WOZANI
“Our Kingdom Calls”
This guide book is all about:
We welcome you and trust that you will enjoy your stay.
Please feel free to come to the office for any queries.
We can book Tours for you, if you wish, or you can book by yourself.
Please make use of the pool area on hot days.
A BIT OF HISTORY: THE GREATER ST LUCIA WETLAND PARK
( RE-NAMED THE ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK)
St Lucia was first named in 1554 – “Rio de Areias de Ouro” (River of the Sands of Gold) by the survivors of the Portuguese ship Saint Benedict. At this stage the Tugela river mouth was known as St Lucia. Later, in 1575, the Tugela River was properly named Tugela and St Lucia received its current name.
The next naming phase took place in 1822 when a British survey expedition visited the area. Lieutenant Vidal was the captain of the ship – the H.M.H. Leven. Cape Vidal was then named as well as Leven Point. Later, Mission Rocks was named in 1888, when a Catholic Mission was established on the Eastern Shores, approximately 10km north of the St Lucia mouth.
The 19th Century saw extensive hunting for ivory, rhino horn and hippo. Fortunately, the ecological significance of the wildlife and fish resources were recognized and protected by declaring this area a Nature Reserve on the 27th April 1897. This reserve included the Lake and some of the surrounding land. The original reserve of 36 826ha is considered to be the oldest permanently declared reserve in Africa.
South Africa’s First World Heritage Site, the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, has been renamed (allegedly) in an effort to give the park a name that better reflects its unique identity and sense of place (I will call it The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park until the day I die). Democracy says that I can say it.
After an extensive consultation process, the name was approved by the National Cabinet and gazetted on Friday 11th of May 2007 in terms of the World Heritage Convention act and came into effect on the 1st of November 2007.
The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park was declared as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site by UNESCO protocol. This created the most ecologically and historically diverse Park in Southern Africa, home not only to many natural features, but to a number of Nguni tribes. Traditionally five ecosystems are recognized; however they are so intertwined that it would take several days to understand this incredible labyrinth of nature in addition to the history and the culture.
This Park is situated on the Southern extension of the African Coastline and is warmed by the Western Indian Ocean waters. A massive tropical current, seductively bathes the sandy shoreline. These waters are kept unusually warm by the Aghullas current, a current seasonally driven by strong Madagascan winds. The water temperature reaches a comfortable 28 degrees Celsius. These waters are home to tropical reefs graced by thousands of fish species, turtles and dolphin all year round with a large migratory population of whales making an appearance in winter.
These warm tropical waters tidally rise and fall onto mineral (Titanium) rich beaches. These minerals, valued more than gold, create a unique “sense of place” and these restless sands have formed massive dunes which guard over the ancestral nesting grounds of the world’s largest reptile, the leatherback turtle. The dunes are capped by a tropical forest which hides the many secrets of Zulu explorations, trading routes, poor agricultural practices and European expeditions. Small insert here: I am considered among some of the villagers to be the modern day version of Karen von Blixen – but without the rogue husband and the coffee plantation. Robert Redford would be nice thank you.
The ancient east facing trees watch the sun rising over the Indian Ocean and weather the salty spray while the west facing trees reach skywards as a massive jungle, a tropical paradise which is home to a variety of frogs, insects, reptiles, birds, buck and apes. This west facing forest borders massive coastal grassland that reaches all the way up the East Coast of Africa all the way to Ethiopia.
The grasslands are home to a variety of large and small mammals. Once afforested with Pine Trees, this section of grassland is being restored to its original pristine condition. However, this area consists of a complex grid-work of water tables, which include the deepest peat swamp in the southern hemisphere, sacred Zulu burial lakes, tannin rich freshwater streams and acres of verdant grasslands covering ancient marine deposits. These marine deposits of sand were formed as the sea retreated thousands of years ago. It is not only the large mammals however, that attract visitors. The sandy tropical grasslands are also home to some unique reptiles and birds as well as some interesting nocturnal visitors.
