Mabibi Beach 2022

Long Weekend Trips (3 - 5 Nights)
 Registration Closed
 
30
Mabibi_Beach
Date: 25 November 2022 06:00 AM - 27 November 2022 06:00 PM

Friday 25th November - Sunday 27th November 2022

Contact Person: Stanley Marx

RATES:

Campsite: R 801 per campsite for the two nights (1 - 4 adults)

Park Fees: R36 per person

Vehicle Fees: R32 per vehicle 

NOTE: There are only 8 Campsites @ R801 per campsite for the two days.

 

ABOUT MABIBI CAMP

Set on the pristine shores of the Maputaland coast, Mabibi Camp is situated between Lake Sibaya, Sodwana Bay and Manzengwenya in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal. Nestled in an internationally recognized World Heritage Site, Mabibi Camp forms part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, it is the ideal place to discover one of the last unspoilt and undeveloped wilderness beaches left on the African continent.  Crystal clear swimming bays, gorgeous snorkelling reefs, coastal forests, soft sandy beaches, grasslands, bush and shimmering lakes make this an unforgettable retreat. The warm waters of the Maputaland coast offer some of South Africa’s best snorkelling and fantastic offshore scuba diving. Carefully tucked away in the wilderness, Mabibi is surrounded by exquisite coastal dune forests which provide a tranquil, relaxed setting. Our pristine beach is only accessible via a beach walkway, which consists of 138 large steps – which may pose a challenge to the elderly and small children. Lake Sibaya (South Africa’s largest Fresh water lake) is a mere 25-minute drive away. Mabibi camp is the ideal hideaway for those that wish to escape the hectic hustle and bustle of city life.

ACTIVITIES

SNORKELING - Mabibi offers superb snorkelling opportunities with a great diversity of underwater seascapes and marine flora and fauna. The shallow reefs along this protected stretch of coastline are home to an array of brilliant sub-tropical fish including moorish idols, parrot fish and blue surgeons. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean make this the ideal spot to snorkel, or guests can simply soak up the sun and savour the tranquillity of this pristine, sandy beach.

 

FISHING - The Maputuland coastline is renowned as one of South Africa’s most popular fishing destinations. Guests can try their hand at surf fishing or fly-fishing. Hulley Point at Mabibi, is a well-known fly-fishing spot. The enthusiastic angler can experience the thrill of bagging the catch of a lifetime from these brilliant waters.

 Mabibi Beach Camp encourages “catch and release” fishing.

 

SPEAR-FISHING- Only permitted to spear game fish.

Please obtain fishing permits from your nearest post office as they are not available at Mabibi Beach Camp.

The closest place to obtain a fishing permit is at Manzengwenya Ranger Station. The fine for not having a permit is R1000.00 – so please have the permit on you when you are fishing.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park does not permit any launching of any water vessel/craft off Mabibi Beach.

 

BIRDING - Birding at Mabibi and its surrounds is excellent, and the variety of habitats attracts a great diversity of species.  Typical coastal species include Livingstone’s and Purplecrested Lourie, Green Twinspot, Grey Waxbill and Green Coucal.  Waders are common along the shoreline, and Pinkthroated Longclaw and Rufousbellied Heron frequent the marshy areas.  Lake Sibaya has recorded 279 bird species including the Palmnut Vulture, the only fruit-eating vulture in the world.  Pel’s fishing owl and pygmy goose.

 

LAKE SIBAYA - Lake Sibaya has 100km of untouched shoreline and at 70km2 is South Africa’s largest freshwater lake. The lake falls within the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, now a World Heritage Site, and the Ramsar Convention assures its international conservation status.

The lake’s diverse flora provides a variety of habitats for birds, mammals, and aquatic life. Research reveals that hundreds of years ago the lake was once connected to the sea and with the natural closure of the estuary; numerous fish and aquatic creatures were trapped in a freshwater environment.

Lake Sibaya contains the second largest population of hippopotamus and crocodile in KwaZulu-Natal and is an important breeding, feeding and roosting area for a host of bird species. Surface water in the surrounding coastal plain often disappears completely during dry spells, making the lake the only source of permanent water for birds and mammals. The wetland also supports many of the rural people of this region, who in many cases are totally dependent on the water resource and its associated flora and fauna. Good management, careful conservation and controlled use of resources make Lake Sibaya an example of the concept ‘wise use in action’. Lake Sibaya and its feeder streams support 18 species of fish.  The fauna reflects a marine origin and has close affinities with tropical forms.  A freshwater goby (Silhouetta sibayi) is almost endemic to this water system, as very few records of it have been received from other localities.

Vegetation

Plants and trees growing around the lake are typical of coastal dune forest vegetation.  Of particular importance is the growth of an orchid Vanilla Roscheri, which only occurs at Lake Sibaya.  Another orchid, Oecevelades decaryanum, was collected at the Lake for the first time in South Africa and an unknown Oecevelades sp. occurs near Sibaya.

 Mammals

 There are 6 mammal species associated regularly with the Lake.  These are white-tailed mongoose, water mongoose, hippopotamus, reedbuck, vlei otomys and African marsh rat. Other mammals associated with the area include tona red squirrel; suni; four-toed elephant shrew; samango monkey; red duiker and blue duiker.

 Amphibia and Reptiles

There are 22 species of frog recorded at Lake    Sibaya, 20 of which are tropical forms. Common species are Reed Frogs, Grass Frogs, and toads. Larger reptiles include Water Monitor, African Python, Forest Cobra and Nile Crocodile.

