SODWANA BAY- HISTORY

Centuries ago the Nguni tribes migrated southward along the Mozambican coastal plains to the eastern shores of Lake St. Lucia. During their migration they made extensive use of the marine resources along the coast by harvesting oysters and mussels from the sea. Evidence of this occurs in the form of shell middens which occur sporadically along the coastal dunes.

In 1822 the Royal Navy sent the ships Leven, Barracouta, and Cockburn to survey the coastline. The captain of the Barracouta was Lieutenant A.Vidal, after whom Cape Vidal was named, and Leven Point was named after the sloop HMS Leven. The various points along the coast: Jesser, Liefeldt’s, Gobey & Hully were named after officers on the ships who died of Malaria.

Because of its inaccessibility, the area was relatively unexploited by Europeans for a number of years, and in the period prior to 1945 was virtually unknown.
Subsequently safari parties traversed the area on periodic trips to Kosi Bay, but exploitation remained at a very low level. In the early 1950's The Natal Parks Board displayed some interest in Sodwana Bay and it was proclaimed as a Nature Reserve in December 1950.

The only buildings at the time were a thatched hut and a toilet. In the early 1960's the Natal Parks Board (now known as Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife) established the first visitor facilities at Sodwana Bay.

THE MNGOBOSELENI BRIDGE AND HISTORY:
An interesting part of Sodwana’s history is that of the mangrove swamp upstream from the bridge which crosses the Mngoboseleni stream near the basket sellers. Many years ago some of the trees in this mangrove swamp exceeded 18m in height. The tidal influence was felt along the western edge of the swamps with the mud flats being exposed at low tide and covered at high tide.

Unfortunately the swamp suffered because a poorly designed bridge was constructed across the stream in 1971. This bridge consisted of eleven pipes, 1m in diameter, and a raised foundation which was cemented into rocks.Because of this raised foundation the tides were prevented from reaching the upper reaches of the swamp.

Freshwater was confined to the upstream side and mud-flats were flooded. As a result of low salinity in the swamp, the forest began to die. Various other compounding factors caused other mangrove plants to die, eventually an invasion of freshwater grasses and reeds took place.

Early in 1976 steps were taken to remove and replace the bridge and whilst this work was being carried out an earthen causeway was built. Despite heavy rains, more flooding and more problems, the new bridge was finally completed in March 1977.

This bridge consists of two 2,4 x 6,5 culverts, and although many of the dead mangrove trees are still standing bare, the swamp is slowly but surely starting to recover after a near ecological disaster. As you cross the bridge over the estuary and drive up the concrete road to the main office, you will see the remains of these dead trees on the right hand side of the road.