After dark, about 2500 hippos emerge from Lake St Lucia to eat tones of grass from these coastal plains. They can be seen wallowing in the warm lake waters during the day or, at night, lumbering across the darkened landscape in a quest to fill their enormous herbivorous appetites. During the day they share the waters of Lake St Lucia with over 4000 crocodiles, tens of thousands of fish, birds and invertebrates, but it is the hippos that are the driving force in the lake’s ecosystem. They release huge amounts of droppings into the lake which fertilize the warm tropical water, creating Africa’s most important fish and prawn nursery ground.
The lake is linked to the Indian Ocean by a canal known as the Narrows and is fed by five rivers, thus maintaining a salt balance in the lake’s ecosystem. The largest of these rivers is the Mkuze which filters through a massive delta created at the most northern end of the lake. This area is a complex of small and large channels filtering through a variety of reed beds. All the rivers reaching into this park arise in the last of the five ecosystems – the Savannah Plains. Here the western shores are made up of minerally rich soils and are home to a typically Big Five ecosystem.
From the southern end of the park characterized by the westernized village of St Lucia, to the northern end characterized by Kozi Bay and home to an entire fishing community with organic and environmental fishing techniques. This is the iSimangaliso/Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a park filled with microcosm of culture, ecosystems and people to create an incredible macrocosm.
THE ORIGIN OF ST LUCIA
The Western Shores of Lake St Lucia are rich in ancient marine fossils. Reports indicate that this area started forming during the Cretaceous (Chalk Period) approximately 140 million years ago. There were two phases – the most recent formations were caused by dropping sea levels starting a mere two million years ago to create the largest estuarine lake in the world. The present eco-system has been sculptured through a series of wet and dry periods, rising and falling sea levels, river erosion and wind. Other meteorological events that maintain the Estuary Lake are mega-floods which flush out sediments. The most recent of these was caused by Cyclone Demoina when over 600mm of rain was recorded in a 36 hour period.
A general overview of the Greater St Lucia system can be reasonably described in five recognized ecosystems, collectively forming the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park.
1. To the east is the MARINE SYSTEM. Here the park has 280km of Indian Ocean coastline and adjacent marine eco-system.
2, Inland is an area known as the EASTERN SHORES. This area that lies east of Lake St Lucia consists of grassy plains, wetland and ancient coastal dune forests which grow on the world famous SAND DUNES, the second largest vegetated sand dunes in the world, which extend the full length of the Reserve. The dunes form a natural barrier between the Lake, Rivers, and the Indian Ocean and are covered by climax forest.
3. LAKE ST LUCIA, is the largest Estuarine System in the world. This extensive 85km Lake is an average depth of 1meter and home to thousands of crocodiles, hippo, birds, fish and other life forms.
4. Situated on the Northern End of Lake St Lucia are the MKUZE SWAMPS an expansive papyrus wetland.
5. West of the lake lies the driest area – the WESTERN SHORES composed of Savannah and Thornveld.
THE HIGHEST VEGETATED SAND DUNES IN AFRICA
Fringing the 280km coastline of this natural World Heritage Site are sand dunes exceeding 180m in height. These impressive dunes have been built and sculptured by the wind over the past 25,000 to 30,000 years. Rising steeply from the waves of the Indian Ocean are the highest vegetated sand dunes in Africa, and second highest in the world. The highest dunes are to be found in Brazil.
The dunes are composed of windblown sand driven off the beach by north-easterly winds. Vegetation growing on the dunes forms a delicate membrane of plant life. These plants trap nutrients and stabilize the dunes. On the seaward side, the dunes have stunted forest whereas on the leeward side a large climax forest can be found. Hardwood trees in this climax can exceed 20m high. Growing on these trees are a variety of epiphytic plants, including orchids, ferns, cactus (natural to Africa) and lichen (old man’s beard). A network of lianas and creepers complete this remarkable habitat.
Within this unique habitat occurs a variety of birds, monkeys, reptiles, squirrels, antelope and insects. Visitors can access this area by utilizing guided safaris or self-guided walks.