 

 

ACCOMMODATION

Mabibi Camp offers a choice of rustic camping or self-catering units.

 Self –catering Accommodation There are 3 self catering units (with electricity) - max of 4 pax. Each unit has a wooden deck with a table and chairs, a small dining room with a table and chairs, a kitchenette with a stove, microwave, fridge, kettle, cutlery & crockery. The bathroom consists of a shower, toilet & basin. There are two bedrooms that each have two single beds. Bedding and bath towels are provided - please bring your own beach towels.

 Campsites – Hidden away between Milkwood trees and majestic coastal dunes lie 8 private campsites, each with its own tap and braai area. Each camp sleeps a maximum of 6 people. There is no electricity. There are communal ablutions with lights, hot and cold water, as well as an open cold-water shower near the entrance to the beach walkway.

  • This is a rustic campsite, and the hot water in the showers in the ablutions is heated by gas geysers - there is a chance that they might run out of hot water.
  • Please take your own grill grid for braaing if you are camping.
  • Please bring your own drinking water as the water at the camp has a very high iron content and is not fit to drink or cook with.

GENERAL INFORMATION

 Office hours: 07h00 – 12h00 and 14h00 – 16h00

On arrival at Mabibi, visitors are requested to report their arrival at the reception office and complete the check-in register

Firewood may be purchased from the local ladies at the Mabibi gate.

There is no vehicle access permitted from the camp onto the beach. Please note that the campsite falls within the rules of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, the vehicle access used illegally by campers in the past, down to the beach, has now been closed.

Access to the beach is via the beach walkway only.

The closest petrol station is at Sodwana Bay (+/- 60kms) and the closest supply store (Spar as well as two banks) is at Mbazwana. There is a small tuck shop along the Sibaya road.

Mabibi Camp is a low-risk malaria area.

GPS co-ordinates: S27°869’ E32° 44.727’

If you require any assistance while at the camp, kindly go to the reception office to make the necessary arrangements.

ACCESS

A 4x4 vehicle is needed to access the Beach Camp.

The suggested route from Johannesburg is from the N2 to Jozini, through the town, across the dam wall and head towards KwaNgwanase. Follow the Coastal Forest Reserve signs from Jozini to the Phelendaba / Manzengwenya intersection, turn right towards Mangzengwenya/Mbazwana. Follow the Mabibi sign boards. Mabibi is approximately 148km from the N2. The last 45km or so are on sand and gravel roads.

The last 30km is a poor condition sand road. People staying at the campsite must ensure they do not travel this road after 16h00 as a personal security measure. You do lose cell reception 7 kilometres from the tar. Please do not stop for strangers.

Guests can make use of the D1848 via Mbazwana, that runs along the edge of Lake Sibaya as this road has been refurbished.

 INDEMNITY

 

Neither the Mabibi Camp or Isimangaliso Wetland Park accepts responsibility for any death, injury or illness sustained or suffered by any person, or theft, or loss of or damage to any property, occurring within or arising from a visit or visits to parks, reserves, or resorts under their management or control, howsoever caused, and whether allegedly due to the negligence of the Mabibi Camp or The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park or any of their employees or agents, or arising from the use of any facilities supplied or made available. Please note that although the area is very scenic, tranquil and beautiful, it is a rural area, and you still have to be security conscious.

REGULATIONS

 

  • Good relations between the visitors to the area and the local people are necessary.
  • Generators are permitted -(maximum 3.5 kva). These are to be run between the
  • hours of 9:00am and 1:00pm only, to avoid unnecessary disturbance and inconvenience for
  • other guests.
  • Please take note that the beach is not protected by lifeguards, there are no shark nets, so you swim in the sea at your own risk.
  • No motorbikes or four wheelers are permitted.
  • Firewood may not be gathered – but can be purchased from the local ladies at the gate.
  • Pets are not permitted as we are situated inside the Isimangaliso Wetland Park
  • Visitors must not arrive before 12.00 noon on the day of arrival and must vacate the campsite by 10.00am on the day of departure.
  • The camp gates close from 18.00pm- 07.00am
  • Littering is an offence and offenders will be prosecuted.
  • It is an offence to pick or damage any plant or to disturb or kill any animal.
  • No loud music after 10pm is permitted.
  • The lighting of fires is only permitted in proper fireplaces. Please also extinguish cigarettes properly and place them in proper receptacles. Do not throw them out of windows.
  • Firearms must be declared on arrival
  • The speed limit in the camp is 15km/h
  • No holes or trenches may be dug in the camp
  • The launching of boats (including jet skis, water skiing, wind surfing, kite boarding, kayaking, or any other water sport) is not permitted.
  • Driving on the beach is not permitted.
  • 4x4 off road caravans and trailers are permitted.
  • Please note that the camp is a separate establishment to Thonga Beach Lodge, and the Lodge caters for the Lodge guests only.

 Mbibi Beach Camp

 

 

All Dates


  • From 25 November 2022 06:00 AM to 27 November 2022 06:00 PM

 

List of Participants

Kostya (3)
Richard Heathcote (2)
Billy Paton (2)
Stanley and Rachael (4)
Pippa Cantarelli (4)
Jelle MEINTSMA (2)
Derick and Donelle Geyer (2)
Guy and di wayne (1)
Andre de Wet (2)
Jeanne Schutte (2)
P Dillon (2)
Leon (2)
elisabeth (2)

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