Verlorenvlei

Verlorenvlei is an estuary that lies between Elands Bay and Redelinghuys about 25 kilometres south of Lambert’s Bay. Verlorenvlei is one of the most important estuarine systems in the Western Cape and is of the largest natural wetlands along the West Coast. It is also one of the only freshwater coastal lakes in the country. The lake is about 13.5 km long and 1.4 km. There are karroid and fynbos vegetation types with a great species diversity typical of an ecotone area. It is a great spot for birdwatching.

Waterbirds seen at Verlorenvlei include herons, egrets, ibises, spoonbills, and flamingos. The presence of Glossy Ibises, and African Spoonbills is important since these species are uncommon in the southwestern Cape (Cooper 1976).

Flamingos appear at Verlorenvlei when other vlei areas, such as Rocher Pan 35km to the south, and Wadrifsoutpan 13km to the north, dry up. Flamingos are listed in the South African Red Data Book as requiring conservation