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Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
skznbs11.3

Categories: roadside attraction; trails;

This well-known and popular reserve of 253 hectares is situated adjacent to Yellow wood Park in the southern suburbs of Durban

The Stainbank family who settled here in 1857 cultivated a large part of this reserve. Kenneth Stainbank, after whom the reserve was named, donated the land to the public. It was opened as a nature reserve in 1967 under the administration of Natal Parks Board. As a result of its history, the land has been greatly disturbed in parts and a variety of habitats exists, most of which can be visited by following the extensive and well planned trail system. Grassland and bush-clump mosaic surround a small dam which provides refuge for some ducks, crakes and rails. Black-headed Herons and Yellow-throated Longclaws are characteristic of the grasslands, which are also grazed by Burchell's Zebra Equus burchelli and Impala Aepyceros melampus .

The North / North western section of the reserve is mostly coastal forest descending to the Umhlatuzana River . Several species of barbets are found here - for example White-eared Barbet . The elusive Lemon Dove can be found on the gully slopes with a little patience and a good ear for its low call, although it has been suggested that the continued presence of this bird is under serious threat due to the exploits of the Black Sparrow-hawk. The rocky stream attracts pairs of Mountain Wagtails and stands of alien trees across the river provide nesting sites for larger raptors.

This variety of habitats has generated a good bird list of over 200 species. In addition, many smaller mammals occur here, such as Red and Blue Duiker. Bushbuck can often be spotted on the fringes of the forest.

A visit to this reserve is highly recommended for any visitor to Durban who is interested in natural history.

Specials to look out for are Yellow-throated Longclaw, Lemon Dove, Mountain Wagtail, Spotted Ground-Thrush, African Crowned Eagle and White-eared Barbet.

Directions

From Durban , take the N3 west and then the N2 south. Turn off the freeway at the Edwin Swales Drive/Queensburgh off-ramp, and turn left. After one kilometre, turn right at the Bellair Road intersection, and bear left along Cliffview Road . Turn left into Sarnia Road and then further along turn right into Coedmore Road at the second set of traffic lights. Continue along this road past the quarries, over the narrow bridge over the Umhlatuzana River , and up the hill until the gates to the reserve are seen on the right.

GPS Coordinates (decimals)
Lat:29°54.79' S
Lon:30°56.51' E

Additional Info

The site is accessible by day visitors and a nominal entrance fee is charged.

The reserve is open between the hours of 6:00am - 18:00pm.

The reserve is also well known for its mountain biking trails.

There is safe parking for up to 40 cars and toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.

Habitats: grassland and bush-clump mosaic surround a small dam, coastal forest , Umhlatuzana River and rocky stream (Little Umhlatuzana River)

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