Also known as the Lake District, it stretches a distance of about 38 kilometres. Besides being a very pretty area, it is unique in that in this short distance there are three different types of lakes all of which are common throughout the world but are not common in that they they are found in such a small geographical area.
Swartvlei is an example of the first lake type which is formed when a submerged river valley is flooded by rising sea levels due to the melting of the ice caps and glaciers.
A second type of lake is those that are formed in submerged lowlands between sand dunes. They are then flooded by the rising levels of the sea and are not connected to any river system. The Langvlei lake is a good example.
Rondevlei is an example of the third type of lake which is formed by wind erosion which hollows out an area of land into a large basin and is subsequently filled with water.
The formation of sand dunes along the Wilderness coastline by the constant rising and falling of the sea levels over the ages has played a big part in the formation of the lakes system. The first sand dune formed in the area north of the Swartvlei some 300,000 years ago and is about two kilometres inland from the sea, and another, is of a much more recent age … 6000 years old. Every time the sea level rose a new dune was formed and there are now a number of large dunes lining the coastline.
The Touw river is closed to the sea for most of the year and this makes this lake ideal for boating and fishing. Three lakes: Island lake, Langvlei and Rondevlei are also connected to each other by the Serpentine River.
Island lake Wilderness is the only estuary that has managed to break through the dune system along the coastline in this system of lakes.
On the eastern boundary of Sedgefield is a single landlocked lake known as Groenvlei which is the only freshwater lake in the system. It is surrounded by reeds and high sand dunes protect its southern side and has fresh water fish such as bass living in it. The N2 highway runs along its northern bank.
West of the Swartvlei lake is the Rondevlei lake which has been declared a bird sanctuary. It has a number of bird hides built amongst the reeds that grow on its banks where people can sit quietly and watch the water birds do their thing. It is very interesting to get up close to some of the thousands of birds that live on and visit these lakes each year.
There are at least 72 bird species and the monthly average for birds using the lakes is about 10800 birds.
Wetlands of International Importance with Ramsar Status.
A wetland can be classified as an area that is relatively flat, aids in slowing down water movement, and which has temporarily, seasonally, or permanently saturated soils. Some wetlands end in an estuary and varying levels of salinity occur. The higher the salinity, the lower the species diversity.
With an influx of nutrients from both the river and sea, estuaries and the accompanying wetland are highly productive systems that form the habitat of a diverse number of flora and fauna. Their functioning as nursery sites are of particular importance to many aquatic species. Plants that are adapted to wetland conditions act as sponges, helping to slow down water flow and reducing the effects of floods . Water is released slower from these areas, which means it will be available for longer. Less water is lost through evaporation due to the cover provided by wetland vegetation. They act as natural filters that help to purify the water by trapping silt, pollutants, excess nutrients, heavy metals and pesticides.
The wetlands in the Lake District, are managed by South African National Parks (SAN Parks) according to the Ramsar convention.
They include the Serpentine river, Island Lake, Langvlei and Rondevlei.
These lakes, each a wetland by itself, form a link in the chain of the Touw River that meets the sea on the 18 kilometer stretch of beach at Wilderness. These wetlands support 285 endemic plants, 32 fish species, up to 300 bird species, and a variety of invertebrate.
The area is a holiday destination and many tourist activities and attractions are available. They are a paradise for Birders. Rondevlei has 6 bird hides built amongst the reeds that grow on its banks where people can watch the water birds. A number of logs and poles have been planted in the shallow water in front of the Langvlei hide which are popular roosts for Cormorants, Spoonbills and Darters to sun themselves. Both Pied and Malachite Kingfishers are regular visitors to the roosts and the reed bed alongside.
Major concentrations of Great Crested Grebe are present on Rondevlei and Langvlei. Commonly seen birds are, Red-knobbed Coot, little Grebe, Cape shoveler, Yellow-billed Duck and Reed Cormorant. Wading and shorebirds are frequently viewed from Rondevlei Bird hide.
The Swartvlei Estuary immediately east of Rondevlei hosts many of the species listed above. It is also a better venue for viewing waders. During summer months, Caspian Terns and Kelp Gulls wander the surface of this humungous estuary in search of a meal.
The forest enveloped hillsides guides the water to the Indian Ocean are also home to several raptor species, including Cuckoo Hawk, Crowned Eagle, Forest Buzzard, Black and Red-breasted Sparrowhawk and African Goshawks many of which are visible going about their daily chores.
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