- KwaZulu-Natal
- iSimangaliso Vleilandpark
- uMkhuze region
uMkhuze region, iSimangaliso Vleilandpark, KwaZulu-Natal
The uMkhuze region offers a scenic and distinctive treat to outdoor lovers as you veer off the N2 for 84 km following little-used, fairly rough gravel roads through the 30 000 ha Mkuzi Game Reserve before reaching a remote stretch of coast at the Indian Ocean.
During your drive you will pass dense acacia forests, water lilies, a river gorge embedded with marine fossils and beautiful red sand ridges.
Birding
Nsumu Pan with its birdwatching hide is a firm favourite in this birdwatcher’s paradise with over 380 bird species recorded which includes fish eagles, kingfishers, stilts and a host of ducks and waders.
Walking trails
All that remains of a sycamore fig forest that was swept away by cyclone Demoina in 1984 can be viewed as you hike along the pan’s southern shore on the Fig Forest Walk. Other walks include the River View Trail, a half-hour walk, the three-hour daily rambles with a game guard and in winter there is the guided Nsumu Walk and a three-day trail through the wilderness.
Game viewing
As a result of the wide variety of soil types, over 700 plant species in turn shelter more than 70 mammal species, as well as dozens of reptiles and amphibian species.
Four game-viewing hides provide close-up encounters with animals such as blue wildebeest, giraffe, impala, kudu, leopard, nyala, rhinoceros and zebra.
Game hunting
Established by the Natal Parks Board in 1987 is a 4200 ha controlled hunting area adjoining the reserve's southern boundary which is part of the reserve’s game management programme.
Accommodation
At eMantuma Camp there are bungalows, cottages and rustic huts with picnic sites for day visitors and near the Emshopi entrance gate there is a camping and caravan site. near the Emshopi entrance gate.
Climate
Summer temperatures and humidity soar while winters remain mild and dry.
Contact details
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority
The Dredger Harbour
Private Bag X05
St Lucia 3936
Tel: +27 35 590 1633
Fax: +27 35 590 1602
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.iSimangaliso.com
24 Hour emergency hotline: +27 82 797 7944