Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, South Africa

KwaZulu Natal Game Reserves

Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, KwaZulu Natal

Giraffe in Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve

In the heart of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands lies a valley created by the Umgeni River, after cascading over the majestic Howick Falls. The greater part of the Umgeni Valley nature reserve lies in the spectacular gorge below the Howick Falls, while the upper part is the fringe of a rolling plateau which has an average altitude of about 1 000m.

The land falls away abruptly at the edge of the plateau for about 60m to form rock faces in places. The valley sides below 860m altitude slope away gently towards the Umgeni River, 7km of which falls within the reserve. The lowest point is 737m above sea level. The Umgeni Valley reserve is home to giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope. There is an indigenous tree trail surrounding the Education Centre and self-guided walks mingling with the wildlife in the beautiful Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve. A bird watchers paradise, with over 200 bird species to view throughout the year - see if you can spot the elusive Nerina Trogon or the crowned eagle. Butterflies abound in the reserve.

The Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve is easily accessible only 1 km from Howick. Howick is on the main N3 route form Durban to Johannesburg - 30 km from Pietermaritzburg, 120 km from Durban and 500 km from Johannesburg.

Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve

Game Lodges in Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve

Umgeni Valley Reserve

The greater part of the nature reserve lies in the spectacular gorge below the Howick Falls, while the upper part is the fringe of a rolling plateau which has an average altitude of about 1 000m. The land falls away abruptly at the edge of the plateau for about 60m to form rock faces in ...

Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve

Accommodation nearby

For accommodation nearby see these towns close to the reserve:
• Balgowan Accommodation • Boston Accommodation
• Currys Post Accommodation • Dargle Accommodation
• Estcourt Accommodation • Hilton Accommodation
• Howick Accommodation • Ixopo Accommodation
• Karkloof Accommodation • Lidgetton Accommodation
• Lions River Accommodation • Mooi River Accommodation
• Nottingham Road Accommodation • Pietermaritzburg Accommodation
• Rosetta Accommodation • Wartburg Accommodation

Or to see all accommodation available in the region, visit Natal Midlands Accommodation.

Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve

Featured Attractions / Activities

Visit the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary

Where: Natal Midlands
How much (per person): R1 - R100

The African Bird of Prey Sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of indigenous raptors and is base to ongoing research, breeding and rehabilitation ... more information

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