Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve
Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve
Situated in the heart of the magnificent KwaZulu Natal midlands, a short
distance below Howick Falls, is the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve. The reserve
covers an area of 650 hectares, and is managed by the Wildlife Society of South
Africa. The Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve houses one of Africa's leading
environmental education centres, with more than 15000 students making their way
to the reserve each year to participate in various ecology, bush craft and
adventure courses.
The majority of the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve is situated within the
breathtaking gorge below the Howick Falls, while the upper part of the reserve,
above the falls, comprises the fringe of a rolling plateau. The terrain suddenly
drops at the edge of the plateau for about 60m to form dramatic rock faces in
places. Below the falls, the reserve continues along the Umgeni River for about
7 km.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be well-catered for with a number of self-guided
drives, and six well-marked hiking trails. A popular option is the four day
hiking trail which leads visitors between Howick Falls and Karkloof Falls. There
are many picnic spots in the reserve which provide visitors with awesome views
of the scenic gorge. A variety of wildlife which includes giraffe, wildebeest,
zebra, nyala, impala, eland and other mammals can be found in the reserve. With
a total list of over two hundred species, bird watchers will also find delight
in sighting a number of rare species which include the elusive Nerina Trogon and
the Crowned Eagle. An abundance of butterflies can also be seen in the Umgeni
Valley Nature Reserve.
Accommodation Near Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve
Mission House
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Curry's Post
3.7km from Umgeni Valley Nature ReserveMission House is a beautiful home situated on a ridge with breathtaking 360* views of the Drakensberg Mountains and the rolling hills of the Midlands. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kusane Farm Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Howick
5.2km from Umgeni Valley Nature ReserveKusane Farm Cottage is perched high above the stunning Karkloof valley, midway between Howick and Curry's Post on the Midlands Meander, with its fine restaurants and shopping. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sunbird Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Howick
8.6km from Umgeni Valley Nature ReserveExclusive use by guests. Guest Lounge with TV, off street parking with remote controlled access, log cabin type outdoor gazebo with fireplace. Two separate private sleeping wings. Malaria Free Area. English breakfast or alternatives by prior ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
St Ives
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Lions River
8.6km from Umgeni Valley Nature ReserveSt Ives Lodge and Venue is situated in the heart of the Lions River Valley in the KZN Midlands. This 140-hectare Family Owned & Managed Estate offers something for everyone. The Estate Boasts A Luxury Lodge with Wild Animals Roaming the Grounds... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cedarwood
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Howick
8.8km from Umgeni Valley Nature ReserveOur furnished, self catering house has four beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms, two of which are family rooms and a loft room - comfortably sleeping 10 adults and 6 children …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sugarlands Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Curry's Post
9km from Umgeni Valley Nature ReserveSugarlands Farm is 6km from the N3 in the heart of the well-known Midlands Meander. A working Sheep and Beef farm where we have two units available to share our piece of paradise with you. Both units are serviced, self-catering units with full DSTV. L …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hillhouse
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Dargle
10.8km from Umgeni Valley Nature ReserveHillhouse Accommodation was featured in Elle Decoration - The Country Issue June/July 2013. Also in House and Leisure - The Travel Issue, 101 Dream escapes in May 2015. Again in Getaway mag 2015 and Midlands life in 2008. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bushwillow Park
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Karkloof
14km from Umgeni Valley Nature ReserveThere are the two cottages; the smaller option has a large bedroom, where the glorious winter sun's rays stream in to keep it warm and cosy. ( The en-suite bathroom is a shower, basin and loo.) …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
King's Hill Bed and Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hilton
14.2km from Umgeni Valley Nature ReserveKing's Hill B & B is situated in the picturesque village of Hilton, the gateway to the Natal Midlands & has beautiful views of the Cedara Valley. We can accommodate a maximum of 6 people sharing in 2 tastefully decorated, non-smoking rooms... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
