The Vervet Monkeys of St Lucia Estuary

Vervet monkeys are one of the most common and widespread monkeys in Africa. They are also one of the most popular wildlife attractions in and around the St Lucia Estuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa.

Vervet monkeys are highly social animals and live in troops of up to 50 individuals. Troops are typically led by a dominant male, and the social structure is strictly hierarchical. Vervet monkeys are also very intelligent animals and have a complex communication system that includes a variety of vocalizations, facial expressions, and body language.

Vervet monkeys are omnivores and their diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals. They are also known to scavenge for food in human areas, which can sometimes lead to conflict.

Vervet monkeys are an important part of the ecosystem in and around the St Lucia Estuary. They help to disperse seeds and control populations of insects and other small animals. They are also a prey species for a variety of predators, including leopards, crocodiles, and pythons.

Vervet monkeys are a popular attraction for tourists visiting the St Lucia Estuary. They are often seen foraging for food in the coastal forests, swimming in the estuary, and playing in the trees. Visitors can also see vervet monkeys during boat tours of the estuary and on game drives in the surrounding areas.

Here are some tips for seeing vervet monkeys in and around the St Lucia Estuary:

* Be quiet and patient. Vervet monkeys are easily spooked, so it is important to be quiet and move slowly when trying to spot them.

* Look for them in the coastal forests, along the estuary, and in the trees. Vervet monkeys are very active and can often be seen swinging through the trees, foraging for food, or playing.

* Do not feed the vervet monkeys. Feeding wild animals can change their behavior and make them more likely to approach humans.

* Be respectful of the vervet monkeys and their environment. Do not litter and do not disturb their habitat.

Vervet monkeys are fascinating and intelligent animals that play an important role in the ecosystem in and around the St Lucia Estuary. By following these tips, you can enjoy seeing these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.

Jellyfish has arrived

Sea turtle nesting season and jellyfish occurrences can be related in some regions. Here's how:

1. **Timing**: Sea turtle nesting seasons vary depending on the species and the specific location. During nesting season, female sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. These seasons can overlap with periods when jellyfish populations are high.

2. **Diet**: Some species of sea turtles, like the leatherback turtle, feed on jellyfish. During certain times of the year, jellyfish may be more abundant, which can attract sea turtles to the area for feeding.

3. **Predation**: Sea turtles are known to eat jellyfish, and they are adapted to deal with the stinging cells. They can consume jellyfish without being harmed by their toxins.

4. **Human Impact**: Unfortunately, human activities, such as pollution and climate change, can influence both sea turtle populations and jellyfish abundance. Pollution can negatively impact sea turtles and their nesting sites, while it can also contribute to jellyfish blooms.

To protect sea turtles during nesting season, it's important to follow local conservation guidelines, including turning off lights on beaches, avoiding disturbing nesting sites, and reporting injured turtles. Additionally, being aware of jellyfish presence during these times can be important for beachgoers to prevent stings and minimize their impact on the marine ecosystem.

Isimangaliso Wetland Park: A Realm of Environmental Diversity

**Isimangaliso Wetland Park: A Realm of Environmental Diversity**

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a breathtaking mosaic of ecosystems, from pristine beaches and coral reefs to lush coastal forests and vast wetlands. This environmental diversity supports a staggering variety of wildlife, including over 6,500 plant and animal species, many of which are rare and threatened.

**A sanctuary for marine life**

iSimangaliso's coral reefs are home to a rainbow of fishes, turtles, and other marine creatures. The park's beaches are also vital nesting grounds for leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles.

**A haven for birds**

iSimangaliso is a birder's paradise, with over 520 species recorded. The park's wetlands are a prime feeding ground for wading birds, such as flamingos, herons, and egrets. Raptors, such as the African fish eagle and the martial eagle, also soar through iSimangaliso's skies.

**A refuge for land mammals**

iSimangaliso's coastal forests and grasslands provide habitat for a variety of land mammals, including black rhinos, elephants, lions, and leopards. The park is also home to the world's largest population of Nile crocodiles.

**A treasure trove of plant life**

iSimangaliso's diverse ecosystems support a wide range of plant life. The park's wetlands are home to mangroves, reeds, and papyrus. The coastal forests are dominated by dune forests and mangrove swamps. The grasslands are home to a variety of grasses, shrubs, and trees.

**A vital ecosystem**

iSimangaliso Wetland Park plays a vital role in the region's environment. The park's wetlands filter water, provide flood control, and support a variety of economic activities, such as fishing and tourism.

**Visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park today and experience the wonder of its environmental diversity!**

Indian ocean adventure

Accommodation

Nestled along the picturesque shores of the St Lucia Estuary, the Ocean Commotion motorboat stood ready, its engines humming with anticipation. Surf launching was an art here, mastered by the seasoned fishermen who sought the thrill of deep-sea fishing. The salty breeze mingled with the excited chatter of anglers, their eyes gleaming with the promise of an unforgettable experience on the open waters.

