Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve

Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve

Vryheid, which lies in northern KwaZulu Natal, is the largest town in the area and is situated on a transitional belt between grasslands and low-lying bushveld. Pretty mountains, hills and an abundance of wetlands and patches of forest further imbue this landscape with a high number of bird species – 340 species have been recorded within a 15 kilometre radius of Vryheid.

So it is no surprise then to learn that the Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve that lies on Lancaster Hill virtually right next to the town is one of the the birding destinations and that the area has designed its own birding route. The Vryheid Route, part of the larger Zululand Birding Route, boasts 50 endemic birds or near-endemic bird species that include the southern bald ibis, the blue crane, ground woodpecker, South African cliff swallow, Gurney's sugarbird, the chestnut-vented tit babbler and the olive bushshrike.

Part of the reason for the incredible bird life is without doubt the proximity of four major rivers – White and Black Umfolozi, Mkhuze and Pongolo, all of which have their source near Vryheid. The Vryheid Nature Reserve offers incredible scenery, for those not interested in birds, and a one-day hiking trail that passes several Anglo-Boer War gun points.

But if you don't want to walk far, the network of trails and roads that criss-cross the 900 hectare reserve provide alternative strolls and meanders and the chance to picnic at various sites. There is also a steep drive through the forest part of the reserve where birds abound and you can cool off in the shade of the trees. Look out for some unusual trees, such as the common cabbage tree, wild and broom cluster figs and some of the largest flame thorns and buffalo thorns in the province.