Southern Africa’s Great Lakes

Few natural wonders in Southern Africa are as beautiful, moving and tranquil as its most famous and well-loved lakes.

Whether you plan to visit them to enjoy a fun day out with family and friends, for recreational and travel purposes or simply to marvel at their endless beauty, you may want to bookmark these marvellous great lakes in Southern Africa:

1. Lake Tanyanyika

This is one of the most special lakes in Southern Africa, if only because Tanyanyika touches Tanzania, Burundi, Congo DR and Zambia. It is also the longest freshwater lake in the world and one of the second deepest lakes after Lake Baikal in Russia.

Aside from the natural beauty, Lake Tanyanyika is home to some 350 fish species. What’s more, it is regarded as one of earth’s most biologically unique habitats.

Not only is it one of the best lakes for recreational water sports but it is one of the most beautiful around… think: stretches of beach, hedged in by natural vegetation, and water as far as the eye can see.

Country: Zambia

Fun fact: The lake is effectively a landlocked sea.

Activities and attractions:

• • Fishing is very popular at this beautiful lake; catches include goliath tigerfish and Nile perch.

 

• • Swimming is allowed but only near Mpulungu.

 

• During your visit, embark on some amazing snorkelling and scuba diving. Certified scuba diving courses are offered nearby.

2. Lake Kariba

If Zambia were to have its own unique Riviera setting, then this place of golden sunsets (straight out of paradise…), great fishing and all-round peacefulness would be it.

Lake Kariba – Africa’s largest man-made dam and reservoir – is also an important resource to Zambia and Zimbabwe, as it provides electric power to both these countries, which it also borders. This, in turn, helps to keep the local fishing industry vibrant and strong.

This proves that, while Lake Kariba knows how to offer its visitors a good experience – it is so much more than just a pretty lake…

Country: Bordering Zimbabwe and Zambia

Fun fact: Lake Kariba lies some 1300 km upstream from the warm Indian Ocean.

Activities and attractions:

• • Lake Kariba is blessed with abundant wildlife, so visitors can experience the best of both worlds.

 

• • The lake is excellent for boating… If you don’t own a boat, try hire a local one.

 

• At the lake, fishing is both a recreational and industry joy.

3. Lake St. Lucia

Africa’s largest estuarine system is not only one of the most beautiful spots on earth, but it also ensures the survival of an intricate and amazing ecosystem.

Found within the protective iSimangaliso Wetland Park, it is an essential part of this region and KwaZulu-Natal overall.

In many ways, Lake St Lucia is a place of abundance, new life and natural beauty. Here at this amazing lake, visitors can enjoy awesome bird life, game and fish species alike… Above all else, it really is a world-class travel experience.

Country: South Africa

Fun fact: Since 1999, Lake St Lucia has existed as Africa’s first World Heritage Site.

Activities and attractions:

• • Cruise about the estuarine lake.

 

• • Visit the St Lucia Crocodile Centre, home to crocs, snakes and tortoises.

 

• Enjoy a guided kayak trip around Lake St Lucia.

4.Lake Malawi

Known as Lake Niassa in Mozambique, Lake Malawi may just be one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Although it is one of Africa’s great lakes, if you are keen to escape the pressures of daily life, Lake Niassa is the place to be…

With the backdrop of romantic, palm tree-lined beaches, quiet fishing villages and marvellous encircling mountains, the lake certainly makes a strong statement on a visual front.

It is also home to a wide array of fish species and offers more freshwater fish than anywhere else on earth!

Country: Bordering Malawi and Mozambique

Fun fact: Lake Malawi is the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system.

Activities and attractions:

• • Switch off your devices and disconnect from everyday life by recharging at this gorgeous lake.

 

• • During your visit, explore the Niassa National Reserve. It is famous for lion, buffalo, wild dogs and elephants.

 

• Stroll along or relax on the pristine, unspoilt Mozambique-lying shores of Lake Niassa.

5. Lake Fundudzi

Situated between Thohoyandou and Louis Trichardt in Limpopo, Lake Fundudzi is a place of beauty and myth.

Given that this great lake is a sacred place to the Venda people, it is one of the lesser visited lakes in South Africa. However, it is certainly possible to visit with a local guide, especially one who knows how to respect and obey the rules and customs of the Venda.

