Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve

Description

The Umgeni Nature Reserve lies in the gorge right beneath the Howick Falls in KwaZulu-Natal. Carved by the Umgeni River, the gorge is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including giraffe, zebra , and antelope. A visit to the reserve should begin at the Education Centre, which leads on to a glorious indigenous tree trail – a favourite amongst bird lovers.

This nature reserve is home to about 200 species of birds, both rare and common. In fact, many visitors are drawn here for the birding experience alone. If you have never spotted a Nerina Trogon or a crowned eagle, then the Umgeni Nature Reserve is the place to be.

The scenery in the park is simply breath-taking, and the highly acidic soil with few nutrients (including the Arniston series of soils) has led to the growth of some fascinating and unique plants. Hiking along the steep terrain of the park is an unforgettable experience.

Activities and facilities

• Obstacle course (3 hours)
• Orienteering ( 3 hours)
• Raft building (3 hours)
• Interpretive trails (2 – 6 hours)
• River adventure walks (3 – 6 hours)
• Abseiling (1 – 3 hours)
• T.E.A (3 – 4 hours)
• E.I.A (3 - 4 hours)
• Group dynamics (2 – 8 hours)
• Nature trail (3 – 8 hours)
• Adventure walk (3 – 8 hours)
• Team bonding and leadership walks (3 – 8 hours)
• Map reading, interpretation, and compass work (2 – 4 hours)
• Urban study in the village of Howick (4 – 8 hours)
• Interpreting ecology and sights in the reserve (4 – 8 hours)
• Investigative fieldwork (3 days)
• Night activities (bush sleep out, night walks, etc)