Durban - Playground of the Zulu Kingdom

Durban's Conservation and Wilderness Areas : Part 2

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zoom Kenneth Stainbank Photo: Durban Africa

Illovo Lagoon Nature Reserve

South Coast.
On the N2 travelling south from Durban take the Winkelspruit off-ramp, turn left then right at the traffic light, right at the next traffic light, then cross the river. The reserve is on the left via an entrance gate to a shooting range. It comprises the main lagoon & estuarine system of the Illovo River.

There are interesting estuarine systems of varying sizes and a stand of black and white mangroves with the fauna associated with this habitat. There are three trails. Picnicking is allowed but fires are not. It is a popular venue for fishermen.
No accommodation is available.
Contact: Parks & Gardens
Telephone:(031)2013126

Inanda Resource Reserve

Botha's Hill.
Lying amongst magnificent hills below Hillcrest the Mahlabathini Park is the only recognised area within the reserve at present open to the public. The park allows all watersport activities and excellent bass fishing. A self-guided trail offers viewing off many small mammals, zebra and a wide variety of birdlife.
No accommodation available
Contact: Solomon Manganyi
Telephone:(031)766 9946/ 082 4575409
Web Address: www.msinsi.co.za
E-mail:inanda@msinsi.co.za
On Route T2 - 250

Kenneth Stainbank Nature reserve

Durban, In the south-western suburb of Yellowwood Park, 14 km from the city centre. From the southern freeway take the Montclair-Clairwood exit. At the traffic lights turn right into Blamey Road, go under the freeway, past the next set of lights, turning left at the third set of traffic lights into South Coast Road. Turn right into Kenyon Howden Road, and continue up to Yellowwood Park.

This is a very attractive reserve of coastal forest vegetation interspersed with grassland. Some good, well defined trails have been established. Details of these may be obtained from the office at the entrance gate. There is a small dam. The reserve is bounded on the north and west by the Umhlatuzana river. Bushbuck, common reedbuck, grey, blue and red duiker, impala, zebra and nyala, as well as an interesting population of small mammals and birds are to be seen. Night drives can be arranged. There is an entrance fee.
Contact: J. Dives
Telephone:(031)4692807

Krantzkloof Nature Reserve

152 Kloof Falls Road, Kloof.
26 km inland from Durban. Turn off the R613 at Kloof Station turn-off, cross the railway bridge, turn immediately left, turn left again at the t-junction, then right into Kloof Falls Road and continue until after the Emolweni river is crossed, to the entrance. 20km of scenic nature walks, as well as two fantastic view sites of the Krantzkloof Gorge.

This small reserve, which has areas of both grassland and forest, is very rich in fauna and flora. Antelope such as impala, grey and blue duiker and many species of birdlife may be seen. Also a popular rock-climbing venue. Offers 2 picnic sites at the falls, toilets and braai area.
Contact: Johan
Telephone:(031)7643515
On Route T2 - 160

zoom Krantkloof Gorge Photo: 1000 Hills Tourism

llanda Wilds Nature Reserve

South Coast, Amanzimtoti. On the N2 from Durban take the Amanzimtoti off-ramp. Turn right into Kingsway drive. Travel about 50 m then turn right into Adams drive. Cross the bridge then turn immediately left into Insundu Drive. Ilanda Wilds is about 1,5 km along this road is next to the River Gardens Hotel.

There is plenty birdlife with over 100 species recorded so far. Vegetation is coastal forest and thornveld with a rich variety of coastal forest trees, including the rare natal elm.
Telephone:(031)9134572

Mala Mala Ranch

Self-Catering
Telephone:(031)765 3325
E-Mail: dne@iafrica.com
Web Address: www.malamala.com

zoom Msinsi Tree, Msinsi Reserve

Msinsi Nature Reserve, UND Campus

In 1993 the University Council declared Msinsi Reserve to be a nature reserve in perpetuity. This Reserve comprises seven hectares of grassland and regenerating forest. Together with members of the Durban Branch of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), considerable impact has been made on the removal of invasive aliens from the Msinsi Reserve. 'Msinsi' was chosen, after uMsinsi the Zulu name for the beautiful Coral Tree Erythrina lysistemon, which is found in the reserve.

The conservation of this urban nature reserve has certainly been one of the environmental success stories on the Durban campus. It is home to a variety of birds (over 120 species have been recorded to date), as well as to other wildlife such as the Large Spotted Genet, Cane Rat and both the Banded and Slender Mongoose. It is an educational resource, for university students and school children, and is used as a recreational area by residents in the area.

Most of the maintenance work, such as the ongoing removal of alien invader plants, is done by a volunteer group the Friends of Msinsi Reserve. They meet in the afternoon of every second Saturday of the month - any new members are most welcome.

The nature reserve is situated on the University of Natal, Durban Campus. Entrance to the reserve is off Francois Road behind the athletics track and cricket grounds.

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