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Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve
skznbs 12.3
Categories: accommodation; roadside attraction; picnic; trails
Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve is one of the most important protected areas in southern KwaZulu-Natal . It preserves a magnificent stretch of coastal grassland and coastal forest. The reserve was named after a distinguished local sugar baron and it is under the control of KZN Wildlife. It covers 2189 ha and was established in January 1973. At its closest point, the reserve is about 13km inland from the coast. Its altitude ranges between about 150 m above sea level, in the lowest river valleys in the south of the reserve, up to 610 m in the north.
Specials to look out for are African Crowned Eagle, Martial Eagle, Black Sparrowhawk, Lemon Dove, Grey Crowned Crane, Eurasian Hobby, African Emerald Cuckoo, Green Malkoha, Narina Trogon, Brown Scrub-Robin, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Black-bellied Starling, Green Twinspot, Red-winged Francolin, Broad-tailed Warbler, Short-tailed Pipit, Plain-backed Pipit, Lazy Cisticola, Zitting Cisticola, Wing-snapping Cisticola, Pale-crowned Cisticola, Mountain Wagtail, African Pygmy-Kingfisher, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Greater Honeyguide and Lesser Honeyguide, Forest Buzzard, Rufos-naped Lark, Trumpeter Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill.
Directions
This reserve is marked on most popular road maps. The turnoff to Vernon Crookes is well signposted from the N2 freeway linking Durban and Port Shepstone, and turns inland to Highflats/Ixopo at the Park Rynie/Umzinto flyover. Follow the R612 inland, bypassing Umzinto, for about 12,5km. The turnoff to the reserve is on the right of the road and it is adequately signposted. Follow the gravel road, taking note of the signboards along this route, the main entrance is about 6km off the tar road.
Additional Info
The reserve is open between sunrise and sunset. There is a nominal entrance fee. A 12km network of roads winds through the reserve and visitors are also free to leave their vehicles and walk as there are no dangerous mammals in the reserve. There are several walking trails that provide excellent birding. There are two picnic sites. Toilets can be found at the main camp, at the picnic sites and entrance gate. A comprehensive bird list for the reserve is available from the main office.
Habitats: extensive forest patches, Acacia wood land, grassland, cliffs, numerous rivers, several marshy wetlands and small dams.
Contact
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KZN Wildlife Reservations
- Tel: +27 (0)33 845 1000
- Fax: +27 (0)33 845 1001
- E-mail: webmail@kznwildlife.com
- Website: www.kznwildlife.com