Maphelane Lake is a lake located in the St. Lucia Wetland Park in South Africa. The lake is a popular spot for birdwatching and fishing, as it is home to a variety of bird species, including the African Darter and the White-faced Duck, and is stocked with tilapia and barbel.
The lake is also surrounded by a variety of vegetation, including reeds, papyrus, and water lilies, which provide habitat for aquatic animals and insects. Visitors to the lake can take guided boat tours or rent their own boats to explore the lake and its surroundings. The St. Lucia Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination known for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
The Mapelane Nature Reserve is a picturesque destination situated on the south bank of the Umfolozi River, where it meets the ocean. The reserve is located opposite the small village of St Lucia and offers visitors the opportunity to take lovely walks through tropical forests and bushland.
The warm waters of the reserve are perfect for activities like ski boating and surf fishing. Visitors can also try their hand at spear and deep-sea fishing, or search for mussels, oysters, and crayfish in the rocky intertidal pools. For those with energy to spare, the reserve also features a self-guided hiking trail known as the Umphafa Trail.
Birdwatchers will be delighted to know that the Mapelane Nature Reserve is home to nearly 200 bird species. Wildlife you can expect to see in the forest include small buck, monkey, mongoose, and red squirrel. The estuary’s edge is also home to hippos and crocodiles.
