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Black Rhino and Water Levels at Lake St Lucia
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Eight black Rhino have been released onto the western shores of The Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park. Two of them appear to have made the Makakatana Water Pan their home. Five days after their release Makakatana Bay Lodge guests had the first sighting of these amazing animals.
The low water levels in Lake St Lucia have meant that boating and mokoro activities from Makakatana Bay Lodge have been suspended. Although 200mm of rain has recently fallen in the area, the lake still cannot be used for boating just yet. Makakatana Bay Lodge has however been granted a temporary concession to use Perriers Rocks Beach. This is a private beach over which they have exclusive use for their guests.
We know that many of our frequent guests are aware that rainfall levels have been very low in recent months and that this drought has had a very negative impact on wildlife as well as harvests in many areas. There now seems to be some encouraging news at Lake St Lucia, where water levels have been as low as 18%. Here follows an update on water levels in Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, from Tony Conway, Conservation Manager.
Tony advises that the Umfolozi River has breached through into the Lake estuary. "Although this water is carrying a lot of silt there is a measure of filtration before it enters the Lake system. The lake has risen by at least 30cm and has probably taken levels back to those of
October/November. The four lakes appear reconnected again. The Mphate River is flowing strongly and has raised the level in the Narrows significantly - operators in the area say back to 'normal'!! In terms of the drought, this excellent rain has probably given us about two months breathing space - so it is by no means over given that there is still a whole dry season ahead of us. However when we get more rain there is likely to be more run-off as the last 3 days have been gentle soaking showers and the ground is quite saturated."
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