Did you enjoy kayaking with us in St Lucia?
Did you know you can now go kayaking at Kosi Bay?
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Our happy paddlers of the day Sonja Zukonsiki and Christoph hasse!
There were plenty of waterbirds, including the magnificent Fish Eagle.
But there are not just birds, don’t forget the countless numbers of crocodiles in these waters!
But most importantly Sonja and Christoph had time to relax 🙂
The last full day of their nature tour in South Africa sees Stephanie and Adrian taking to the water once more in St Lucia.
Again, these waters contain both Hippos and Crocodiles, but this time Stephanie and Adrian are on Kayaks.
Paddling in the waters with Hippos and crocs doesn’t seem like such a good idea as you carry your paddle to the waters edge…
…but after the first few strokes of the paddle you are soaring across the water and all thoughts of turning back are gone from your mind.
Lead by our trusty guide Justin, Stephanie and Adrian ventured out in search of the Hippos, Crocs and birdlife of the estuary.
Now we know why it is called Goliath, it is massive!
Once more Adrian and Stephanie have decided that they’re not ready to leave South Africa yet.
But we caught them and brought them back!
Don’t worry you two, the estuary, the crocodiles, the hippos and the kayaks will still be here when you get back!
Todays Kayakers are;
Harald Goesuth, Horst Kalsher, Alexis Geosuth (and Chich the witch)
They had a great time as they saw hippos and crocs nice and close!
Lots of people on the water today here on St Lucia Estuary!
For our early morning cruise we had Manvela Threle & Martin Cruces who pulled themselves out of bed to be at the slipway for 7am, but said that it was well worth it!
And then at 10am we had Lara Spiellofer, Sima Faih, Fah Marhh,Suter Leanda,Bollige Matthias,Bigna Stoheli,Fah Susi,Fa’h Hansrheidi.
They were all amazed at just how big the Goliath Heron is close up, not to mention the size of the crocodile that we found basking in the sun.
And of course not forgetting the Hippos!
Even without the animals the scenery is beautiful as you drift along the estuary.
Who’s next??!
ZWF News – More water for Lake St Lucia – ZO STORY: Dave Savides – 25/07/11
The mouth of the Mfolozi River has been opened to the sea by breaching the beach berm, to prevent back-flooding of low-lying sugar cane fields after recent heavy rains swelled the river, and to allow marine species to enter through the back channels
A new channel is being opened to increase the flow of fresh water from the Mfolozi River into Lake St Lucia. According to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, progress on the second back channel has been impeded due to the recent unseasonal heavy Winter rains and resultant muddy conditions, but excavation will continue once conditions improve. ‘The creation of the second channel linking the Mfolozi River to the estuary is a significant step in bringing relief to Lake St Lucia following the eight-year drought in north-eastern KZN,’ said Andrew Zaloumis, iSimangaliso Wetland Authority CEO. ‘It will assist in maintaining the viability of the St Lucia system and allowing the Mfolozi to naturally link into the St Lucia estuary as it did before man’s intervention. ‘Over the past 50 years, there have been numerous attempts to solve the problems that have arisen as a result of the changes to the Mfolozi catchment and St Lucia system. ‘It is evident that no quick fix solution is possible. ‘Using the best available science, we are implementing an ongoing, well researched management strategy to improve the ecological viability of the St Lucia system with its adjoining wetlands,’ said Zaloumis. ‘Based on the review of current scientific knowledge, particularly the recent research on the sources and dispersal of sediments, and an assessment of the status of the Lake St Lucia system, the Mfolozi and St Lucia mouths will be allowed to combine during the rainy season. ‘iSimangaliso is currently implementing a $9-million Global Environmental Facility (GEF) project which is developing a longer term solution to improve the hydrological functioning of Lake St Lucia by investigating alternative management options and selecting the most feasible solutions. ‘Ezemvelo staff are working with the iSimangaliso staff in implementing these new measures and we certainly look forward to seeing the results,’ he said.
A couple of days ago Justin, our lead guide, reported a string of floats spotted on the Estuary whilst on a paddle with guests.
With EKZN Wildlife officials we went out and recovered what ended up being a long gill net set by illegal fisherman.
After nearly an hour and a half of struggling with the net we managed to
release what we estimate to be around 500 fish back into the estuary. In the end there were only 10 dead fish we couldn’t save!
Great spotting Justin!
We are proud to announce that St Lucia Kayak Safaris has this week been awarded the new tender to operate the kayaking trips by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority. This is the start of what will be a very exciting partnership with the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority.
The new tender includes exclusive new areas of operation like the restricted access area at Catalina Bay on the Eastern shores and for the first time ever, sea kayaking at Cape Vidal.
Looking forward to bringing you the brand new adventures! Watch this space!
Hi all! The sunshine and light, breezy afternoons have conspired to treat guests to amazing hippo sightings during the last week as we were lucky enough on one occasion to have 4 adult hippo in a very playfull mood- breaching, rolling and chasing eachother around in the water fairly close to our kayaks. On another occasion while parked on the banks of crocodile island, one hippo decided to get out onto the island for a graze, unperturbed by our presence. We did however back off slightly after he gave us a big yawn and a bit off a stare, making sure everybody knows who has right of way in and around the estuary! These sightings offered very good photographic opportunities, so if you were there please share your pics with us and you might win a Kayak Safaris T-shirt for your efforts!