Greater leaf - folding frog

Flora The peninsula is adorned by a rare and fragile form of forest known as Sand Forest. Sand forest only occurs in north-eastern Zululand, False Bay Park, Phinda Resource Reserve, Mkuze Game Reserve and northern Maputaland near the Mozambique border. Due to its limited distribution, high diversity of woody plants and the rarity of certain associated fauna such as the tiny and reclusive Suni antelope (one of Africa’s smallest species of antelope) Sand Forest has a high conservation priority. Open grassland also occurs on the property with waterholes and wetlands supporting an associated flora.

Fauna. The forest and adjoining grassland is home to a variety of large and small species of game such as Zebra, Nyala, Warthog, Impala, Vervet and Samango Monkeys, Red Duiker and Suni. After dark small mammals such as the large-spotted genet and a variety of bats make their appearance. Hippo and crocodiles may be encountered along the shoreline. Leopard roam throughout the entire False Bay Park area and the adjoining Nhlozi peninsula has been designated as a Big Five reserve. Elephants introduced to the western shores will be able to wade to all sections of the reserve.

Birding. The calls of Narina Trogons, Purplecrested Loeries, Orioles and Crowned Hornbills echo throughout the forest. The varied ecozones of the Nibela peninsula create excellent opportunities for viewing forest, grassland, shoreline and marine species. Avid twitchers have a good chance of spotting a Neergaard’s Sunbird and an African Broadbill, both of which are endemic to the area.

Butterflies. 49% of Kwa-Zulu Natal's butterfly species have been recorded in False Bay Park and the Nibela peninsula abounds with an amazing diversity of these dainty colourful creatures. Fossils. A 10 000 footstep shoreline walk takes you over an ancient seabed littered in places with fossils dating back to the dawn of time.

Lake Experience. Sobhengu offers a water wilderness experience unparalleled in South Africa. The lake is home to the largest naturally breeding population of crocodiles and hippos in South Africa. The water wilderness experience would be incomplete without an exploratory lake cruise to Fanies Island and Dead Tree Bay

Fishing. Lake St Lucia supports a wide diversity of fish including sharks, salmon, grunter, bream and springer creating interesting and varied fishing opportunities from the lodge’s jetty, shoreline or boat. Guests can bring their own boats provided that they comply with regulations as set out by the Kwa-Zulu Natal Nature Conservation Services.