Lake Mavuya

Categories: roadside attraction; booking required;

The Mavuya Estate was purchased by Sappi in 1989, and at that stage the entire lake was planted to sugar cane. This was achieved by the use very large pumps that pumped water out of the wetland and into a canal on the southern side, which effectively drained all water away from the wetland in an easterly direction into the Umsinduzi River. With the inception of the Sappi Environmental Policy in 1990, the canal wall was broken in two places, allowing for water to fill the lake once again.

The catchment of Lake Mavuya consists of two rivers, namely the Mavuya and Ntenja Rivers. Lake Mavuya comprises a wetland of approximately 200 hectares in size, and a catchment of approximately 95 hectares.

Lake Mavuya and the catchment was recognised as a Site of Conservation Significance in 1994, and due to its bio-diversity and importance of the wetland as a refuge for waterfowl, it was awarded Natural Heritage status on the 29th. November 1999.

Identified as a birding haven with no less than 243 species, the table below indicates the importance of the site by being home to an array of Red Data bird species. Included in this list are endangered mammals and reptiles.

Specials Birds: Pygmy Goose, Martial Eagle, Woollynecked Stork, Marabou Stork , Yellowbilled Stork, Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Lesser Jacana and Cuckoos