The northern lake area

The northern, non-commercialised end of Lake St Lucia is split into two sections by the Nibela and Ndlozi peninsulas which jut into the water wilderness from the north and south respectively. To the east of the Nibela peninsula is the pristine Tewate Wilderness area and the Eastern Shores which separate the Lake from the Indian Ocean. To the west is False Bay and the Western Shores which at one stage formed the ancient shoreline of the ocean. These two sections of Lake St Lucia are connected via a gap known as Hell's Gate. Sobhengu, meaning "Place Of Rest" is situated on the Nibela peninsula.

The Nibela Peninsula

The Nibela peninsula is home to the Kwa-Nibela people who have fished the northern reaches of the Lake for centuries. In more recent times it has become the setting for one of South Africa’s most uniquely situated leisure developments. A 45 lease agreement struck between the chief of the Nibela tribe and the Gooderson Leisure Corporation saw the tip of the Nibela peninsula being game fenced to create a secluded 235 ha private nature reserve surrounded by water on three sides. This veritable "Robinson Crusoe territory" is of particular floristic interest to conservationists since it is vegetated by rare and fragile Sand Forest. The creation of this reserve has protected the Sand Forest ecosystem against detrimental impacts from domestic livestock and human pressure on the environment. Nestling amidst the trees and vines of the dense Nibela Sand Forest and overlooking the fish-rich waters of Sobhengu Bay and the pristine Tewate Wilderness Area is Sobhengu Lake Lodge, South Africa’s most secluded and private R.C.I. affiliated eco-timeshare development.

Click on hot spots for views of the area.

Getting there.

The development is only accessible by way of the Nibela Lake Ferry, private boat from False Bay Park or 4x4 via a bush route. Guests with normal motor vehicles are transferred to the Lodge by the lake ferry from False Bay Park. False Bay Park is an idyllic spot where visitors can combine fishing, bird watching and game viewing along numerous self-guided walking trails. Central to the Park is Lister Point where a shop, camp ground, jetty and launching facility is situated. It’s from Lister Point that the Nibela Ferry departs and private boats can be launched. Secure undercover parking is available to Sobhengu’s owners and guests.