Due to the hills and mountainous terrain that surrounds it, even if you don’t want to try venture close to the lake itself, you can always appreciate the beauty of Lake Fundudzi from afar…

Country: South Africa

Fun fact: In addition to its own natural beauty, the lake is hedged in by a mysterious but beautiful forest, known as Thathe Vondo.

Activities and attractions:

• • The picturesque Mutale Falls lies close by.

 

• • Set your eyes on the quiet, peaceful villages, which dot the hills and countryside.

 

• Lake Fundudzi is a rich cultural and African travel experience, even for those who view it from afar.
  

6. Lake Sibaya

South Africa’s largest freshwater lake should need little introduction, yet still many travellers are unware of its magic.

This beautiful lake, found in KwaZulu-Natal, offers pristine, crystal waters, a white sandy shoreline, dunes and a wealth of natural plants and animals.

In fact, Lake Sibaya is home to KwaZulu-Natal’s second largest hippo and crocodile population, as well as over 200 different bird species.

Country: South Africa

Fun fact: Lake Sibaya is listed as a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance.

Activities and attractions:

• • Enjoy spotting some amazing wildlife during your visit to the lake. This may include the famous hippos and crocodiles found at Lake Sibaya.

 

• • Whip out your binoculars and partake in some birding.

 

• Restore your soul at this peaceful and breath-taking lake.

7. Island Lake

Found within the amazing Wilderness National Park, Island Lake is just one of the Garden Route’s many natural gems.

Not only does the area boast an abundance of indigenous trees, birds and fish species, but the lake itself is a natural fishing haven. It is particularly famous for its blue kurper and black bass. While, further up the lake, the Touw and Serpentine rivers merge, meaning anglers can have their fun too!

Country: South Africa

Fun fact: It is better to obtain a fishing permit from the local post office and then canoe further out!

Activities and attractions:

• • Local fishing is a big plus here.

 

• • The Touw River offers some great snorkelling thanks to its crystal clear waters.

 

• While in the region, be sure to explore the beautiful Garden Route and Wilderness National Park.

8. Lake Chrissie

Lake Chrissie – one of South Africa’s largest freshwater lakes – lies at the centre of South Africa’s Lake District in Mpumalanga… And in many ways, it is the lifeblood of the town Chrissiemeer.

Lake Chrissie is a shallow but pretty lake, renowned for its amazing birding.

While Chrissiemeer itself is a special and surprisingly integral part of South Africa, as it offers a unique ecosystem, with plenty for locals and tourists to enjoy, help conserve and admire.

Country: South Africa

Fun fact: Lake Chrissie was named by Alexander McCorkindale… He named it after Christina, daughter of Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, a former president of the South African Republic.

Activities and attractions:

• • Explore the charming town of Chrissiemeer, which, among other things, is home to wonderful natural beauty and stunning, old sandstone buildings.

 

• Go frogging… the area is simply hopping with frogs, and sometimes the local communities hosts ‘frogging nights’ or safaris.

9. Lake Bangweulu

Situated in Zambia, the lake is something of a secret, more famous for its fishing than for its tourism potential. Because of this, travellers can enjoy the lake without having to escape from the madding crowd.

And Lake Bangweulu, which means ‘The Place Where the Water Meets the Sky’, is suitably well-named… especially when you see how the blue-grey waters merge with the distant horizon.

Country: Zambia

Fun fact: The closest town, Samfya, is a good place to stop for supplies and goods.

Activities and attractions:

• • In particular, November to March is the best time to visit for birding.

 

• • Head to Lake Bangweulu for romantic couple or family trips.

 

• Watch the sun set and effectively disappear into the beautiful waters, as Lake Bangweulu lives up to its name.

10. Groenvlei

Located just outside Sedgefield and close to Knysna, travellers will find Groenvlei. This lake, fed by natural underwater springs, and separated from the sea by a thin stretch of land only, is one of only a few natural lakes in South Africa to contain bass.

While the lake is not deep, it is something of a water wonderland, surrounded by masses of grass and reeds.

Country: South Africa

Fun fact: Please be advised that only electric motors are allowed on the lake.

Activities and attractions:

• • Groenvlei is great for bass fishing, so pack in those fishing rods!

 

• • The area is ideal for birdwatching, especially with all the reeds.

 

• At Groenvlei, enjoy a tranquil and soothing day out with your friends and family.

Dip into the waters – and check these amazing lakes off your travel bucket list!