The South Coast - Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom

South Coast Nature Reserves

The South Coast has a number of Nature Reserves which are worth visiting:

zoom Oribi Gorge Photo: KZN Wildlife

Empisini Nature Reserve

Umkomaas. From the N2 take the Umkomaas- Widenham off-ramp. At the stop street turn towards Umkomaas, then travel a few hundred metres to the first left turn signposted Sappi/Saiccor. Continue down a steep hill for just over 1 km, turn left at the bottom of the hill, and follow the track for about 400 m to the parking and picnic area.

This is a delightful bird watching haven, with gentle walks through the quiet bush. We also have a tree house sleeping up to 16 people and 2 cabins for smaller groups.

This 60 ha reserve contains 20 ha of pristine coastal forest and 40 ha of old cane fields being converted to grasslands. There is a marshland consisting of a dense stand of Phragmites reeds near to the picnic site. The grassy southern slopes with scattered acacia trees are a constant challenge to keep free of weeds. There are also the occasional Cheesewood, Pigeon wood & Red beech. Various types of mammals and birds exist here.

Contact: Empisini
Telephone: (039) 9730093
www.aliwalshoal.net

Frederika Nature Reserve

Southbroom next to the Southbroom Golf Course from the 17th tee to the 2nd green near Fairway Road.
The reserve is unspoilt dune forest. There are scores of giant Milkwoods , particularly at the northern end which overlooks the 17th tee of the golf course. It is completely untouched, there are no trails.

Contact: Southbroom Health
Telephone: (039)3166125
southbroom@lantic.co.za

zoom Vervet Monkey - a common South Coast site Photo: KZN Wildlife/Rodger de la Harpe

Mbumbazi Nature Reserve

Located on the farm Kranskloof 8100,5 5km from Paddock and 31 km from Port Shepstone. It borders on the former KwaZulu for the most part in the north-east and south-west and on sugar cane farms in the north-west and south-east.
Contact: R. Baur
Telephone: (039) 6791738

Mpenjati Nature Reserve

Palm beach near Southbroom, about 18 km south of Margate.The resort embraces the Mpenjati river lagoon. Trafalgar Marine reserve adjoins Mpenjati Public Resort and extends 500 metres out to sea along its length. This marine reserve has been proclaimed in order to protect the unique fossil found in the area. A popular venue for board sailing , boating and canoeing. Fishing in the lagoon and surf angling are other popular recreational sports.

KZN Wildlife has a 6 bed self catering chalet that can be booked through its reservation office in Pietermaritzburg.


For more information make use of the KZN Wildlife website or contact them at:
General Enquiries: (033) 845 1002
Reservations Office for hutted accommodation and wilderness trails
P.O. Box 13069
CASCADES,3202
Telephone: (033) 845 1000
Fax: (033) 845 1001

Nyamazane Game Ranch

Izingolweni, on the N2 to Kokstad, half an hour an hours drive from Port Shepstone, Margate and Port Edward.

Nyamazane Game ranch offers you the perfect opportunity to experience the KwaZulu-Natal Bushveld. It is a game ranch stocking various wildlife, has dams for fishing. They also breed ostriches.

Contact: Keith
Telephone:082 825 9996
nyamazanegameranch@yebo.www.sa

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve

Some 21 km along the Harding road(N2), west of Port Shepstone. The turn-off is marked 'nature reserve'.

Contains leopards, baboons, small antelope and a prolific bird life, including five kingfisher and seven eagle species. Accommodation is provided in a small, but comfortable hutted camp set in a garden of indigenous flowers. There are also a number of campsites. To reserve one of these sites contact the Officer in Charge on (039)679-1644.

For more information make use of the KZN Wildlife website or contact them at:
General Enquiries: (033) 845 1002
Reservations Office for hutted accommodation and wilderness trails
P.O. Box 13069
CASCADES,3202
Telephone: (033) 845 1000
Fax: (033) 845 1001

zoom Caracal - often seen in Oribi Gorge and the Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve Photo: KZN Wildlife/ Rodger de la Harpe

Umtamvuna Nature Reserve

This reserve is accessed off the road to Izingolweni from Port Edward.

It is renowned for its magnificent views of the deep Umtamvuna River Gorge. Umtamvuna is a treasure house of rare and endemic trees and plant species in a diversity of habitats, with spectacular wild flower displays after the spring rains. The reserve has the best nature walks along the entire KwaZulu-Natal coastline, with several marked trails to explore. A large colony of Cape vultures can be observed on their nesting sites. A small picnic site is situated above the office within the reserve, and a day visit is a rewarding experience. No accommodation is available in this reserve.

