Hike along the riverside
The forested area alongside the north side of the Mzimkhulu River contains rare flora that grows nowhere else and the Conservancy Walk is a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of this pristine area.
BRIGHT and early on Sunday morning, members and guests gathered for the Tweni Conservancy’s Valentine’s Day Walk alongside the mighty Mzimkhulu River.
Everyone was treated to breakfast and then a talk by conservationist Alex Skene about the river’s history.
He spoke on the importance of conserving the pristine forest and is trying to get this area declared a nature reserve.
Today, one can still find turtles, water mongoose and kingfishers and if you’re lucky, you could even catch a glimpse of caracal, servil or bushbuck.
Guest speaker, renowned botanist Geoff Nichols then gave a brief overview of the many rare species of plants that were growing on these sheltered cliffs.
He explained that there are over 300 species of flora growing here, as well as 140 species of trees and the walkers learned that some of these plants and trees grew nowhere else.
Then it was time to hit the trail through this unique forested area; to appreciate all the wonderful plants and marvel at the magnificence of the huge age-old trees.
Then it was up through the dark railway tunnel and back down to the river to return along the steep and slippery path.
Best to don your hiking boots for this one.
It truly is a hidden treasure that needs to be protected at all costs and it turned out to be a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning.
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