Nibela Lake Lodge

Location

Developed on the Nibela Peninsula of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in Zululand Nibela Lake Lodge was completed and open for trade by the 1st of August 1998. Surrounded by 35 000 hectares of waterway and 100 000 hectares of Game Reserves, Nibela Lake Lodge has inherited one of Africa's prime sites. Access to the lodge is by a 30-minute boat trip from the shore of False Bay Park. In the case of inclement weather, on site 4 X 4 vehicles will transfer guests across the mainland to the tip of the Peninsula.

Activities

Safari Lodge, Wildlife, Safari, Self Drive, Walking /Hiking, Culture, Photography, Birding, Day Excursions, Game Cruise.

Attractions

The Marine Ecosystem - Characterised by a warm sea, coral reefs and long unspoiled beaches The Eastern Shores Ecosystem - With tall dunes, lush forests, grassy plains and wetlands Lake St Lucia - South Africa's largest natural water body The Mkuze Swamps - A huge papyrus and reeded wetland The Western Shores - A savannah and thornveld The five ecosystems do not function as totally isolated entities, there is inter-linking between them. The swamps provide filtering systems for the lake and organic nutrients. The salt is derived from the sea, without which it could not function as an estuary. The estuary functions as a nursery site for marine fish, crabs and prawns. The tall dunes of the Eastern Shores catch rainfall seeping into the estuary and reducing salinity for the survival of the variety of plant and animal life. Negotiation with the Nibela Tribe began four years ago

The chief of the tribe and his advisors met regularly with the developers to discuss mutual benefits that would arise from the building of Nibela Lake Lodge. The building of Nibela Lake Lodge provide employment for many of the Nibela tribe. Building contractors train tribal members to assist them with the development. For the first time the Nibela tribe will have access to electricity which is being provided by Eskom for Nibela Lake Lodge. A dam was built to store any rainwater for fresh water for the complex. The Nibela tribe will also make curios that will be sold at Nibela Lake Lodge curio shop. The Nibela tribe holds rights to harvest a certain amount of fish annually from the lake and the Lodge will purchase fresh fish from them for the restaurant. The Nibela tribe is also planning to build a vegetable patch and grow vegetables, which the Lodge will purchase from them. All the staff employed is from the Nibela tribe, which is a commitment from the developers to employ local people so that they can benefit to the maximum. Training of the staff is very challenging but rewarding as no formal training in the hospitality industry has ever been provided to the Nibela Tribe.

Facilities

Passengers can enjoy both a land and lake experience. An 11 bedroom luxury lodge is built above lush sand forest. The prestigious complex includes a main restaurant, lounge, bar, swimming pool, curio shop and outdoor Boma. Each luxurious chalet is inter-connected by raised wooden walkways which leads to the main Lodge facility area and includes the restaurant, a main lounge area, wooden viewing deck overlooking the St Lucia waterway, a magnificent outdoor Boma and a swimming pool.

Additional Information

The convenient location of NIBELA LAKE LODGE offers everything from viewing The Big Five at surrounding Hluhluwe Game Reserve, to viewing The Lake Big 6: hippo, crocodile, pelican, flamingo, giant heron and numerous scenic walks in the area. Knowledgeable Lake guides take passengers on a 3 hour guided tour of the lake, which will include hippo viewing; a picnic stop over on the Western shores for lunch and later a visit to a crocodile breeding ground. The abundant variety of birdlife is definitely a highlight of the location. The Lake guides will also accompany guests on informative and exciting walking safaris including walks to spot small game, birds and explore the ancient remains of fossils dating back millions of years. An exclusive viewing hide will be built on the 235-hectare property to allow a closer interaction with the game and bird species.

Children Policy

- Toddlers (0 - 3 years) welcome
- Children (4 - 12 years) welcome
- Children over 12 welcome

Check In Before: 14:00

Check Out Before: 11:00