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The Uvongo (VUNGU) River Nature Reserve
skznbs 13.4
Categories: roadside attraction; picnic; trails;
This small reserve protects the riparian strip on both sides of the Vungu River , just upstream of its mouth. The reserve is about 28ha in extent. Walking trails along the banks of the river provide visitors with the means to penetrate the lush riverine forest and gain access to numerous bird species. No special arrangements are necessary and the reserve may be visited at any time.
Specials to look out for are Green-backed Heron, African Finfoot, African Black Duck, Wahlberg's Eagle, African Crowned Eagle and African Fish-Eagle. African Wood-Owl, Tambourine Dove, Purple-crested Turaco, and Narina Trogon, Spotted Ground-Thrush, Brown Scrub-Robin and Yellow-bellied Greenbul are frequently encountered. Relatively rare species such as Grey Sunbird, Purple-banded Sunbird, Grey Waxbill and numerous other interesting coastal birds occur in the reserve.
Under suitable circumstances the eerie call of the Buff-spotted Flufftail may be heard but it is not often seen.
Directions
The reserve is situated on the KZN south coast between Port Shepstone and Margate. The main road passes over the bridge spanning the Vungu River. The reserve stretches upstream from this bridge. Access can be gained by crossing the Vungu river bridge to the south bank, then turn in at the first road to the right, a few hundred meters along this road past the tennis courts, turn right to Striders Club House. There is plenty of shady parking space alongside the club house. The reserve is about 130km from Durban.
Additional Info
Well-defined walking trails extend upstream from the Uvongo Beach Lodge on the north bank and from the Thure Lilliecrona Park on the south bank. There are picnic spots, braai sites and toilet facilities. However the toilet facilities are dilapidated, therefore toilet facilities should be sought at Uvongo Beach Lodge or elsewhere in the surrounding town of Uvongo .
Habitats: coastline and riverine forest along the river. More open parkland with scattered trees can be found in the Thure Lilliecrona Park .
It is not necessary to make prior arrangements to visit this site.
Contact
-
iVungu River Conservancy
- E-mail: bushboy@mweb.co.za