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Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
skznbs 13.2

IBA-SA085

Categories: accommodation; roadside attraction; picnic; trails; guide

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is one of the most scenic and easily accessible birding spots in southern KwaZulu-Natal. It is centred on a 24km long stretch of gorge along the Mzimkulwana river. The tarred road winds down the gorge to a bridge that crosses the river, the road subsequently climbs steep gradients to the top of the valley on the far side of the Umzimkulwana, allowing easy access to a large area of the reserve and greatly facilitating birding. The reserve is 1837ha in extent.

Specials to look out for are African Broadbill , 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, African Wood-Owl, Yellow Weaver, Lemon Dove, Forest Buzzard, Cape Vulture, White- starred Robin, Brown Scrub-Robin and Mountain Wagtail. Gurney's Sugarbird, Cape Robin-Chat, Spotted Ground-Thrush and Malachite Sunbird are winter visitors.

Directions

Take the main N2 highway from Port Shepstone to Kokstad. The turnoff to the reserve is 21km from Port Shepstone and is well signposted (ignore the first turnoff marked Oribi Gorge about 10km from Port Shepstone) The turnoff to the main camp is about 200m after you leave the N2. To drive down to the Gorge itself, continue straight on and the road immediately begins to descend into the Gorge. The reserve is about 150km south of Durban .

Additional Info

There is a nominal entrance fee to the reserve. There are attractive picnic sites where the main road in the reserve crosses the river. This area offers some of the best birding at Oribi Gorge. There are several walking trails. These traverse all the major habitats in the reserve. A comprehensive bird list for the reserve is available from the main office. There is a small shop at the camp.

Habitats: the Mzimkulwana River and its side streams are fringed with riverine forest. The gorge is vegetated with forest. Upper plateau comprises of grassland with scattered trees, including stands of Protea trees.

Contact

KZN Wildlife Reservations
• Tel: +27 (0)33 845 1000
• Fax: +27 (0)33 845 1001
• E-mail: webmail@kznwildlife.com
• Website: www.kznwildlife.com