Durban - Playground of the Zulu Kingdom

Durban's conservation and wilderness areas.

zoom Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary Photo: Durban Africa

Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary

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Amanzimtoti, South of Durban.
The sanctuary consists of a large expanse of open water surrounded by rolling lawns and gardens on one end, indigenous riverine forest on the other. An easy half-hour self-guided trail winds itself through the forest and is a haven for birdlife. From any of the three bird hides one has an opportunity of seeing many of the 150 bird species in the sanctuary, such as resident Spurwing Geese, White Faced Duck, Greenback Heron, Giant Kingfisher and Hamerkop.
No accommodation available
Contact: Amanzimtoti Tourism
Telephone:(031)9037498

Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve

Durban.
On the North Bank of the Mgeni River. From central Durban take the M4 North, cross the Ellis Brown Bridge over the Mgeni River, then take the first left turn into Riverside road, left again about 300 m along this road and then a short way to the entrance.

The area is used as a Nature Conservation Education Centre. The black mangrove, the red mangrove, and the white mangrove may be seen. On the shoreline, there are sand dunes where creeping plants and pioneer scrub are to be found. There is some birdlife, including the Mangrove Kingfisher, Curlew and Water Dikkop. The Natal Nightjar may sometimes be heard. With the help of Lions International, a boardwalk has been built over the channels to gain access.
No accommodation available
Contact: KZN Wildlife
Telephone: 082 559 2839

zoom Beachwood Mangroves Photo: Durban Africa

Bluff Nature Reserve and North Park Nature Reserve

Durban Bluff, east of Wentworth Hospital. Take the Edwin Swales VC off-ramp from the southern freeway and drive East. Turn left into Bluff road, then right into Old Mission Road at the robot and continue along this road, then right into Tara Rd. The Nature Reserve entrance is on the left. Between Pick 'n Pay & engine refinery.

There are two bird hides for bird watching and a trail has been laid out. Waterfowl life is fantastic in the large pond. Duiker and small mammals such as mongoose occur. Ablution facilities, parking and a picnic site.
Contact: Mr John Dives
Telephone:(031)4692807

Burman Bush Nature Reserve

Durban, Morningside.
Travel along Windermere Road, turn left into Goodwin Drive and left again into Burman Bush Drive, which leads to the reserve.

This small remnant patch of coastal bush gives the visitor an opportunity to see what Durban was like when the early settlers first arrived. There is abundant bird and plant life. There is a 500 metre walk with 15 observation points. Resource centre, toilets, picnic sites, braai facilities and ample parking.
No accommodation available
Contact: Mr S.R. Mkhwanazi/Nomafu Dlamini
Telephone:(031)312 4466/ 205 1919
Web Address: www.durban.gov.za

Century Travel & Tours
A KZN registered tourism establishment
Contact:Cheryl Ramessar
Telephone:(031)3040112

zoom The starting point of the Burman Bush walking trails Photo: Tourism KZN

Inanda Resource Reserve

Hillcrest Area.
Approaching from the south, turn right into the Inanda Rd at the main traffic light in Hillcrest. Go past Waterfall, then at Crestview turn left off the Inanda Road into Park Road; which leads into the reserve.

This little reserve features a spectacular cliff face viewed from the eastern end, a bush ravine sweeping down into the valley and magnificent views across the Umngeni Valley. A bird, mammal, tree and flower list is in the process of being compiled and a short trail winding through forest and grassland is also being developed.
No accommodation is available
Contact: Msinsi Holding
Telephone:(031)7669946
Cell: 0825515696

Glenholme Nature Reserve

From the crest of Field's Hill on the old N3, take Village Rd which runs parallel on the southern side of the N3 to where this meets the road leading from the bridge over the freeway.Turn left and continue a short distance to the reserve, which is adjacent to Kloof SPCA.

The reserve comprises grass, birds, forest and a swamp with a dam at lower end; which falls away into a breath-taking waterfall that cascades into a gorge. There is a variety of small mammals and birds. Picnic and braai facilities.
A rustic overnight hut for 12 may be hired.
Contact: SPCA
Telephone:(031) 764 1212

Hawaan Forest Nature Reserve

North Coast, Umhlanga.
From Durban take the M4, heading North along Stanger Street. After the first exit to Umhlanga take the Portland Drive Exit. At the stop street turn right into Portland Drive, continue to a sharp left turn into Herald Drive. The entrance to Hawaan is on the right.

One of the few examples of primeval forest left in South Africa. Noted for its rare trees, bushpig, red, blue and grey duiker, banded and slender mongoose and vervet monkey occur. Both species of mamba and python are to be found. Trails through the forest are conducted by the Umhlanga centre of the Wildlife Society. This is a private reserve and permission to visit must be obtained.
No accommodation available
Contact: John or Alistair
Telephone:(031)5612030 /5664018

zoom Hawaan Forest Photo: Durban Africa

Hazelmere Resources Reserve

North Coast.
From the N2, approximately 14 km north of Durban, take the Mount Edgecombe-Umhlanga off-ramp and turn left towards Mount Edgecombe. Ignore turn-offs to Mount Edgecombe, Ottawa & Verulam. After passing under a large, arched bridge, turn left at the Hazelmere Dam sign.

22 caravan and camp sites, braai and picnic sites available, toilet facilities, power boat, jetski and sailing boats.
Telephone:(032)5332315
Fax:(032)5338165
E-mail: hazelmere@msinsi.co.za
Web site: www.msinsi.co.za

zoom Hazelmere Dam - paradise for the watersport enthusiast Photo: Durban Africa

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