Go
birdwatching in the reserve Hike
through the pristine forest Photograph
the spectacular views Jump
Lehr’s Waterfall Lunch
at Leopard Rock Shop
for handcrafts and curios Visit
Lake Eland Game Reserve Coffee
tours at Echo Valley
The spectacular Oribi Gorge - the place
of echoes - lies about 20km inland from
Port Shepstone on Kwazulu
Natal's Hibiscus Coast. This is a place
of great natural beauty and geological
interest - for several million years, the
Umzimkulwana river carved its way through
the sandstone of the plateau to form deep
canyons and ravines. Some of the rock formations
at the base of the gorge
date back over 1000 million years.
The flora of the area is a diverse tapestry
of grassland, thorn trees and proteas,
mixed with semi-deciduous forests and riverine
bushveld and comprises 500 plant species.
This wonderful habitat is also
one of
Kwazulu
Natal's
premier
birdwatching
locations and is home to over 255
species of local birds including the Narina Trogan and Martial
Eagle.
A variety of small, wild mammals have
found safety and a plentiful food supply
in the gorge, and you might spot baboons,
aardwolf, leopard, caracal, otter or mongoose, as well
as
numerous species of small buck. If luck is on your side you
may encounter the seldom-seen Samango monkey. But have your
camera
ready - these creatures are stealthy and can disappear in
an instant!
Outdoor and adventure enthusiasts come to Oribi for the abseiling,
rock climbing, white
water rafting and to jump Lehr’s Waterfall, while
hikers can enjoy a variety of short and medium-length trails
that meander through
the pristine forest and grasslands.
If your planning a weekend getaway, Oribi Gorge
Nature Reserve is full of scenic locations and spectacular
view points and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.
It offers accommodation at a hutted camp and in self-catering
chalets with barbecue
facilities. Alternatively, you can spend an evening or two
at the old Oribi Gorge Hotel sipping a cognac on the covered
terrace and enjoying the lovely views.
Go
birdwatching in the reserve
Freestate 