Today, the target was the majestic queen mackerel, a prize of these deep seas. As the boat sliced through the waves, the fishermen shared stories of battles won and lost with this powerful fish. With each passing minute, the anticipation grew, and the fishing rods were prepped, lines cast into the depths below.

Indian Ocean Adventure

The St Lucia Estuary, with its rich marine life and azure waters, provided the perfect backdrop for this adventure. The motorboat, Ocean Commotion, glided gracefully, its experienced crew guiding it skillfully. The thrill of the chase, the tug on the line, and the triumphant shouts echoed over the vast expanse of the ocean.

Amidst the rolling waves and the cries of seagulls, the queen mackerel was finally hooked. It fought with all its might, a true testament to the strength of the deep-sea creatures. With teamwork and expertise, the fishermen reeled it in, their faces beaming with pride. The gleaming queen mackerel glistened in the sunlight, a symbol of the unforgettable experience shared on the Ocean Commotion.

As the day drew to a close, the motorboat made its way back to the St Lucia Estuary, the victorious anglers onboard, their hearts full of adventure and the satisfaction of a successful catch. Another chapter was added to the legacy of the Ocean Commotion, a vessel that carried not just fishermen but also the spirit of exploration and the thrill of the open sea.

Riverlodge December 2023 Specials

Here is a few Family Fun or Group Holiday ideas for December 2023. All these Packages can be customised to your personal needs.

1. The Animal Escapade

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2. Surf and Turf, with my Brew experience

Cick Here 

3. The Peninsula Joyride

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4. Jou Ma se... Proudly SA Tour

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5. The Adrenaline Junkie Adventure

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These 4 Person Package Deals are available from Riverlodge in Cape Town for this December 2023. Affordable Family Holidays or just the Accommodation.

Secured on Oude Molen Eco Village in Pinelands Cape Town. a Hub for your Cape Town experience. 

Contact 

Riverside Backpackers

+27 82 515 0407

bookings@riverlodge.co.za

Visit St Lucia Estuary and Wetlands Park

St Lucia Estuary and Wetlands Park 

The Time is Now

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St Lucia Estuary is a small hamlet at the Southern Entrance to The World-renowned iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. South Africa's very first and very own World Heritage Site. Once a mere fishing destination developed in a post World WarrII economy, the main Tourist focus of the region built around the functioning of a marine Estuarine system. 

 

Sail Fish in abundance

As one of the Bill Fish species, Sailfish is one of the sought after Game Fishes. As the Worlds fastest-growing Sport, Angling Tourism is a huge market and well exploited. With strict Catch and Release Policies in The iSimangaliso Wetland Park targeting this species successfully is a very unique experience. 

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Water Monitor Lizard 

Recent rainfalls in the Wetlands and the catchment areas of the Rivers feeding the Wetlands has saturated the water table of the park and creatures very seldom seen in public open spaces are now frolicking and basking all over in the sun. Such an abundance of wildlife on display its absolutely Amazing.

After Many Years The Estuary Mouth is finally open 

The opening of the Estuary mouth was well-received among nature and bird lovers. a Functional marine estuary is after all one of the most important life support systems on earth. The diversity it brings to marine life is second to none. St Lucia Estuary is said, by leading Expert Dr Allen Witfield, as supporting 50% of South Africa's marine life in the form of a safe nursery. Home to Mangrove Swamps, Hippopotamus and Crocodiles. St Lucia Estuary, when functioning also is home to Bull Shark Pups and provides safe residents to the spawning of species that populate the Tugela Shelf.

Water Birds in Abundance 

St Lucia Estuary and the Wetlands system offers a home to more than 530 migrating and resident bird species. Species like African Spoon Bill frequent the fast-flowing waters of the tidal mouth. Life happens with tidal interaction. This is where everything began. Life on Earth was spawned in the swamps of functional tidal Esturines.

Visiting South Africa now? Time to embark on an excursion into the majestical wonderworld of iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. 

Book or List Your Activities on Tours Africa today.

by Petrus Viviers
+27813427371

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Para Gliding - Tours Africa

Para Gliding

Cape Town South Africa 

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Adventure Sport

Back in 1966 a pilot, Domina Jalbert, was given the rights to patent this Arial floatation device. The first working version was manufactured in 1971. Now you can become part of the long linage of adventure seekers that literally float on the wings of a breeze. What starts off as an adrenaline rush gradually soothen into a soundless weightless glide with opposing forces of mother nature working in symbiosis. 

While Gravity tugs at your legs the updraft of airflow and man-made wings gliding you silently, but oh so gently through the sky towards terra firma. Devouring the breathtaking views Cape Town, The Mother City, has to offer. This is the blissful feeling of total freedom. 

Come and join on a tandem ride of a lifetime. Gliding towards Earth at the end of a parafoil suspended hundreds of meters above the earth. 

Get Quotes from various paragliding Suppliers from Tours Africa  

by Petrus Viviers
0813427371

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