For more information make use of the KZN Wildlife website or contact them at:
General Enquiries: (033) 845 1002. You can also contact the Officer-in-Charge, P.O. Box 25, Port Edward, 4295. Tel: 039 3132383 .

Uvongo Nature Reserve

The name Uvongo is an anglicised version of the Zulu word iVungu - which refers to the roar of the waterfall which is found along the course of the iVungu river.

This reserve contains a well conserved coastal forest with a diversity of trees, shrubs, ferns, coastal birds species and orchids. A circular 2 hour walking trail can be undertaken.

The reserve is found in greater Margate area, between Uvongo and Manaba Beach.

Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve

Near Umzinto. Turn off the South Coast Freeway at Park Rynie/ Umzimto Flyover and take the High Flats/Ixopo road. The reserve turnoff is about 3km past Umzimto. The entrance gate is 6km from this turnoff.

The reserve is mainly open grassland of rolling hills with some wooded valleys. The wild flowers are a delight in the spring. Eland, zebra, blue wildebeest and bushbuck have been introduced. There are two dams which attract a great variety of birds. Gate time 6am to 6pm.

Self-catering accommodation is available(5x2-bed rest huts & 1x10-bed tree house).

For more information make use of the KZN Wildlife website or contact them at:
General Enquiries: (033) 845 1002
Reservations Office for hutted accommodation and wilderness trails
P.O. Box 13069
CASCADES,3202
Telephone: (033) 845 1000
Fax: (033) 845 1001

Dlangala, Umkomaas Valley

Dlangala, the Wildlife Sanctuary situated on the R56 in the Umkomaas Valley, have recently constructed and established a Tourism Office to promote eco - tourism ventures in the Two Rivers and Sakabula Adventures areas. Strategically situated on the main arterial route between Pietermaritzburg and East Griqualand / Transkei, the office is a source of information on all the attractions in the area and provides advice on activities, reservations and refreshments to visitors to the region.

Umkomaas Valley Situated one hour's drive from Durban in a true African bushveld environment, the wilderness area is both malaria and crocodile free. Adventure activities form the main attraction to the Umkomaas Valley. White-water rafting, abseiling, rock climbing, tubing, hunting, 4 X 4 trails, walking trails, excellent birding, horseriding,fishing and game viewing (night drives) can all be done in the Valley, and several rustic and comfortable bush and river camps are available at very reasonable tariffs.

Dlangala have established a wildlife sanctuary where injured and orphaned animals can be nurtured back to full health and released into the wild. Within the Sanctuary visitors can go for a walk and experience the quietness of the bush, finding and identifying the many and varied bird & tree species. Braai spots have been established for day visitors to enjoy a picnic out in the bush in the safety of the reserve.

A very comfortable thatch bungalow (self-catering) is available for those visitors who would like to overnight or spend a weekend away from the madding crowd.

Water-Based Activities - Canoeing / Kayaking / Rafting Access to the river can be attained by visiting the Tourism Office and completing the necessary. The section of river between number 8 and Saint Josephine's Bridge is ideal for training or having a bit of fun on the river. The rapids are fairly easy to negotiate and provide ideal rafting water for schoolchildren and those who want a pleasant canoe or rafting trip. Transfers to and from put in and take out points are offered at reasonable rates.

Hi Adventure Rafting Trips Adrenaline junkies can run the Hella - Hella to Number 8 trip which is available in season (usually Nov - April) with Umko Whitewater Rafting who are S.A.R.A. registered outfitters. Rafting can be arranged by contacting either Two Rivers Dave Rigby (0832700403) or Sakabula Adventures (Tourism Officer - Shamane) 0721433016.

Conference Venues Several establishments offer very reasonable conference packages for companies or organisations who want to add a bit of adventure to the proceedings. St Isidore Mill & Kings Grant Country Retreat situated near Ixopo provide an excellent venue as do Gwahumbe Reserve and Insingise in the Mid Illovo area. For more information please contact Dlangala Reservations at 0832700403 or Sakabula Adventures (0721433016)

For more information make use of the Dlangala website Or Email: cattle@iafrica.co.za Tel: 033 3472315 or 083 2700403 Fax: 033 3473415

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