10 of the best African Ramsar Sites
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What is a RAMSAR?
Ramsar sites follow the Ramsar Convention of Wetland which is an intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitments of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance and to plan for the "wise use", or sustainable use, of all of the wetlands in their territories.
Africa is a diverse and largely untouched wilderness. Here you will find some of the earth's most unique and fascinating wetlands. From the world's largest inland delta to the world's largest permanent desert lake, Africa's Ramsar sites are great destinations for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts.
Africa is a diverse and largely untouched wilderness. Here you will find some of the earth's most unique and fascinating wetlands. From the world's largest inland delta to the world's largest permanent desert lake, Africa's Ramsar sites are great destinations for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts.
Botswana
Okavango Delta (55,324km²)
The [Okavango Delta http://www.botswanatravelsafaris.com/national-parks/okavango-delta] is the world's largest inland delta. The delta was created where the Okavango River discharges into the Kalahari Desert. Almost all of the water is lost through evaporation and transpiration. Average rainfall only comes to 450mm annually. Temperatures between the months of December to February can reach as high as 40°C.- There are 400 species of birds, including the African fish eagle, crested crane and ostrich
- The 200,000 large animals in the delta are not year-round residents; they only frequent this area in winter. Some of these animals include the Lechwe, Topi and Blue Wildebeest. The delta is also famous for the rich pack density of the African wild dog
- 71 fish species can be found here, including the tigerfish, tilapia and catfish
Kenya
Lake Turkana (6,405km²)
This lake is located in the Great Rift Valley in [Kenya http://www.kenyasafarissite.com/]. It is the world's largest permanent desert lake, and also the world's largest alkaline lake. Rocks in the surrounding area are volcanic. The three rivers that flow into the lake are Omo, Turkwel and Kerio. There is no outflow, however, due to evaporation.- Often referred to as the cradle of humankind, due to the wealth of hominid fossils in the area
- Hundreds of species are native to Kenya, such as the Little Stint, Heugin's Bustard and Wood Sandpiper
- Nile Tilapia, Bichirs and African Knifefish are just three of the 50 fish species found here
Lesotho
Lets`eng-la-Letsie (4,34km²)
Located in the Quthing district and within the Maloti Mountains, it forms part of the Maloti-Drakensberg system. The site is made up of a human-made lake and the marshy area encasing the lake. Two vegetation types are present, both being grassland types: Afromontane and Afroalpine. The area gets approximately 800mm of rainfall per year. Winters are extremely cold, with temperatures dropping to -5°C. The highest temperature recorded in the area is 26°C. During the months of June and July, snow is a regular feature. The lake is of great importance, due to three factors:
- It is a source of major offshoot of the Senqu-Orange river system
- High natural mountain biodiversity
- Fairly undisturbed high mountain wetland
- It is a source of major offshoot of the Senqu-Orange river system
- High natural mountain biodiversity
- Fairly undisturbed high mountain wetland
Mozambique
Lake Nyasa (29,600km²)
Also known as Lake Malawi, it is an African Great Lake (the third largest in Africa). Lake Malawi is positioned between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. It has shorelines in eastern Malawi, western Mozambique and southern Tanzania. The largest river that flows into the lake is Ruhuhu River, and the outlet is into the southern end of the Shire River.
- The lake has been given two nicknames. The first one is Lake of Stars, owing to the lantern lights of Malawian fishermen on their boats. The other nickname is Lake of Storms, because of the erratic and extremely violent gale winds
- The waters are rich in fish species, such as Chambo, Kampango and Catfish
- The painted hunting dog was assumed to be extinct, until a pack of 17 Painted Dogs was recently found in the western area
- There are also 2 endemic snail species in the area
- The lake has been given two nicknames. The first one is Lake of Stars, owing to the lantern lights of Malawian fishermen on their boats. The other nickname is Lake of Storms, because of the erratic and extremely violent gale winds
- The waters are rich in fish species, such as Chambo, Kampango and Catfish
- The painted hunting dog was assumed to be extinct, until a pack of 17 Painted Dogs was recently found in the western area
- There are also 2 endemic snail species in the area
Namibia
Etosha Pan (4,700km²)
The pan is located on the border of Angola and Namibia. The main source of water to the pan is the Cuvelai drainage system. The Cuvelai River originates in Angola. The catchment area lies between the Cunene basin in the west and the Okavango basin in the east. The climate in the pan is very arid. The rainfall comes to 400-550mm annually, mostly between December and March.- Due to the desiccated land, salty water and lack of vegetation, there is little wildlife around the Etosha pan area. You may, however, see migratory birds in the pan. [Etosha National Park http://www.namibiasafaritour.com/regions/north-namibia/etosha]is the place to see an abundance of wildlife.
