Harold Johnson Nature Reserve

About Harold Johnson Nature Reserve

The Harold Johnson Nature Reserve is situated north of Ballito on the banks of the Tugela River and north of Zinkwazi on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu Natal.

Did you know? Some of the picnic spots have the most beautiful views of the Tugela River as it meanders its way to the sea while the others are well shaded and have concrete tables and benches, a rubbish bin and braai area.

Harold Johnson reserve, which is run by KwaZulu Natal Wildlife, is a small reserve of only 100 hectares which offers walking trails, picnic sites, a small variety of game and a large variety of bird life.

Fort Pearson and the Ultimatum Tree, both of which are national monuments, lie within the reserve. The Fort was built in 1878 on a bluff overlooking the Pont-crossing on the Tugela River. Both of these monuments played a significant role in the Anglo- Zulu war of 1879. A few war graves can also be seen on site.

There are two relatively easy hikes in the reserve. The Muthi Walk is a 7 kilometre trail which gives an insight into the medicinal plants used by the Zulu people. A short 1 kilometer walk is also laid out for visitors.

Wildlife in the reserve includes zebra, bushbuck, the shy duiker, eland, mongoose, porcupine and vervet monkey. 200 species of bird can be spotted in the reserve and 114 species of butterfly are reportedly present in the Harold Johnson reserve.