Rains just in time, says heritage site iSimangaliso
The iSimangaliso Wetlands Park is ready to welcome visitors again as water levels rise, after discouraging visitors during two years of drought
After more than two years battling debilitating drought, the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park is ready to welcome visitors to the area once again. Recent heavy rains could not have come at a better time, CEO Andrew Zaloumis says. The park was in dire straits, uncertain whether its animals would survive another season of heat and falling water levels. But water levels in the Lake St Lucia system have risen dramatically, he says, with strong inflows from the uMfolozi River into Lake St Lucia. "With 90% of the lake’s surface area now covered, the lake is once again a single body of water — no longer compartmentalised, and joined via the Narrows to the mouth," he says. "The direct rainfall and flow from other rivers such as the uMkhuze, uMzinene, Hluhluwe and Nyalazi, is also providing much-needed relief to the northern sections of the lake." Zaloumis said during the drought the park had discouraged visitors from coming, but now more than 40,000 visitors are expected this festive season alone...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.