- The hypersaline pan supports the brine shrimp
- During the rainy years, the pan becomes a ±10cm deep lake. This is when it plays host to flamingos and the Great White Pelican
South Africa
Langebaan (60km²)
This wetland is 100km northwest of Cape Town. It comprises of the islands Schaapen, Marcus, Malgas, Jutten and Langebaan Lagoon. The lagoon has a salinity of 34-35%, and is therefore exclusively marine. The lagoon is 16km long and 2-3km wide. It is only 2-6m deep, making it very shallow. The 250mm annual rainfall mostly occurs in winter. Minimum temperatures range between 8°C and 17°C. Maximum temperatures are between 14°C and 21°C.- The intertidal area is home to 55 000 water birds in summer
- One quarter of a million birds can be found north of the lagoon
- The wetland is a nursery for juvenile fish, klipfish, pipefish and small sharks
Verlorenvlei (58.91km²)
One of the largest wetlands on the west coast of South Africa. It is also one of the few coastal fresh waters in South Africa. It is 1-5m above sea level, and 0.5m deep. The climate is Mediterranean, and sunny days are prominent throughout the year. The highest temperature is recorded at 24°C, and the lowest being 8°C. 70% of the 275mm annual rainfall occurs in winter.
- The area is a crucial wetland for wading birds
- It is especially important for the white pelican and many other threatened bird species that use it as a feeding area.
- There is one indigenous freshwater fish, the Cape Galaxia
- The area is a crucial wetland for wading birds
- It is especially important for the white pelican and many other threatened bird species that use it as a feeding area.
- There is one indigenous freshwater fish, the Cape Galaxia
St Lucia System (300km²)
this wetland forms part of the [Greater St Lucia Wetland Park [http://stlucia.org.za/]. It is the largest estuarine system on the African continent. The area consists of high forested dunes, saline reed swamps and salt marshes.
- The largest hippo, crocodile, white and pinkbacked pelican populations can be found here
- There are 340 species of birds, including 20 species of duck and geese and 15 species of heron and egret
- 82 species of fish can also be found in this wetland
- The largest hippo, crocodile, white and pinkbacked pelican populations can be found here
- There are 340 species of birds, including 20 species of duck and geese and 15 species of heron and egret
- 82 species of fish can also be found in this wetland
Zambia
Lukanga Swamp (2,600km²)
- There are 316 bird species in the wetland
- Lukanga Swamp is an important site of conservation for the lechwe, oribi, marsh mongoose, sitatunga, bushbuck and python
- Elephant, buffalo, eland and roan antelope can be found wandering on the western side of the wetland
- Poaching is excessive in this area
Ramsar Convention
This intergovernmental treaty was founded and named after the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. The Convention's mission is "the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world". The Ramsar Convention [http://www.ramsar.org/cda/en/ramsar-home/main/ramsar/1_4000_0__] defines wetlands as areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment, plant and animal life. There are 5 natural wetland types:- Marine: coastal wetlands (coastal lagoon, rocky shores, coral reefs)
- Estuarine: deltas, tidal marshes, mangrove swamps
- Lacustrine: wetlands associated with lakes
- Riverine: wetlands along rivers or streams
- Palustrine: marshy areas (marshes, swamps, bogs)
There are also 5 human-made wetland types:
- Fish ponds
- Salt pans
- Reservoirs
- Sewage farms
- Canals
World Wetlands Day
- Occurs on the 2nd of February, on an annual basis
- It marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran (on the 2nd of February 1971)
- The first annual World Wetlands Day was celebrated in 1997
- Activities that countries worldwide participate in to raise awareness range from hosting lectures and seminars, sampan races, community clean-up days to radio/television interviews.
- It marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran (on the 2nd of February 1971)
- The first annual World Wetlands Day was celebrated in 1997
- Activities that countries worldwide participate in to raise awareness range from hosting lectures and seminars, sampan races, community clean-up days to radio/television interviews.
Some more interesting reading and places to visit
More information, great sites and things to see
- Okavango Delta
- One of the world's richest and most diverse wildlife areas! The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta on this planet and forms a wildlife oasis just north of the arid Kalahari Desert.
- Kenya
- Kenya - all that Africa has to offer within one country
- Visit Etosha National Park
- Surrounding a 4500km² salt pan the Etosha National Park is one of Africa's premier game viewing destinations.
- St Lucia Wetlands
- the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
- Zambia
- More information of Zambia and what it has to offer. Amazing wildlife, spectacular scenery and ultimate Africa
- RAMSAR
- More information on the RAMSAR Convention
- The Royal Livingston Hotel
- On the forested banks of the great Zambezi River, upstream of the mighty cataract where it thunders into the Batoka Gorge, is The Royal Livingstone. In its cool lounges and shaded verandas, you will encounter the elegance and luxury of an earlier, more courteous age.
- Accommodation Limpopo
- The Great Limpopo Reserve in Mozambique, bordering the Kruger National Park, is a great place to stay and experience the lush African bush and all its wild life. Accommodation ranges from luxury all the way to camping. Go and Explore!
Some reading material
by TravelRod
Written by: Mia Mihaela Lukic
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