Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Understand

Oribi Gorge nature reserve was named after the Oribi antelope. Approximately 1 km wide, 27 km in length, it is located at the bottom of the Oribi Gorge where the Mzimkulu River and Mximkulwana River meet.

History

It was proclaimed as a nature reserve in 1950.

Flora and fauna

Here in this reserve, you can find bushbuck, reedbuck, duiker (both blue and grey), leopard. About 250 bird species have been listed, including 5 species of kingfisher and 7 species of eagle.

Get in

Oribi Gorge nature reserve is a 30-minute drive from Port Shepstone while it is about a 2hr drive when you are getting in from Durban.

Fees and permits

The entrance gate of the reserve is open from 8AM to 5PM with fee of R10 per person (2023). The gate is also open on all public holidays.

See

• Hoopoe Falls. 8.2 km long, takes about 3 hr to hike. (updated Jan 2023)
• Oribi Gorge. 2.4 km long, takes about 43 min to complete. (updated Jan 2023)
• Mziki trail. 7.6 km long, takes about 3 hr of hiking to complete. (updated Jan 2023)

Do

There are several trails in the reserve that range from easy to difficult where you can choose to hike or walk. These include the Nkonka Trail, Baboon View Trail, Samango River Trail, hoopoe Falls trail, Horseman’s Point.

• Hiking. (updated Jan 2023)
• Trails. (updated Jan 2023)
• Wild slide. 160 m above the gorge, gives a better view of the gorge and Lehr’s Falls. (updated Jan 2023)
• Water rafting. Rafting on the Umzimkulu River is led by qualified rafting guides. Bookings are necessary, at least four people per trip are required. (updated Jan 2023)

Drink

• Leopard rock. A coffee shop, this spot also offers a better view of the Oribi gorge. (updated Jan 2023)

Sleep

Lodging

• Oribi Gorge Guest Farm. 3 km away from the reserve. R840. (updated Jan 2023)
• The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa, Lot 15, Pengaan Farm, Oribi Flats, Port Shepstone, ☏ +27 39 687 4000, info@thegorge.co.za. (updated Jan 2023)

Stay safe

Do not swim in the rivers to save yourself from the risk of contracting Bilharzia. You should always inform the hospitality manager of your proposed route when going on long walks.