Pietermaritzburg - Capital of the Zulu Kingdom

Conservation and Wilderness cont...

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Howick

Rockwood Forest Lodge/Karkloof Nature Reserve
Midlands, 22km North of Howick on the road to Rietvlei

This 2800ha reserve, situated in the Midlands, consists of indigenous forest and mist-belt grassland and is home to many species of endemic and near-endemic fauna and flora.

Accommodation is available at Rockwood Forest Lodge which affords one the opportunity to spot an elusive duiker, a samango monkey or even do a bit of bird watching or tree spotting, all whilst lounging on one’s very own sundeck.

Indeed, a true nature’s paradise! Please note that the reserve is only open to guests of Rockwood Forest Lodge.

Contact: Tom Hancock or Cindy Dekker
Telephone: (031) 303 5162
Web Address: http://www.rockwood.co.za


Midmar Nature Reserve
Midmar Nature Reserve is situated off the N3, 24 km from Pietermaritzburg, and 7 km from Howick.

A 1000 ha game park is open to visitors. Red hartebeest, black wildebeest, blesbok, springbok, reedbuck, oribi and zebra can be viewed from vehicles, cycles or on foot. Entrance is via the Thurlow Gate.

Four all-weather tennis courts and a small swimming pool are available exclusively for rustic cabin and main resort chalet residents. Bathing is permitted in the Bilharzia-free dam and is quite safe, provided bathers keep close in-shore, away from boats.

The dam is zoned for yachts and powerboats, and in the interests of safety, visitors must abide by this zoning. New visitors to the resort should acquire a map and boating regulations, and any other information from the office on arrival.

Excellent fishing is available. Carp, bass, scalies and bluegill are abundant, and fishing can be pursued in the areas zoned for this activity. A freshwater fishing licence, obtainable from the office, is required.

Both self-catering accommodation and camping sites are available. To book the self-catering units please visit the KZN Wildlife website or e-mail them at bookings@kznwildlife.com . The officer in charge needs to be contacted for camping site bookings - telephone:(033) 330 2067.

Attractive shady picnic sites are available for day visitors along the 15 km of developed shoreline. Adequate braai, refuse and ablution facilities are available.

Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve
Midlands.
From the N3 take the Howick turn-off. Continue through the town, turning right onto the Karkloof- Rietvlei road. The reserve sign and entrance gate are a further 1 km.

The Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve hosts an environmental education centre and is immensely popular with school groups. It winds along 7km of Umgeni River from the base of the Howick Falls and contains an abundance of fauna and flora and over 260 bird species. There are 6 trails and 3 large rustic camps which can house 60 people and a more secluded one for 30 people. There are 3 fully equipped cottages with magnificent views which can accommodate 2/5/6 people.
Contact: The Secretary
Telephone: 033 3303931
E-Mail: umgenivalley@futurenet.co.za
Web Address: www.wildlifesociety.org.za

zoom Umgeni Valley

Ixopo

Game Valley Estates
Midlands, Ixopo district.

A rugged mountainous area of steep hills and rock outcrops, well grassed and vegetated, with a wide variety of trees. The main river that flows through Game Valley Estates is the Umkomaas River. The area is also scenically spectacular.
Accommodation available in Game Valley Lodge
Contact: The Manager
Telephone: 033 2637312


Hlabeni Forest Resort
Situated in Creighton, near Ixopo
This camp is on the farm 'Menin' which lies at lies at the foot of the indigenous Hlabeni Forest. Stinkwood and Yellowwood trees are to be seen. There is a wealth of birdlife, including wild parrots and ground hornbill. Permits are issued from the caravan park for walks through the forest with a guide. Swimming in the Umzimkulu River.
Caravan and Camping sites are available.
Contact: L. Hogan
Telephone: 039 8339304

zoom Karkloof Falls Photo: uMgungundlovu District Municipality

Mid Illovo

Rwahumbe Reserve
Near Eston Mill, at Camperdown turnoff.

An exciting young reserve that is a national heritage site. Upmarket self-catering lodges and conference facilities. Stocked with game, abundance of birds and exciting vegetation including exceptional cycads. Various prices available on application
Contact: Neil/Ray Hampson
Telephone: 031 7811082 / 7811859 / 7811916 / 082 456 3899
E-Mail: gwahumbe@iafrica.com
Web Address: www.gwahumbe.co.za

Mooi River

Hlatikulu Crane & Wetland Santuary
Telephone: (033) 2632441

Pietermaritzburg

Albert Falls Public Resort
Midlands.
24 km from Pietermaritzburg, near Cramond, on the Pietermaritzburg - Greytown Road. Sign posted to Albert Falls Dam.

There are tracts of mixed woodland, giving way to open grassland, as well as small marsh areas. In wet seasons, rank grass patches attract numerous wetland and grassland birds such as widows, weavers, waxbills and cisticolas. Albert Falls Nature Reserve: Notuli hutted camp is situated in the Game park area and offers spacious fully equipped self-catering rondavels. Along the water's edge are camps and caravan sites with clean hot and cold water ablution facilities.
Self-catering - rondavels and camping and caravan sites
Contact: Ms Dot Mundy
Telephone: 033 5691202


Bisley Valley Nature Reserve
Midlands, Pietermaritzburg. Drive along Alexandra Road towards Richmond. After passing Westgate, turn left at the Murray Road interchange. At the bottom of the hill at the crossroads, a sign indicates Bisley Valley Nature Reserve on the right.

