PROVINCIAL NATURE RESERVES | |
MkambatiMkambati is the largest Wild Coast reserve – about
eighty
square kilometres. Situated close to the KwaZulu-Natal
border, the reserve's coastline stretches along 10km of
rugged, rocky beaches, offering visitors a glimpse of
unspoilt nature. Other scenic features include forested
ravines, a swamp forest and splashing waterfalls. The
reserve consists mostly of open grassland dissected by
streams and flanked by the magnificent forested ravines of
the Msikaba and Mtentu rivers.It is mainly grassland
bracketed between the deep forested gorges of the Mtentu
and Msikaba rivers, with a coastline so amazing that it
leaves most visitors speechless. Its unique swamp forest,
open grassland and ravines provide habitats for a variety
of plant and animal species. This is also the spot where
two ships - the Sao Bento and the Grosvenor - came to
their sad ends. | |
HlulekaThe Hluleka Nature Reserve, a reserve of majestic beauty
between Coffee Bay and Port St Johns. Rocky seashores,
endless beaches, lagoons and evergreen forests support a
large bird and wildlife population. There is excellent
fishing from a coastline often visited by dolphins and
whales. A large salt marsh is home to the Cape clawless
Otter. The reserve is approximately 90 km from Umtata is
located at the mouth of the small Hluleka River. | |
SilakaJust south of Port St Johns in an evergreen forested
valley you will find this quaint Coastal Nature Reserve
between Second Beach and the prominent rock formation
known as Sugarloaf Rock. If you appreciate simplicity and
natural living you will love this out-of-the-ordinary space
with its cosy, self-catering cottages filled with
inventive magic and lots of soul. | |
Dwesa-CwebaTucked between the Nqabara River to the south and the
Mbashe River in the north, this 3 900ha reserve is a nature
lover’s paradise. These two relatively small sister
reserves are situated in the central Wild Coast. They are
bordered on the one side by the Indian Ocean and on the
other by rugged grasslands of the former Transkei.
Excellent bird-watching, shell collecting, small game
viewing, forest trails and long, deserted beaches await
you. Self-catering log cabins nestled in the forest offer
an alternative to the camp site only metres from the river
and the ocean. Although a day will suffice in each
reserve, at least three days are recommended to
make the trip worthwhile. | |
NduliThis is also a small reserve just outside Umtata with an
accommodation resort. The reserve is used as a breeding
ground for various antelope species that are used to stock
other reserves on the Wild Coast. There is also a
surprising amount of many different birds. Gardeners
and others curious about South Africa flora will enjoy a
stroll through the indigenous plant garden. This 180 ha
reserve lies approximately 3 km from the centre of Umtata,
on its western outskirts. The Reserve is only 1km away
from the Umata Hotel which is sutated on the main N2 road. | |
LuchabaThis reserve is a few kilometers to the north of Umtata
and embraces Umtata Dam, which is on the Mthatha River. It
is believed that the word Mthatha might mean ‘the
Taker’
which refers to the damage it does during floods;
alternatively the name might come from the sneezewood
trees that line its banks. The dam is a popular fishing
spot and adjoins a water sport recreation area. Inland,
you'll find antelopes, zebras and
wildebeests. The wetlands and grasslands support many
different birds, including the rare Stanley's bustard,
crowned cranes and the longtailed widow. | |
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