About Xumeni Forest

The mistbelt forest known as Gqumeni, or Xumeni Forest, is a patch of afromontane forest 2 km west of Donnybrook in the Underberg.

Did you know? Best time of day to visit Gqumeni is the early morning for the birds tend to leave once the mists lift. It is also a good time of day for sighting African goshawks above the tree canopy.

Gqumeni is exceptional not only for its beauty but also because it has withstood the plundering of yellowoods that is the fate of so many other forests in southern KwaZulu Natal. As a result it has survived the threat of invading exotics like pine and spruce.

The 380 hectare reserve is one of the largest forests in the area and it is also easily accessible, bisected by a contoured road that takes one right in amongst yellowwoods, huge white stinkwoods, and a sizeable collection of forest fruiters that attract frugivores like the Knysna turaco.

The star of the show at Gqumeni is the Cape parrot who uses the forest to roost. Cape parrots are seldom sighted and classified as rare. Head to the tallest trees that jut out above the canopy as these are favourite perches of the Cape parrot, although they usually let you know they are in the vicinity with their squawking.

Barratt's warblers too are easy to hear in the forest, but not always easy to spot. The orange ground thrush might just make an appearance for the odd photograph.

To spot the bush blackcap head to the car park. They have been known to respond to calls. But if it is Narina torgons, Knysna turacos and white-starred robins you are after, then head along the forest trail.

The good news is that even after a couple of days' rain Xumeni Forest's dirt roads are possible with an ordinary two-wheel drive, provided you do not mind mud on your car, or splashing through puddles. Gqumeni is a state forest and is best avoided during logging.

Need to Know

WhereXumeni Forest, 2 km west of Donnybrook in the Underberg, Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

WhenBest during daylight hours.

OvernightStay in Underberg Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Feedback?

If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options in Underberg

Things to do in the area

Accommodation convenient to Xumeni Forest

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Drakensberg Accommodation / Underberg Accommodation

Underberg as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Underberg property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.