Below this unique eco-system lies a huge mineral wealth. Mining was proposed in the late 1980’s resulting in a massive public outcry, however, averted a potential ecological disaster. Mining that would have caused a permanent ecological scar extending hundreds of kilometers, has been averted by the recent World Heritage Status. These dune minerals were eroded from the majestic Drakensberg and transported hundreds of kilometers to the coast. When reaching the Indian Ocean they were washed north and blown on-shore by the prevailing on-shore winds.
This phenomenon can still be witnessed today where black patches of sand pattern the beach. No, it is not an oil spill, but mineral rich sand filled with millions of tons of pure TITANIUM! Emerging from the beach barefoot, just take a moment to realize that you have the richest feet in the world.
ANIMALS FREQUENTING THE LODGE
Please take the time to read through this carefully.
1. We have quite a lot of frequent animal visitors to the gardens here at the Kingfisher Lodge. They come in all shapes and sizes. Let us go through them with you step by step, so that you know what to do if you should perhaps encounter them during your stay.
1.1 Vervet Monkeys: Always cute and a pleasure to see them cavorting and playing with their little babies. They roam freely and will even enter your room and run off with your keys, cameras, food etc. They can become a nuisance early in the morning by running all over the roof and making a hell of a racket. Please resist the urge to feed them, as they will lose their fear of mankind and become dependant on humans for food. Remember, that by feeding them – harm them, because then they become dangerous and have to be removed from their troop forcefully by the Park Officials.
1.2 Banded Mongoose: Beautiful to watch as they run in large groups and emulate the tide and ripple of the ocean. They are harmless and will run like crazy if you approach them.
1.3 Birds: More than 180 species of birds have been recorded on this 2 acre property alone, a bird-watchers dream.
1.4 Snakes: All our suites are thoroughly inspected for serpents by our team of cleaners each day. We have never encountered snakes inside the bedrooms; however it is better to have your doors closed during the day. If you should encounter a snake in the garden or during one of your hiking trails, remember that at all times, snakes have right of way. Do NOT at any time whatsoever; try to handle a snake, even if you are an expert snake handler from another country. Remember that during the South African winter months – May to July, these snakes hibernate and they are rendered harmless. They hide so well.
1.5 Often, late at night, you may hear a sound that goes something like this; Whaaaaaang, Whaaaaaang, Whaaaaaang, a shrieking high pitched scream that trails off to an almost quiet cry – a sad cry which can be quite scary for some people. These sounds come from all over the estate and if you don’t understand this cry, it can be quite disturbing. But have no fear, for this is the call of the (nocturnal) African Bush Baby who, in droves, occupies almost every tree on our Estate. Small, elusive and very difficult to see, they have huge brown eyes and are cute and cuddly – this is our version of the Australian Koala Bear. But, believe me, there is no chance of you ever cuddling one, since they are very shy, extremely fast and elusive. They can inflict a nasty bite should you try to touch or hold them.
They are totally monogamous (how good is that) and are one of the only creatures to have recreational copulation as do dolphins. St Lucia boasts the largest quantity of Bush Babies in the entire world. This sound, besides that of the African Fish Eagle, is a greeting from the creatures of Africa, just to let you know that you are welcome in this magnificent area of St Lucia. They salute you.
1.6 Antelope: There are many species of antelope on the estate including the little Red Duiker, Bush Buck, and recently spotted (June 2012) two Kudu Bulls – where they come from is unknown to us. Most unusual, as this is not their usual territory. These antelope are very wary of humans and become easily agitated when they sense the presence of human beings or any other creature they may encounter, they are beautiful to watch and their gracefulness is awesome. They can be seen most of the day in the open areas of the gardens.
1.7 Gorgeous, soft to touch and an incredible little creature is the tiny little Gecko. Almost albino in color and well camouflaged. They are very useful to humans since they eat mosquitoes and other little bugs that are normally harmless to us but a delicacy for them. Wherever you will find light at night – on the walls etc, you will find feeding Geckos. Peaceful, harmless little creatures, it is astounding to watch them stalking their prey. Gecko poo is always around and we do our best to clean these droppings up all the time. Mostly it’s a case of hit and miss, so please forgive their unsanitary acts, they are only Gecko’s.
