The Umtamvuna Nature Reserve
The Reserve at a Glance
This nature reserve is a treasure known to all the locals. Situated just 8km from the small town of Port Edward, it is the perfect location for adventure-seeking hikers and trail walkers. Offering a number of trails with varying difficulty and distances to explore, it is a must-try!
This southernmost nature reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is a botanical paradise consisting of an interesting stretch of riverine forest and steep rocky cliffs. Bushbuck, serval, baboon, samango monkeys, blue and grey duiker and common reedbuck occur in the reserve. A large colony of the endangered Cape Vulture can be observed on their nesting sites.
The Trails:
There are three magnificent trails to choose from:
• The Kingfisher Trail – 30 minutes
• The Loerie Trail – 2 hours
• The Fish Eagle Trail – 4 hour
My Favorite:
My personal favorite is hands-down the Fish Eagle Trail! This trail takes you from the picnic sites, all the way down the gorge. I have spent many hours exploring the vast regions of this trail and have yet to discover it all. It starts at the peak of the gorge, leading you down-hill, surrounding you with scents of wild-flowers and 360° of the magnificent views of the deep Umtamvuna River Gorge. Captivated by nature’s best, you effortlessly stroll down the hill as you are met by different wildlife and fauna around each bend.
The trail steepens more rapidly as it spirals down the hill towards the view-point of the gorge. At the leveling point of the first pit-stop, a stream flows downhill, over and around rock-formations like you have never seen before. Caves and coves are hidden as if placed for you to find them, creating a thrilling Nature’s Hide-and-Seek.
Further and further you wander down the gorge, no city noise, no hustle-and bustle. Suddenly you are surrounded by the sounds of water flowing, birds singing, and trees bustling. A distant sound intrigues the curiosity, and as you walk further down the hill, you reach a flat, open area. Before you is beauty at its best, a magnificent river giving life to all nature surrounding it. The source? A series of waterfalls leading down the gorge, glistening as the golden rays of sun gently caress them.
My favorite part? The meeting spot of the river and the waterfalls . . . A hidden gem, perfect for swimming, a picnic, or soaking up the sun. In spring, this spot becomes a fairy-tale, enveloped in wildflower varieties as far as the eye can see.
So, is this added to your bucket list?