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Umtamvuna Nature Reserve
skznbs 13.6
IBA-SA086
Categories: accommodation; roadside attraction; community project; picnic; trails; guide
Umtamvuna Nature Reserve is the southernmost nature reserve in KZN. It encompasses the northern bank of the Umtamvuna River and covers 3247ha. At its closest point it is about 3km from the coast and it extends just over 20km inland. The Umtamvuna River and its side streams form magnificent gorges in this area and provide the visitor with breathtaking vistas.
The name 'Umtamvuna' means 'the waters that reap or consume' and refers to the massive flash floods that can sweep downstream during the summer months.
Specials to look out for are Gurney's Sugarbird and Malachite Sunbird are altitudinal migrants that may be seen here during the cooler months of the year, together with Greater-Double-collared and Amethyst Sunbirds, which they frequent stands of Strelitzia, Aloe and Wild dagga. Yellow-throated Longclaw, Croaking, Wing-snapping and Pale-crowned Cisticolas are easily encountered in the grasslands. A host of typical coastal birds frequent the valley bushveld and riverine forest areas of the reserve. African Crowned Eagle, African Fish-Eagle, and Martial Eagle have been recorded; Green Twinspot, Grey Waxbill, Grey Sunbird, Yellow-bellied Greenbul, Orange-breasted Bush-shrike, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Olive Woodpecker, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Common Cuckoo, Barratt's Warbler and Rufous-winged Cisticola have been seen along the riparian walking trails.
Directions
Follow the main south coast road linking Durban and Port Edward south to the Port Edward crossroads, where the reserve is signposted. Turn right (inland) along the Ezinqoleni Road , about 8km along this road is the well-signposted turnoff to the Beacon Hill entrance. The reserve is about 170km from Durban .
Additional Info
The reserve is open between sunrise and sunset. There is a nominal entrance fee. The rugged nature of the reserve means that there is no network of roads. Visitors may use the well-developed hiking trails to ramble about the reserve on foot.
Habitats: coastal forest, thickets of valley bushveld, tall cliffs and the Umtamvuna river fringed with riverine forest. Grassland covers the upper plateau regions, with scattered trees, including Proteas .
It is not necessary to make prior arrangements to visit this reserve.
Contact
-
The Officer in charge
- Tel: +27 (0)39 311 1932
KZN Nature Conservation Services