Lake Sibaya

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