The area derived its name from the annual shooting bisleys which were held here during the first half of the century. The reserve comprises thornveld and supports a diversity of plant and bird species. Bird and plant lists are available from the above address. Two trails: each 1.5 km in length are available. Impala, zebra, giraffe and red hartebeest have been introduced to the reserve.
Camping is permitted
Director: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: 033 342 3186
E-Mail: parkscon@futurenet.co.za


Darvill Nature Reserve
Midlands, Pietermaritzburg. Take New England Road from the city with Scottsville racecourse on the left. Cross the N3, pass the Pietermartizburg Golf Club.

Over 220 species of birds have been identified, particularly water birds. Warblers are to be seen in the Summer. The Cape Otter occurs. An excellent hide has be been built over the water for viewing. There are marked paths.
No accommodation is available.
Contact: City Engineer's Office
Telephone: 033 396 1315
E-Mail: cynthia.khumalo.co.za


Doreen Clark Nature Reserve
Midlands, in the Winterskloof area of Pietermaritzburg. From the N3 North of Pietermaritzburg take the off-ramp to Hilton. Drive through Hilton Village to Crossways Hotel, then straight along Shepstone Rd, Cowan house, and left into Amy Wilson Drive. Continue along this road into St Michael's Road. The reserve entrance is about 200 m on the left.

This is an area of mixed mist belt podocarpus forest donated to the Natal Parks Board by the Clark family. There is a forest trail of around 1.5 km. Tree labels have been provided by the local branch of the dendrological society. There are braai and picnic facilities at the start and finish of a beautiful forest trail.
Contact: P Harrison
Telephone: 033 3433184
Web Address: www.kznwildlife.com


Ferncliffe Nature Reserve
Midlands, Pietermaritzburg. From the city, drive along Boshoff Street into Chatterton Rd. At the circle continue in the same direction along town Bush Rd to the gates of Ferncliffe Water Works. Take the track on the right of these gates and drive about 2 km to the cottage where cars are parked; cars may also be parked at the entrance gates.

Ferncliffe forest is a patch of indigenous mixed mistbelt. There is a podocarpus forest on the northern boundary of the city. Several trails have been cut through the forest. Vegetation and bird lists are available from the Parks Department. The Ferncliffe Cottage is available as a small interpretative centre for larger groups on request. Picnic facilities are also provided. The Ferncliffe area, near Pietermaritzburg, is a favourite for club, provincial and national championships because of the great single-track riding, but there are also some sedate forest roads. The gradients are not excessive and it is ideal for social riding. The hatcheries park next door is conveniently placed for tea and socialising afterwards. This trail is listed in the Engen Guide to Adventure Travel in Southern Africa. Contact the Pietermaritzburg municipality for information and permits or Samba for information.
Accommodation in cottages is available.
Contact: Director: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: 033 3422970


Natal Lion Park
Lion Park Safari Lodge
Telephone: 031 7851411


Queen Elizabeth Park Nature Reserve
Midland, Pietermaritzburg, about 8 km west of the city centre. From the city centre, travel along Commercial Road towards Howick. Keep on Commercial Road as far as the traffic circle, taking Duncan McKenzie drive towards Montrose, over the freeway.

The headquarters of the KZN Wildlife are situated in the park. There are many charming walks and a small but comprehensive selection of game animals. There is a nature trail. The park is used as an outdoor education venue and has a small resource centre and a self-guided trail. Impala, Zebra and Blesbok have been introduced, while White Rhino can be viewed in a large boma. Smaller indigenous species may be seen on a trail route, as well as a variety of birds. It is a most pleasant park in which to spend a leisurely day enjoying fauna and flora close to a city centre.
No accommodation is available.
Contact: Officer in charge
Telephone: 033 3433184
Web Address: www.kznwildlife.com


Tala Private Game Reserve
Private game reserve just off the R603 approximately 20 km after the Eston intersection.

This establishment is listed in the Portfolio's Retreats Collection. With sweeping views of the valley and bushveld. Decorated in chic African style. Enjoy excellent game viewing with a ranger in an open land rover or the option of exploring in your own car. Gourmet meals served. Outstanding conference facilities. Bird watching, hiking, fishing, swimming and game drives in unspoilt African thornveld - only 15 minutes from Pietermaritzburg. Wildlife include hippo, warthog, zebra and 22 species of antelope. Day excursions by prior arrangements only.
Thatched tents, rondavels or cottages.
Contact: Louise Hosking
Telephone: 031 781 8000
Fax: 031 781 8022
E-Mail: info@tala.co.za

Rosetta

Highmoor State Forest
From the N3 (south)turn off at the Nottingham Road off-ramp and proceed to Rosetta, through Nottingham Road. From Rosetta take the Kamberg-Giant's Castle Road for 31km where a signboard, 200 m beyond the Kamberg sign, indicates the route to Highmoor. Travelling from the north on the N3, turn off at Mooi River then to Rosetta and thereafter as described.

This reserve falls within the Mkhomazi wilderness area, as does the Mpofana Nature Reserve. In the southern Drakensberg the Mkhomazi wilderness area runs south from the border of Giant's Castle Game Reserve to Kokotabagi Bridge, the northern watershed of the Mkhomazana, in whose Valley Sani pass runs. Loteni and Vergelegen Nature Reserves form enclaves within it.
Caravan and Camping sites available
Contact: Mr G Zaloumis
Telephone: 033 2637240
Web Address: www.kznwildlife.com

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