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Ntsikeni Nature Reserve
skznbs 8.1
IBA-SA078
Categories: trails; guide; booking required
Ntsikeni Vlei is central to a 9000ha nature reserve declared in 1997 with a 1200ha central wetland. It is surrounded by mountains and pristine grasslands. Being high altitude the 1800m A.M.S.L wetland climatic conditions are cool to cold. The wetlands are an important breeding site for a number of highly sought after specials eg Wattled Crane and Eurasian Bittern. The surrounding mountains host breeding colonies for Cape Vulture and Verreuxs' Eagle. Fauna and Flora are of outstanding significance. Spring flowers and orchids can be viewed in late spring and summer respectively. The pink expanses of Satyrium hallekei flowering in the vlei are a spectacular sight.
Specials to look out for are Wattled Crane, Grey Crowned Crane, Eurasian Bittern, White-winged Flufftail, Striped Flufftail, Marsh Owl, African Grass-Owl, African Marsh/Montagu's/Black Harrier, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Mountain Pipit, Short-tailed Pipit, Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Cape Eagle-Owl and Sentinel Rock Thrush.
Directions
From Franklin take the Riverside road. Turn left after 25km at the Ntsikeni Nature Reserve sign. From Creighton, due west on the Riverside/Franklin road. Drive approximately 39km, turn right at the Ntsikeni Nature Reserve sign. This is a strictly dry weather road, even for 4x4 vehicles.
Additional Info
Ntsikeni Vlei is accessible by day visitors although it is highly recommended that visitors stay overnight in order to experience all that this special site offers. There are two accommodation facilities available. There are remnants of cattle and agricultural paths and tracks ideal for mountain biking and hiking. A day visitor entrance fee of R25.00 per person is charged. The reserve is also only accessible in dry weather by 4 wheel drive due to river crossings. Toilet facilities are available for lodge guests only.
Habitats: There is a minor afro-montane indigenous forest en route to the reserve. There is climax grassland with dominant Themeda triandra peripheral to the wetland.
Please note there is no network coverage in the reserve
Contact
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Mr M.M.Gxashi (Warden)
- Mobile: +27 (0)83 767 5211
Button Birding
- Tel: +27 (0)39 833 1029
- E-Mail: buttonbirding@futurenet.co.za