-see events where participants must swim in the mud to spot frogs. In addition, lake Chrissie also takes place in many interesting events, attracting a large number of tourists every year. And there is no shortage of frogs. In fact, one of the area’s former names – Matotoland – is Swazi for ‘land of the frogs’. So, it naturally follows that the locals host an annual ‘frog hunt’, where you get to slosh in the mud in an attempt to retrieve one of the 13 local frog species to prove they still exist, before putting them back again.

Bird watching, frog hunting, and a tractor museum are nearby attractions that add to the tourist attractions. The lake is named after Christiana Pretorius, daughter of Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, the first president of the Boer Transvaal Republic. Historically, a famous battle in the Second Boer War was fought by Lake Chrissie on February 6, 1901. So, lake Chrissie is not only known as one of the best lakes to visit in South Africa but also a famous place with many glorious historical imprints.

• Nearby Attractions: Bird watching, Frog Hunt, Tractor Museum (near the lake)

• Location: Chrissiesmeer, Mpumalanga, South Africa

A famous World Heritage Site of Isimangaliso Wetland Park, lake St. Lucia is not only the best lake to visit in South Africa, but also one of the largest lakes in South Africa with a length of 80 km and a width of 23 km. You can spot a hippo, reedbuck, and waterbuck on the shores of Lake St. Lucia and it is also home to about 150 species of fish. Currently, a project has been undertaken by the surrounding park to protect and preserve the lake from damage caused by dredging. Lake St Lucia (also known as lake Saint Lucia) is a system of estuary lakes in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is the largest estuarine lake in South Africa, covering an area of about 350 square kilometers. The lake was named Santa Lucia by Manuel Perestrello on December 13, 1575, the feast day of Saint Lucy. It was later renamed, St. Lucia.

Lake St. Lucia includes beaches and coral reefs, the most southerly in the world; marshes and wetlands on the north side of the lake; and the dry western shore of the lake, where there are scrubs as well as rare sand forests. There is a wide variety of animal life in the park, from more giant aquatic creatures such as hippos and whales to smaller antelopes and a wide variety of birds, making it one of the most popular viewing destinations in the world. Traditionally, visitors to the lake are South Africans on holiday. The accommodation is pretty basic and primarily self-catering. While this is still an option for those who want a more basic lake experience, several small private guesthouses also allow you to enjoy the area a little more comfortably.

• Nearby Attractions: Cruising, Kayaking, and visiting the crocodile center near the lake

• Location: St Lucia, Umkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa

Located near Kosi Bay and Lake St. Lucia, this best lake to visit in South Africa is the largest freshwater lake in South Africa. Famous for its hippos and crocodiles, lake Sibaya is home to many rare bird species in the region. As the lake is a protected lake, visitors are not allowed to stay in the lake but it is a must-visit place to experience the absolute tranquility in South Africa. Nearby attractions include a visit to Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, Sodwana Bay National Park, and False Bay Park. Like Lake St Lucia and Kosi Bay, it’s a Ramsar site with incredible bird life. Best of all is the knowledge that the area is so well protected, you can’t even stay on the lake. Nothing but a pristine lake.

Lake Sibaya is nestled on forested coastal sand dunes, parallel to iSimangaliso's coastline. With an estimated area of 750ha, lake Sibaya is the largest of its kind and has been listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The sea canyons off lake Sibaya and the presence of dependent estuarine fauna suggest that the lake was formerly connected to the sea by a large river. The pristine, clear waters surrounded by pure white sand are nourished entirely by water flowing from plant dunes up to 165m high. No rivers flow into or out of lake Sibaya. lake Sibaya was once at the mouth of a mighty river and was open to the sea. Now, a high-forested duneland divides lake Sibaya from the coastline.

• Nearby Attractions: Visiting Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, Sodwana Bay National Park, and False Bay Park

• Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Larger than a typical city lake and one of the best lakes to visit in South Africa, lake Zeekoevlei covers 250 hectares and sits on the corner of densely populated Cape Town in South Africa. It was declared a nature reserve in 2000 and is one of the youngest reserves. Due to its location in urban areas, the threat lies in its crowded surroundings but despite these facts, visitors can see cormorants, white pelicans, and even flamingos near the coast. Nearby attractions such as the Edith Stephens Wetland Park and the Victoria Mxenge project provide plenty of excitement for tourists.

Lake Zeekoevlei is a freshwater lake on the Cape Flats in Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa. The name means hippopotamus pond or swamp, with "vlei" being Afrikaans for a shallow, often seasonal lake, and "zeekoe" being Dutch for hippo. Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve (established in June 2000) is based on the lake. The total area of the reserve is 344 hectares. It is separated by a peninsula from the Rondevlei Nature Reserve and preserves the endangered Cape Lowland Freshwater Wetland ecosystems. Lake Zeekoevlei is used for recreational boating and boating.

• Nearby Attractions: Edith Stephens Wetland Park and Victoria Mxenge Project

• Location: Cape Flats, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa

Several lakes were formed over time including five between the Wilderness and Sedgefield areas known as the Garden Route. An important body of water for local birds, the lake is home to several species. There is much to explore around the lake area, including enjoying some of the best food at nearby restaurants. Nearby attractions include the Oysters R Us, the Garden Route horse trail, and the Gericke point. This is one of the best lakes to visit in South Africa.

Viewed from the air, the five lakes that make up the Garden Route appear as an irregular string of shimmering blue glass running parallel to the Indian Ocean. They were created over time, by a natural dam in the valleys between two dunes, one 300,000 years old and the other much more recent (geological time) 6000 years old. The valley was reshaped by erosion and upheaval until only the deepest basins held water, and the formation of the Garden Route survives to this day. The Garden Route provides recreation and nutrition for humans and wildlife while enhancing the natural beauty of this already beautiful landscape.

• Nearby Attractions: Oysters R Us, Garden Route Horse Trails, and Gericke Point

• Location: Located between the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces

Witness the splendor of Flamingo lake merging into the giant Bot River which is occasionally home to tons of jellyfish in the lake. With a nature reserve in the surrounding area, guests can soak up wonderful views of the sea, lake, and lush greenery combined with a comfortable stay in the nearby holiday homes. It becomes more interesting around sunset time and one can view panoramas here. Nearby attractions such as swimming and visiting Flamingo Amusement Park are popular activities for guests staying here. One of the secrets of the Overberg, Flamingo Lake is a 1 000 hectare lake that forms the estuary of the Bot River. Between it and the sea is a narrow strip of sand dunes, and every now and again the mouth breaks open and the lake empties into the sea. So, it’s not surprising to see the odd jellyfish in the lake. It lies surrounded by a nature reserve and wetlands so the birdlife and the sea and lake experience, despite holiday homes on its banks, is incredible.

Flamingo lake is a popular choice among travelers visiting Hermanus, whether exploring or just passing by. Flamingo lake has several hotels that have a wide range of amenities to make your stay a pleasant experience. It features modern resorts around the lake area. The hotel offers many recreational opportunities. Convenience and comfort make Flamingo Lake the perfect choice for travelers' stay in Hermanus. Flamingo Lake deserves to be on the list of best lakes to visit in South Africa.

• Nearby Attractions: Swimming and Visiting the Flamingo Fun Zone

• Location: Middlevlei Estate, Flamingo Road, Hermanus, South Africa