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Oribi Conservancy / Idwala Nature Reserve
skznbs 13.1
Categories: roadside attraction; picnic; trails; booking required
This is a relatively recently developed conservation area in the UmzimKulwana river valley, the reserve virtually forms an extension of the well known Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve. The area appears to have a slightly drier climate than Oribi Gorge with a more open valley & bushveld type vegetation.
Specials to look out for are Olive Wood-pecker, Knysna Woodpecker, African Finfoot, Emerald Cuckoo, Black Cuckoo, Black Cuckooshrike, Striped Pipit, Narina Trogon, African Pygmy-Kingfisher, Knysna Turaco, Purple-crested Turaco, Yellow Weaver, Lemon Dove, Forest Buzzard, Cape Vulture , White- starred Robin, Brown Scrub-Robin and Mountain Wagtail . Common Cuckoo, African Fish-Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, Terrestrial Brownbul, Yellow-bellied Greenbul, Red-capped Robin-Chat , Brown Scrub-Robin, Cape Batis, Ashy Flycatcher, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Southern Boubou, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike, Southern Tchagra, Black-bellied Starling, Grey Sunbird, Olive Sunbird, Collared Sunbird, Dark-backed Weaver and Swee Waxbill.
Directions
Take the Harding/Kokstad road from Port Shepstone, Travel through Marburg industrial area. Pass through four sets of traffic lights and then proceed for about nine kilometres after the final traffic light to the turnoff on the right, poorly signposted Oribi Flats East (If you miss the turnoff you will come to Merchison Hospital, turn back - you have gone too far). Follow the Oribi Flats East road for about 7 kilometres and just before the bridge over the UmzimKulwana river you will see the NPC factory to the right and Oribi Conservancy entrance to the left.
Additional Info
Facilities consist of a road that leads to a river crossing opposite the picnic site, and braai area. Paths lead from the picnic site along the banks of the river allowing visitors to gain access to the bird rich riparian habitat. There is a bush toilet near the picnic site. At the entrance gate an Information Centre has been constructed with toilet facilities.
Habitat: the area is in a steep gorge with rocky cliffs and valley bushveld lining the slopes. Riverine forest skirts both banks of the Umzimkulwana river that traverses the property.
It is imperative to make prior arrangements to visit this beautiful area.
Contact
- Tel: +27 (0)39 687 8900