Take a hike this summer
Get into nature this summer with some of the Ugu region's top hiking spots.
Ingeli Forest in Harding
Ingeli Forest – the second-largest indigenous forest in KZN – has a wide variety of walking and running trails suited to all ages and abilities.
Found just 22 kilometres from Harding, there are several trails – 3km, 3.5km, 7.5km, 10km, 15km and even loop-out routes – crossing through forest streams and past waterfalls.
Skyline Nature Reserve in Uvongo
Between Uvongo and Margate is this stunning nature reserve that consists of some 380 indigenous and 400 exotic tree species. Hikers are able to view a variety of resident wildlife in this 40-year-old arboretum, including blue duiker, grey duiker and bushbuck, and there are numerous indigenous bird species to look out for.
Uvongo parkrun
The parkrun community initiative has found a home in Uvongo where enthusiastic residents congregate on a Saturday morning at 8am, to participate in the friendly 5km walk or run. The Uvongo parkrun takes place from St Mike’s car park.
Umdoni parkrun
The second such parkrun can be found at Umdoni, following the same format as the Uvongo parkrun. Participants meet at Umdoni Park Environmental Centre for free registration before starting the 5km walk or run.
River Valley Nature Reserve in Margate
There is an incredibly scenic hike that goes through the River Valley Nature Reserve, passing grasslands and riverine forests, home to impala, nyala, grey and blue duiker.
KwaXolo Caves Adventures
For something really different, the KZN South Coast has the ancient heritage site – the KwaXolo Caves – home to centuries-old San rock art and some of the most incredible views. Earlier this year, the KwaXolo Caves Adventures was established, giving visitors a harnessed, secure, guided hiking route directly to the caves.
Mpenjati Nature Reserve in Trafalgar
This beautiful coastal reserve has trails varying in length, from a quick hike through to the 4-hour walk all the way to Mbizana River at Southbroom. Hikers will walk along beaches, alongside rivers and witness a range of wildlife endemic to this varying landscape. The gates open 6am to 6pm in summer.
KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails
Situated between Mpenjati Nature Reserve and Ezinqoleni is the KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails that fuses natural beauty with local cultural heritage. The KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trail Park, launched in 2019, gives hikers and birdwatchers the opportunity to immerse themselves in this stunning region along a 4-kilometre trail.
Beaver Creek Coffee Estate near Port Edward
This key tourism destination has a wealth of outdoor activities on offer, including a number of hiking trails across both farmland and indigenous terrain.
Clearwater Trails near Port Edward
The nearby Clearwater Farm also has a number of incredible hiking trails that extend from the farmland through indigenous landscape all the way to Umtamvuna River Gorge.
Umtamvuna Nature Reserve near Port Edward
Just 8 kilometres from Port Edward is this stunning nature reserve, home to the Red Desert, which happens to be the world’s smallest desert.
TC Robertson Nature Reserve in Scottburgh
This is a stunning 60-hectare nature reserve, home to some 200 bird species including the African fish eagle, rush warbler and African goshawk.
Rocky Bay Resorts
In 2014, the Rocky Bay Resorts Running Trails were established, all of which are clearly marked – orange for cyclists and green for hikers or runners – suited to everyone from novice to experienced.
Umdoni Park Nature Reserve near Pennington
The 210-hectare park invites hikers to stop in at the Environmental Centre or Pro Shop for maps and information before embarking on one of the many trails, ranging from 15 minutes through to two hours.
Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve in Umzinto
Another well-known KZN South Coast nature reserve, Vernon Crookes has a vast selection of hiking trails within the 2 189-hectare expanse, ranging from a gentle one-hour stroll through to the more advanced six-hour hikes.
Bushbuck Trail in Southbroom
Active environmentalist and founder chairman of the Southbroom Conservancy, David Hallé created this hour-long trail which meanders behind the local tennis club through dense coastal vegetation.
Lake Eland Game Reserve near Oribi Gorge
This is a beautiful 2 500-ha game reserve which gives visitors the chance to get close to some of Africa’s wildlife.
Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
Just 25 kilometres inland of Port Shepstone is this unique space. Within the 1 917-hectare reserve is the iconic gorge where the Umzimkulwana River has carved through sandstone over millions of years.
Ramsgate Marine Ramble
This is a scenic, organised 6km walk along Ramsgate Beach where walkers can enjoy sightings of local birdlife and marine life, including dolphins and migrating whales.
Wild Coast trails
The incredible Wild Coast offers opportunities for hiking trails, beach walks, and canoeing as well as the chance to explore caves, waterfalls.
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