Ntendeka Wilderness Area | KwaZulu
Natal National Parks and Reserves: South Africa's smallest and arguably most
beautiful wilderness area is Ntendeka, consisting of 5 250 ha of undulating grasslands,
verdant forests and dramatic cliffs with breathtaking waterfalls. Rivers and streams have
formed deep valleys and the varied topography has resulted in great variations of
temperature, rainfall and vegetation in this relatively small area.
Lying within the Ngome State Forest, Ntendeka remains relatively isolated. Because it is
small it is one of Southern Africa's more accessible wilderness areas and can easily be
explored on foot from one end to another. Over 45 km of footpaths exist, most passing deep
beneath the forest canopy on a carpet of leaves. Some well trodden routes were established
by the area's earliest inhabitants, such as the 'Zulu Highway' a traditional route leading
from the plains to the highlands. This ancient way starts from the police station on the
northern boundary and leads hikers past an isiVavine or stone cairn, where it is customary
for passers-by to add another stone for good luck.
Woodcutters discovered the potential of this forest way back in 1876. Scores of them moved
into the forest and it was heavily exploited for over 20 years until the outbreak of the
Anglo-Boer War. During this period many of the forest's biggest trees (particularly
yellowwoods) were felled. Evidence of the woodcutters saw pits can still be seen, giving
some indication of the size of the trees they worked. A stone oven near the western
boundary of the wilderness area is another relic from this period.
Despite the ravages of 20 years of uncontrolled logging, the area has been protected since
1905, and remains a majestic, lush forest with a rare combination of both coastal and
inland tropical forest that is not found in any other conservation area in KwaZulu Natal.
The vegetation is thick and richly textured, from delicate, lacy fern fronds to the
giant-leafed Streptocarpus.
More than 180 species of trees and shrubs have been recorded here, and rare species
include the bastard stinkwood, the Natal hard pear, green witch hazel and the terblanz
beech which is also found in Tanzania and Madagascar. Both terrestrial and tree orchids
thrive in the green heart of the forest, and in season, Ngome lilies and clivias create a
showy display. The tallest, most prolific trees are the forest waterwood, some growing as
tall as 30m. Other common trees are the bushwillow, silver oak, tree fuchsia and knobwood.
East of the Ntendeka Cliff is an exquisite waterfall. There are numerous other beautiful
cascades, streams and fresh, clear pools, many of them bounded by smooth boulders,
softened by moss and framed with foliage. Out in the open grasslands, umbrella shaped tree
ferns line the watercourses, and in the spring, delicate wildflowers including coral
candelabras, watsonias and white Erica's, speckle the landscape among the grass.
Bird
life is prolific in the Ntendeka Wilderness Area with nearly 200 species having been
recorded, including some endangered birds such as white stork, martial eagle, house martin
and blue swallow. Visitors might also see the bald ibis, secretary bird, purple-crested
Loerie, crowned eagle and trumpeter hornbill. A variety of animals live
unobtrusively in the wilderness area, including baboon, Samango monkey, Vervet monkey,
grey, blue and red duiker, bushbuck, bushpig, dassies, porcupine, caracal, and many other
smaller creatures such as snakes, beetles, butterflies and frogs. |