1.8 Leopard: Wherever antelope abound, there are usually leopard lurking around. We have had many sightings of Leopard in our garden, male and female, adolescent and old, usually seen during the early morning hours and early afternoon. These astoundingly gorgeous creatures are shy, solitary and by simply being in their regal presence is an experience of a lifetime. Awesome does not even begin to describe the feeling
If you should be lucky enough to sight a Leopard, and wish to take some photographs, make sure that you are standing up straight, do not, under any circumstances crouch to take a photograph, the leopard will regard you as prey. Do not make eye-contact with the Leopard, she/he will regard it as a threat, and the fight will be on and you don’t want to tangle with a Leopard. You really don’t – believe me!
Simply raise your arms to full height and retreat slowly whilst still indirectly facing her; do not turn your back on her until you are a safe distance away, then you may walk away peacefully. She will saunter away and will probably simply disappear into her hiding place. Please note however, in the history of St Lucia there has never been a Leopard attack on humans. Also remember that Leopards are more frightened of us than we are of them. Last defense, scream like hell. They will leave.
1.9 Hippopotamus: These are the b***y burly bullies of the boulevard! Be aware of them at all times!! They stay in the waters of the Estuary during the day and come out at night to feed. Each hippo consumes approximately 135kg of grass per night. They weigh in at about three tons and can reach land speeds of up to 45km’s per hour. They come into our gardens most nights and drink water from the pool and graze in the area adjoining the car park and even graze the entire garden. Yawning displays the tusks and is a stern warning of dominance to intruders including humans, to stay clearly away.
Please note that a mock charge (the hippo lunges forward) means that right about now you should get out of his way with great speed or a real attack will ensue. Never, never find yourself caught between a Hippo and a body of water; he will do whatever he can to run to safety and water is his safety zone. Hippos are the most dangerous mammals in Africa and are responsible for more deaths among humans then any other animal. Do not approach solitary hippos, they are most probably old bulls or cows who have been ostracized from their pod and are extremely dangerous and unpredictable.
A mother and her calf are a lethal combination. Hippo’s are extremely good mothers and will not allow anything, to come between her and her calf. Be careful.
Should you ever be confronted by a hippo are: you have only two advantages over a hippo – you can jump and you can climb, they cannot.
SHOPPING IN AND AROUND ST LUCIA
Mackenzie Road, the one that leads you to the Kingfisher Lodge is the main road of St Lucia and everything that you could ever need to purchase is in this main road. The local market, The Siyabonga Jetty and Scatterings of Africa, are good places to look for little beaded items and local carvings etc. The goods on offer in most shops are reasonably priced. Make sure to visit the Walkabout Shop in the Georgiou Shopping Centre for some good books, maps and a fabulous range of outdoor gear. There is three Beach Shops, with clothing, memorabilia and much more. The Spar, Dolphin and Banana Box, offer beach items. Banana Box also has a great butchery.
ST LUCIA RESTAURANT GUIDE
Thyme Square: Coffee Shop. Breakfast & Lunch.
John Dory’s: Seafood & Sushi Restaurant. Wednesdays, is half price Sushi and Wine. Lunch & Dinner. Kids area.
Reef & Dune: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Pizza, Pasta, Seafood & Grill. Great Burgers. They have a kids area too.
Alfredo’s: Lunch & Dinner. Pizza, Pasta, Seafood & Grill. Great food.
The Dirty Dog: Gourmet Milkshakes, the best in town. Lunch & Dinner.
The Fishermans: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Seafood & Grill.
Ocean Basket: Lunch & Dinner. Seafood Restaurant.
Braza: Lunch & Dinner. Mozambican food. Delicious & spicy.
Kauai: Breakfast, Lunch. Healthy wraps & juices.
Vida E: Coffee Shop. Breakfast & light Lunch.
Barraca: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Pizza, Pasta, Seafood & Grill.
Wimpy: Breakfast & Lunch. Sandwiches, Burgers & Grill.
Ocean Sizzler: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Pizza, Pasta, Seafood & Grill.
The Wash Bay Café: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Great Burgers.
The Ski Boat Club: Lunch & Dinner. Pizza, Finger snacks, Curry & Seafood. Best location.
We thank you for taking the time to read the manual.
