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Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
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Categories: roadside attraction; picnic; trails;

Krantzkloof is a large and well-known reserve west of Durban in the suburb of Kloof, named after the deep gorges formed by the Molweni and Nqutu Rivers . It covers about 600 ha and rises in altitude from 140 m above sea level in the east to almost 500 m above sea level at the crests of the ridges.

The area is dominated by spectacular gorges densely vegetated in the valleys, with sheer cliff faces and more open grassland and Protea veld on the crests of the surrounding hills. The north-facing slopes tend to be dominated by dry mixed bushveld, including such trees as Scented Thorn Acacia nilotica , Sweet Thorn A. karroo , Marula Sclerocarya birrea , Common Wild Pear Dombeya rotundifolia and Tassel Berry Antidesma venosum .

Still quite common in the coastal scarp forest is the Forest Cycad Encephalartos villosus , while many specimens of the Natal Cycad E. natalensis grow on the rocky slopes and cliff faces. The forested valleys are richly endowed with flowering plants of many species, with the Streptocarpus family being particularly well represented. They are to be found clinging tightly to moist rocks, with fine flowering stems arising from two large leaves lying flat against the rocks. One of the larger species is named S. molweniensis after the Molweni River running through the gorge.

BirdLife is abundant in Krantzkloof, and many kinds of birds are represented, ranging from large raptors such as African Crowned Eagle, several pairs of which nest in the reserve, through the noisy and lively bulbuls and starlings, to the small and inconspicuous Collared Sunbirds and Green Twinspots. It is often easier to find Green Twinspots here than at most of the other reserves. Small family groups seem to consist mostly of sub-adults, some of which lack the spots on the belly and flanks. African Crowned Eagles prey heavily on the Rock Hyrax and Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus pygerythrus .

Much of the reserve is rugged and inaccessible, and is, consequently, undisturbed. Thus several shy and sensitive species have been found here in recent years such as Peregrine Falcon, Buff-spotted Flufftail and African Broadbill. Many of the forest species tend to forage quietly in the upper canopy and are easily overlooked. Such birds include Grey Cuckooshrike, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler and Forest Canary.

Finally, it should be noted that the size of the reserve and the variety of the habitats present, as well as the range of altitudes, mean that many species have been recorded as vagrants, either passing through on migration or taking advantage of temporarily abundant food sources. Thus birders visiting the reserve must keep their eyes open for unusual species, including African Cuckoo Hawk, Sentinel Rock Thrush and Gurney's Sugarbird.

Specials to look out for are African Crowned Eagle , Collared Sunbird , Green Twinspot (Found easily in this reserve) , Peregrine Falcon , Buff-spotted Flufftail , African Broadbill , Grey Cuckooshrike , Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler , Forest Canary , African Cuckoo Hawk (Uncommon) , Sentinel Rock Thrush (Uncommon) , Gurney's Sugarbird , Lemon Dove , Spotted Ground-Thrush , Olive Woodpecker , Blue-Mantled Crested Flycatcher and Narina Trogon.

Directions

To get to the main entrance of the reserve, head west from Durban on the N3 and take the M13 via Pinetown. Just after the top of Field's Hill, take the Village Road exit and turn right at the T-junction and cross the highway. Continue along this road, turn right at the next T-junction, and then left over the railway. From here, follows the signs to Krantzkloof Nature Reserve along Kloof Falls Road . The reserve is under the control of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and there are several entrances, with well laid out trails and several picnic sites. There is also an interpretive centre opposite the main picnic site on Bridle Road above the main falls. Access to some parts is unrestricted, but other parts, such as the picnic sites, are controlled to limit the number of visitors.

GPS Coordinates (decimals)
Lat: 29°46'19" S
Lon: 30°49'46" E

Additional Info

The reserve is accessible by day visitors. Access to some parts is unrestricted, but other parts, such as the picnic sites, are controlled to limit the number of visitors and a nominal entrance fee is charged.

There are well marked trails, picnic sites and an interpretive centre. A site map is available and guides are available on request.

There is safe parking and toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.

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