GENERAL INFO

THE EVENING UNWIND THE AFTER DINNER DOODLE THE DAWN CHORUS GAMBOL IN THE GRASS THE RAILROAD RAMBLE THE PEAT BOG BOOGY NTSIKENI VLEI THE SANI TOUR 4 DAY TOUR

::: NTSIKENI VLEI & NATURE RESERVE::: This beautiful place resides on a high plateau between Franklin and Creighton in Southern KZN. It comprises a large wetland of some 1200 ha., “one of the most important in KZN” according to Wetland ecologist George Begg, and is at a key position on the Umzimkulu catchment. It is surround by impressive buttresses with evocative names like Mangeni, Tsawule,and Elephant Hill. Visible forever,Ntsikeni Mountain towers above all, with its unmistakable shape making sense of the name. The central support of a traditional home is an ‘ntsika’ . Although a provincial reserve since 1978, it has enjoyed a natural protection and secrecy due to its remoteness,isolation and inaccessibility until recently, when a reasonable access road and lodge were built. With a core management principal of ‘Minimum Impact’, hikers, mountain bikes and horse trails are the order of the day. It is understandable how and why, numerous, very sensitive, endangered bird species, have managed to evade detection thus far. Yellow Breasted Pipits, Cape and Bearded Vultures, Black and Montagu’s Harriers, African Marsh and even the rare Western Marsh Harriers and other exciting large species like breeding Wattled Cranes,can be found. The summer of 2005/6 was an exciting season for a few lucky birders, giving them their first ever sighting of the enigmatic Great Bittern, universally heard but not seen. This reserve is a place of sensational wafting grassland and prolific flowers, inviting relaxed hiking and exploring , to the surrounding ring of hills, which harbour impressive rock faces, chimneys, cracks and caves. It is possible that Lammergeier still breed there. There are paintings and interesting historical relics to be found . For the less energetic, the main Ntsikeni Lodge has four comfortable chalets and a large equipped central dining area, where trained staff look after guests. A second lodge, designed for scholars, is under construction. The rural roads will attract the more adventurous driver,with appropriate transport, to this exciting destination, central to Southern KZN. Ntsikeni Nature Reserve epitomises a RAW,UNTAMED, QUIET,and NATURAL beauty, inviting one to savour all its dramatic, and diverse moods. It is unspoiled,and precious,enjoy it NOW.!!!!!!!!!!!!