About Paradise Valley Nature Reserve
The Paradise Valley Nature Reserve is situated slightly outside of Durban, in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, and promises to be a total escape from city life and a celebration of utter natural beauty. It is best known for its stunning waterfall, which cascades down the rock face in a beautifully choreographed tumble of graceful power, and is magnificent to see and hear.
Did you know? The self-guided walks offer excellent opportunities to see some very exciting birdlife, as well as bushbucks, blue duikers and dassies (or rock hyraxes).
The nature reserve consists of about 100 hectares of coastal forest and the grasslands that once sprawled over the region. The Umbilo River winds its way through the full length of the reserve. It not only provides an important source of water for the lush vegetation, but is also part of an important habitat area for many animal species, and the perfect place for a refreshing dip.
The Umbilo Waterworks are one of the main features of the reserve, and one of only two national monuments in Pinetown. Built in 1887, these tell the story of the dam, which sadly washed away in 1905. This was the first water supply scheme in Durban.
There are four trails in the reserve – they are made up of a gentle walk, mild walk, mild-steep walk, and steep walk. They are formally called:
The Waterfall Trail
This is a gentle walk of 705 metres that goes to the Umbilo Waterworks and a beautiful viewing deck over the waterfall.
The Duiker Trail
This trail is only 642 metres long.
The Bushbuck Trail
At 861 metres, this is manageable, and just a little challenging.
The Doormouse Trail
This is the toughest trail to tackle, and measures 1.3 kilometres. It is steep in places, but very rewarding.
The braai facilities and picnic area are fantastic for families and friends that want to enjoy the prettiness while spending time together (and, of course, indulging in some great food). There are toilets here too. Remember to bring along a comfy pair of walking shoes, sunscreen, water, and towels to dry off after a dip in the river.
Need to Know
WhereParadise Valley Nature Reserve, 10 Oxford Road, Pinetown, Durban, 3610, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Pinetown 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.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested in
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Pinetown
Butterscotch B&B
Butterscotch B&B offers self- catering or B&B accommodation for the Pinetown, Westmead and Westville areas. At the end of your day you can relax ...
Springside Lodge
Springside Lodge is a quaint self catering holiday cottage located on the host's property, situated in Cowies Hill, Pinetown. The secure area is ...
Premier Splendid Inn Pinetown
Premier Splendid Inn Pinetown is located just 18km from Durban and 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport with easy access to major hig...
The Gregory
Pristine B&B in Pinetown is perfectly situated a mere 20km drive to Durban for either a business meeting or a swim in the Indian ocean. The upper...
Things to do in the area
Pinetown Museum
The Pinetown Museum is located in the library complex on the corner of Old Main Road and Crompton Street in Pinetown, Durban. The Pinetown muse...
Mariannhill Monastery
Tea at the Monastery! The Marianhill Monastery is located in Marianhill on the outskirts of Pinetown. The monastery was founded by Trappist monks...
Trappist Trail
Set in the misty hills of the southern Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal is home to a series of mission stations built by Trappist monks roughly a century ...
Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park
Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park is located in Giba Gorge and offers riders various clearly marked trails for riding and an obstacle course with ram...
Giba Gorge Horse Trails
Giba Gorge Horse Trails is a Horse Riding and Trail Centre in the Giba Gorge Valley. We have been doing horse trails for the past 10 years and ou...
Join The Junior Filmmakers Club
Let the kids do something fun and exciting in the holidays and begin their future in filmmaking.Here, children between 12 and 15 years old have t...
Accommodation convenient to Paradise Valley Nature Reserve
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Durban Accommodation / Pinetown Accommodation