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New Germany Nature Reserve
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Categories: roadside attraction; picnic; trails; guide
New Germany Nature Reserve forms part of the extensive New Germany Commonage, which has a long and chequered history, starting with the establishment of the farm Clermont in 1848. There has been much discussion about the status of various sections of the area, and this resulted in the formation of the New Germany Nature Reserve in 1986, consisting of two parts: the Nature Park on the north side of Mountain Ridge Road , and the Nature Reserve on the south side.
The Nature Reserve is less developed, but has a long trail across the south-facing slope, passing through short grassland, a large patch of forest and a stand of Silver Protea Protea roupelliae , which was once quite common in the area. This section does not contain any introduced mammal species, but indigenous ones such as Blue Duiker Philantomba monticola , Common Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia and Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo may be seen with a little patience. The mongooses are most often seen scuttling rowdily through the undergrowth.
The grassland parts of the reserve and park are well managed, and attract some interesting birds, especially after burning. At such times, Shelley's Francolin and Plain-backed Pipit have been seen. In summer, Zitting Cisticolas call and display prominently, and other grassland specialists such as Cape Grassbird and African Pipit call frequently.
The tall forest canopy in the valleys is rich in birdlife, with robins and flycatchers being common. Numerous nectar producing plants, such as Tree Fuschia Halleria lucida and Wild Banana Strelitzia nicolai provide food for several species of sunbirds, while the deep leaf litter is home to Terrestrial Brownbuls and thrushes. The reserve also attracts a number of altitudinal migrants during winter, and is worth visiting at any time of year.
Specials to look out for are Shelley's Francolin , Plain-backed Pipit , Zitting Cisticolas , Cape Grassbird , African Pipit, Fiscal Flycatcher, Little Bee-eater, African Goshawk, African Paradise Flycatcher and Grey Sunbird.
Directions
From the N3 west out of Durban , take the glide-off to the M13 to Pinetown, and then shortly thereafter the Stapleton Road off-ramp. Turn right at the traffic lights and follow Stapleton Road along, through another set of traffic lights and down the hill. At the bottom, turn right into Mountain Ridge Road , where New Germany Nature Reserve is signposted. Follow this road up a steep hill and turn left at the top to get to the gate. Both parts are controlled by the Borough of New Germany and are open during normal office hours. The Nature Park is entered through the Interpretive Centre and a large aviary which houses indigenous birds. There is a clear trail system that takes one through the patches of coastal and riverine forest in the valleys and through the bush-clump mosaic on the hillsides. There are also two small dams, one of which is overlooked by a hide.
GPS Coordinates (decimals)
Lat: 29°48.53' S
Lon: 30°53.32' E
Additional Info
The reserve is accessible by day visitors and is open between the hours of 7:30am - 17:00pm.
Limited numbers of birding guides are available on request.
Facilities include picnic sites and an interpretive Centre which includes a display of live indigenous snakes and a large aviary which houses indigenous birds.
There is safe parking for up to 30 cars and toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.
Habitats: coastal and riverine forest , dams overlooked by a hide and grassland
Contact
- Ethekwini Municipality
- Tel: +27 (0)31 262 8239
- E-mail: butlers@durban.gov.za