About Marutswa Forest
The Marutswa Forest is home to the rare Cape parrot. The forest does not lie in the Cape, however, but just outside Bulwer in KwaZulu-Natal in Marutswa Nature Reserve.
Did you know? Marutswa forest is recognised as one of the country's top bird-watching destinations.
That it lies in the Natal Midlands gives you an idea of where to find it, but not how beautiful it is. It rains a lot here and the Marutswa Forest is filled with rare yellowwood trees (which is where you'll find the Cape parrot, as they eat the fruit), looked after by a local community who have taken on their heritage as part of an empowerment project.
Nothing, however prepares you for the lush beauty of the forest, which looks like something out of The Hobbit. Mosses hug rocks, monkey ropes and the roots and branches of trees entangle ahead of you through the density of the trees, whilst benches pepper your journey with vantage points at which to sit and drink in the silence that comes with a forest of this magnificence.
On the other side of it you come out on a hill, the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal effortlessly rounded ahead of you.
The Matswaru forest is where you will find the Marutswa Forest Trail and boardwalk, an initiative of the SappiWWF TreeRoutes partnership. Through the forest are a series of arterial trails that lead through and around the forest, incorporating a number of lookout jetties, picnic decks and view points that allow one access to all aspects of the forest, including the canopy.
Other birds whose calls will pepper the trees include the orange ground thrush, bush blackcap, white-starred robin, narina trogen, grey cuckooshrike, the African crowned eagle and yellow-throated woodland warbler, and if you're very quiet you might see a herd of bush pig that roam the forest floor, mongoose or little buck.
Need to Know
WhereMarutswa Forest Nature Reseve, Bulwer, Natal Midlands, KwaZulu Natal
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Bulwer 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If this is your reserve, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email.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.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inGame & Nature Reserves in KwaZulu Natal
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Natal Midlands

214 On Clark
214 on Clark offers comfortable self-catering apartments in the charming and diverse suburb of Bulwer. The area showcases a harmonious blend of h...

Rockabilly Ranch
Rockabilly Ranch offers comfy self-catering accommodation near Pietermaritzburg. Our surrounds are tranquil and full of bird life. We have a rive...

Gartmore Guest Farm
Gartmore Guest Farm offers self-catering accommodation on a private, tranquil farm in Howick, Natal Midlands. The farm is ideally situated 5km fr...

The Knoll Historical Guest Farm
The Knoll Historical Guest Farm is situated at the gateway of the Midlands Meander close to Pietermaritzburg. The Knoll Historical Guest Farm off...

Far Away Place Dashy House
Far Away Place Dashy House accommodation offers beautiful views of our dam and an ideal spot for trout fishing. The property offers a large pine ...

Taunton House
Taunton House is a Natal Midlands Bed and Breakfast located in Wembley, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The surroundings are very tranquil, with ...

Bosch Hoek Lodge
Bosch Hoek Lodge offers Bed & Breakfast accommodation in a selection of rooms on a converted farmstead. This luxury getaway provides easy access ...

Inversanda Farmhouse Wing
Inversanda Farmhouse Wing is a cottage in Dargle with its own private entrance and garden. The farmhouse wing sleeps up to four guests in two bed...

Dunranch House
Dunranch House is an upmarket Guest House offering Bed & Breakfast accommodation and a self-catering cottage on two acres on the northern side of...
Things to do in the area

Bulwer Hang Gliding School
In the heart of the Natal Midlands of South Africa is the breath-taking Southern Drakensberg Mountain Range; where crisp, clear air and irresisti...

Ardmore Ceramic Art Studio
Africa's Iconic Luxury Brand ~ Drawing Inspiration from African Art and Nature to Create Unique Ceramics, Luxury Décor, and Fashion.The vibrant c...
Noteworthy attractions

Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve
The source of the uMngeni River lies in the uMngeni Vlei area, an ancient wetland bounded by hills. From here it meanders eastward through undula...

Midmar Dam Nature Reserve
The large stretch of fresh water from the uMngeni, coupled with 1000 hectares of game park that contains red hartebeest, blesbok, reedbuck, black...

Bosch Hoek Golf Club
Bosch Hoek Golf Course in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands must qualify as one of the most picturesque layouts in the country. The estate is convenient...

Gowrie Farm Golf Course
Gowrie Farm Golf Course, one of KwaZulu Natal's finest golf courses, was built in the traditional way with push up greens and rugged bunkers. The...

Maritzburg Golf Club
The Maritzburg Golf Club in Pietermaritzburg is one of the oldest golf clubs in South Africa, dating back to 1886. It has lush, smooth cynodon gr...

Sakabula Golf Club
Sakabula Golf Club is a unique combination of agricultural smallholdings around a delightful 18-hole, par 73, golf course in a scenic rural envir...

Victoria Country Club
Less than five minutes from the CBD of Pietermaritzburg, the Victoria Country Club is superbly located in the scenic parklands adjoining the Quee...

Battlefields Route
The KwaZulu Natal hinterland has witnessed some of the most brutal and significant battles to be fought in South Africa. These historical sites f...

Midlands Meander
The enchantment of the Midlands has long inspired many a visitor and resident to creativity and as a result, local artists, potters and weavers c...
Accommodation near Marutswa Forest
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Natal Midlands Accommodation / Bulwer Accommodation