Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve

Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve & the Howick Falls

The greater part of the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve lies in the spectacular gorge below the Howick Falls, while the upper part is the fringe of a rolling plateau which has an average altitude of about 1 000m. The land falls away abruptly at the edge of the plateau for about 60m to form rock faces in places. The Umgeni Valley sides below 860m altitude slope away gently towards the Umgeni River, 7km of which falls within the reserve. The lowest point is 737m above sea level. The reserve is home to giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope. There is an indigenous tree trail surrounding the Education Centre and self-guided walks mingling with the game animals in the beautiful Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve. A bird watchers paradise, with over 200 bird species to view throughout the year - see if you can spot the elusive Nerina Trogon or the crowned eagle. Butterflies abound in the reserve.

The gorge and its branches were formed by the headward erosion of the Umgeni River through the Middle Ecca shales and sandstones and Karroo dolerite. The Howick Falls, situated 0.6 km above the reserve boundary, have partially eroded through a large dolerite sill. The average annual rainfall varies between about 835mm in the upper parts to about 750mm in the valley. The valley is several degrees warmer than the plateau but the temperature range in the valley is greater.The two main categories of soils in the reserve reflect the degree of weathering. Highly leached soils, represented by Balmoral, Clovelly, Griffin and Mispah series occur in the upper, cooler and moister parts of the reserve. They are acid and have a low nutrient status. The slightly less leached soils below the escarpment are less weathered and include the Arniston, Glengazi and Mispah series. They are usually associated with rockiness. The Arniston series is most common in the lower parts of the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve.

Accommodation in and around howick