Kranzkloof Nature Reserve – A nature lover’s paradise
Calling all hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers - Kranzkloof Nature Reserve is the place to be.
Kranzkloof Nature Reserve is considered one of the best hiking trails in KwaZulu-Natal.
The trails range from easy to difficult, with the longest one taking seven hours to complete.
Longshadow Trail is one of the easier trails. It is 2km long and takes around 90 minutes (45-60 min each way) to complete.
The trail starts as a “split from the Mpithi Trail at the Molweni River Crossing and then follows the Molweni River upstream to the boundary of the reserve”.
The Makulu Loop (11.8km), The Northern Loop (11.1km), and The Southern Loop (8.9km) take you to the Kloof Falls Picnic Site.
The reserve is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including 250 species of birds and rare plants.
Some of the birds you might spot on the Forest Trail include the Knysna Turaco, Purple-crested Turaco, Red-chested Cuckoo, Green Wood-hoopoe, and the Narina Trogon.
The African Crowned Eagle nest in the reserve. Other raptors like African Harrier Hawk, Martial Eagle, and Perigrine Falcons can be spotted circling the cliffs.
Many visitors to the Kranzkloof Nature Reserve end up at one of the nearby restaurants to fuel up after a long day of hiking.
The Stoker’s Arms pub & restaurant is in the old Kloof Railway Station. The menu includes favourites such as pork spareribs, peri peri chicken, and alfredo pasta
Bellevue Café has a “wide selection of moreish meals and desserts” plated by a talented chef.
Tender fried calamari strips, beer battered hake, and gourmet burgers are on the menu at The Hussar Grill.
Tina’s Hotel offers “great vibes, great food and a fun place for all”.
Out of towners or locals looking for a great staycation venue will enjoy staying at the following accommodation venues:
· Fawncastle Estate
· Branely Lodge
· Anchorage Krantzkloof
· Eagle view B&B
For more KZN Travels articles read below:
- Escape to Ingeli Forest for amazing views and good food
- Seven reasons to visit the Valley of 1000 Hills in KZN
- Mount Moreland’s Swallow Roost: South Africa’s largest roosting grounds
- Moses Mabhida Stadium: Seven reasons to visit the People’s Park
Main image courtesy of iStock