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Gqumeni Forest
skznbs 6.3
IBA-SA071
Categories: guide; community project; booking required
This is a spectacular and easily accessible mist-belt forest, 2 km west of Donnybrook. It is one of the larger indigenous forests in the region at 380ha. Unlike many in Southern KZN , this forest has survived the ravages of Yellowwood exploitation, and has successfully thwarted invading exotics like Spruce and Pine.
From the bisecting contoured road, it is thus possible to appreciate magnificent Yellowwood (Podocarpus) specimens, mostly of the henkellii species, although falcatus are also present. There are huge White Stinkwoods (Celtis africana) and a host of forest fruiters, making Xumeni ideal for frugivores, like Knysna Turaco and the flagship Cape Parrots. Due to the fact that the road cuts across a significant slope, one side offers forest floor viewing, and the other, mid-strata. In certain spots, the canopy can easily be viewed. For most of the year, Xumeni is wet underfoot, and this means good levels of insect life, with bird species like Robins, Thrushes, Warblers and Trogons.
Specials to look out for are Knysna Turaco, Cape Parrot , Narina Trogon & African Crowned Eagle.
Directions
Turn off the Underberg/ Howick R617 at Bulwer. Travel 15km towards Donnybrook. From Ixopo on the R56, turn Westwards up the R612 for 37km. There is only one bridge over the road, 1km North of Donnybrook village. Turn left 50m North of this bridge, when traveling from Ixopo, or right, 50m before the bridge, if traveling from Bulwer. Cross a railway line and turn right immediately. Follow the gravel road and the contour, through commercial timber for 2km, to the start of the Xumeni forest, indicated by a signboardon the right hand side. The forests extends for 1.5km.
Additional Info
This is a state forest and permission to enter should be obtained from the State Forester, or one should obtain the services of a guide, or at least a local citizen, who can ascertain if the all important road, is being used for logging purposes in which case, this venue should be avoided.
Habitats: Indigenous forest
Contact
- Sibusiso Zama (State forester) : +27 (0)82 804 6811
- Craig Archibald: +27 (0)84 504 4876
- Malcolm Gemmel: +27 (0)82 789 5000