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Palmiet Nature Reserve
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Categories: roadside attraction; trails;
Palmiet Nature Reserve in Westville is situated along the gorge of the Palmiet River named after the Palmiet Reed Prionium serratum which once grew extensively along the river. The reserve was established in 1972 as a result of a wish by the local residents to preserve some of the beautiful valley before it was taken over by housing development.
The well-marked trails cover most of reserve and all habitat types within it. The main trail, the Palmiet Trail, winds along the river through the climax coastal scarp forest, with tall Wild Poplar Macaranga capensis and Red Beech Protorhus longifolia, and along the sandy river bank where Umdoni and numerous fig species are found. The trail passes next to the high Natal Group Sandstone cliffs, where the Red-Leaved Rock Fig Ficus ingens can be seen clinging tenaciously to the rocks. These trees provide a good food source for frugivorous birds such as turacos, barbets and the scarce Narina Trogon. Recent floods have demolished bridges, making it necessary to boulder hop at some river crossings.
Several pairs of Mountain Wagtails inhabit the Palmiet River, and these have been closely studied by Prof.: Steven Piper. However, the average territory size is around 500 m of river length, and so these delightfu1 birds can easily be overlooked. The sandy patches along the river are often occupied by clumps of pleated grass Setaria megaphylla, and when this is in seed, the clumps are alive with small seedeaters like Green Twinspots, Grey Waxbills and Bronze and Redbacked Mannikins.
The Nkankane and Ridge trails climb up the gently sloping north side of the valley and pass through grassland dotted with many Transvaal Beech Faurea saligna trees, a relatively rare tree in KwaZulu-Natal that looks superficially like Eucalyptus. This is home to such grassland species as Little Bee-eater, Rattling Cisticola, Neddicky and YelIowthroated Longclaw.
Finally, several species of raptors, including owls, are known to live in the reserve, and the early morning birder may see them flying around at the break of day before they go off hunting.
Specials to look out for are Mountain Wagtail, African Crowned Eagle , African Goshawk, African Paradise Flycatcher, Grey Sunbird, Green Twinspot and Grey Cuckooshrike (winter).
Directions
The Palmiet Nature Reserve is located in Westville, which is part of the Greater eThekwini Durban Metro area. It is best reached from the N3 west by taking the Westville off-ramp, and heading through Westville along St James Avenue which becomes Attercliffe Road . Then bear right into Jan Hofmeyr Road and continue down the hill. Turn left into Old New Germany Road at the Village Market Centre. (Pick & Pay) and follow the road down to parking area.
From the M13 West to Pinetown, take exit no. 10 Queens Ave / Salisbury Rd. and then shortly there after turn right into Queens Ave. Cross over the highway and at the next stop sign turn left into Queens Ave. Proceed to the "T" junction at Jan Hofmeyer road where you turn left into Jan Hofmeyer Rd. drive past the Westville Hotel on your left and then turn right into Old New Germany Road Proceed down the hill to the parking area.
GPS Coordinates (decimals)
David Maclean entrance:
Lat: 29°49.35' S
Lon: 30°55.74' E
Gwalagwala entrance:
Lat: 29°49.47' S
Lon: 30°55.58' E
Additional Info
The site is accessible by day visitors and is open from 6:00am - 18:00pm.
Trails: 15 km of guided and self guided trails: sunset and night trails.
Environmental education: ecology, iron and stone age cultures.
There is safe parking for up to 20 cars and toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.
Habitats: river, coastal and riverine forest, spectacular gorge and cliff faces and grassland.
Contact
- Local community
- Tel: +27 (0)31 203 7065
- E-mail: butlers@durban.gov.za