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Discover the magic of Zululand from the canopy at Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk

Explore eShowe’s Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk. Your affordable family visit directly funds the maintenance and conservation of this unique canopy walkway.

The Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk in eShowe is one of the major tourist attractions in the Zululand region.

Birders, botanists, and all who simply enjoy the outdoors visit eShowe to walk the forest’s trails.

Dlinza Forest draws in birders from around the country, all with hopes of ticking off the elusive spotted ground thrush, a winter visitor from the Eastern Cape, the eastern bronze naped pigeon, Narina trogon, and perhaps even the green twinspot at the hide.

A lower section of the 150m-long aerial boardwalk through Dlinza Forest

While Dlinza Forest itself falls under the auspices of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the aerial boardwalk and bird hide are operated by a private entity.

Opened in 2004 as part of the Sappi/WWF TreeRoutes Partnership, Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk was the first of its kind in southern Africa.

Today, it remains a rare way to experience the forest from within the canopy, with birds, butterflies, ancient trees and wide views over Zululand.

The calls of the spotted ground thrush can be heard echoing through the forest
Photo: Jason Cramer

A 150m wheelchair-friendly canopy walkway leading to a 20m observation tower above the indigenous Dlinza Forest makes this boardwalk truly unique and enchanting.

Public support

The cost of maintaining the boardwalk is not cheap, and buy-in from the community at large is essential.

“Every visit helps keep the boardwalk open, supports local guides, creates opportunities for conservation education and school visits, and strengthens the case for protecting Dlinza Forest for future generations,” reads the newly-revamped website.

A forest favourite, the Narina trogon calls Dlinza Forest home

At a cost of just R50 per adult (R20 for children aged 6 to 13 years; R40 for pensioners and students) or R320 for an annual family membership (prices set to increase slightly on 1 August), it really is an affordable day out for the whole family.

School groups are encouraged to visit Dlinza Forest

Group bookings can also be booked through the website: eshoweboardwalk.co.za or follow them on Facebook for regular updates and to find out about the exciting visitor challenge.

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