Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk
Articles
August 2010
Fruits of the forest By Jane Cloete
Articles
August 2010
Fruits of the forest By Jane Cloete
See Also
Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk
The Karkloof Crane and Conservation Centre
Ongoye Forest Birding Camp
Thonga Beach Lodge and the Mabibi Campsite
The Wakkerstroom Wetland Reserve and Training Centre
Marutswa Forest Trail and Boardwalk
Southern KZN Birding Route
The Karkloof Crane and Conservation Centre
Ongoye Forest Birding Camp
Thonga Beach Lodge and the Mabibi Campsite
The Wakkerstroom Wetland Reserve and Training Centre
Marutswa Forest Trail and Boardwalk
Southern KZN Birding Route
Location Info
Special thanks for images
Tim Neary
Tim Neary
The Dlinza Nature Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal’s Eshowe is home to South Africa’s first forest boardwalk, several days’ worth of activities and some spectacular nature. Jane Chennells cannot get enough.
Eco-tourism = Community + Environment
What makes the Dlinza Forest worth a visit?
Oh, so much. Every tree is indigenous;across the entire 250 ha, we don’t have a single exotic species. It’s a wonderfully alive forest that changes with the seasons. No matter when you visit, there is something to see. From the beautiful spring-green leaves to the fruiting trees (a different tree fruits every month)
to the enormous number of birds and butterflies…
It also has a remarkable African history. The chief of the Sibiya tribe was buried here many centuries ago and they say his spirit protects the forest. King Shaka also sought protection in the forest, hiding his women here while his tribe was under attack.
You have South Africa’s first aerial boardwalk through a forest...
We do. There is something so special about getting up into the trees. While it is lovely to walk between the trunks,when you’re further into the foliage, and can see over the canopy, it’s another, quite magical, feeling. The 127m wooden boardwalk reaches a height of 10m and finishes in a 20m tower. Everything up
to the tower is wheelchair friendly.
Oh, so much. Every tree is indigenous;across the entire 250 ha, we don’t have a single exotic species. It’s a wonderfully alive forest that changes with the seasons. No matter when you visit, there is something to see. From the beautiful spring-green leaves to the fruiting trees (a different tree fruits every month)
to the enormous number of birds and butterflies…
It also has a remarkable African history. The chief of the Sibiya tribe was buried here many centuries ago and they say his spirit protects the forest. King Shaka also sought protection in the forest, hiding his women here while his tribe was under attack.
You have South Africa’s first aerial boardwalk through a forest...
We do. There is something so special about getting up into the trees. While it is lovely to walk between the trunks,when you’re further into the foliage, and can see over the canopy, it’s another, quite magical, feeling. The 127m wooden boardwalk reaches a height of 10m and finishes in a 20m tower. Everything up
to the tower is wheelchair friendly.
Could you see everything in one visit?
[Laughs] Never. Not even in many. There are 65 bird species (including the crowned eagle and the Eastern bronzenaped pigeon), 80 types of butterfly, 13 epiphytic orchid species, blue duiker and the shy bushbuck… and of course the magnificent trees. We have three guided walking routes – two shorter ones that take you into the heart of the forest, and a longer 90-minute walk for serious birders. There’s also a drive, Royal Drive,that links the north and south end of the forest. But some people just visit to sit. One girl used to sit on a bench on the boardwalk with her book and read for hours at a time. It really is that sort of place, you can take it in any way you want to.
Do you have to be guided?
It’s up to you. We only insist on it if you’re in a group. If you’d rather do it alone, that’s fine. But our guides are incredibly well informed, and there’s no extra charge for their services.
What do you use the visitors centre for?
We have an enormous butterfly and insect display, and there’s a great deal of information about the forest, its history, the medicinal value of its flora… plus there are picnic and braai spots, a refreshment kiosk and an area to sit and relax.
[Laughs] Never. Not even in many. There are 65 bird species (including the crowned eagle and the Eastern bronzenaped pigeon), 80 types of butterfly, 13 epiphytic orchid species, blue duiker and the shy bushbuck… and of course the magnificent trees. We have three guided walking routes – two shorter ones that take you into the heart of the forest, and a longer 90-minute walk for serious birders. There’s also a drive, Royal Drive,that links the north and south end of the forest. But some people just visit to sit. One girl used to sit on a bench on the boardwalk with her book and read for hours at a time. It really is that sort of place, you can take it in any way you want to.
Do you have to be guided?
It’s up to you. We only insist on it if you’re in a group. If you’d rather do it alone, that’s fine. But our guides are incredibly well informed, and there’s no extra charge for their services.
What do you use the visitors centre for?
We have an enormous butterfly and insect display, and there’s a great deal of information about the forest, its history, the medicinal value of its flora… plus there are picnic and braai spots, a refreshment kiosk and an area to sit and relax.
Can you share a secret of the forest?
It has its own secret source of a stream, leading to the Mpushini River. Truthfully, it is a tiny puddle, frequented by butterflies, but thanks to it, we secured the majority of our funding for the boardwalk. You can see the source while on the boardwalk – just look down.
What is the most special place in the forest?
Right at the top of the tower, when you are 20m up, looking over the canopy. It makes you think of our African history, of our folklore. You hear the bees, you watch the birds and you feel humbled. The trees have seen so much of our history, and it’s only them that will be here forever.
Article: As published in AA traveller, Winter 2010.
It has its own secret source of a stream, leading to the Mpushini River. Truthfully, it is a tiny puddle, frequented by butterflies, but thanks to it, we secured the majority of our funding for the boardwalk. You can see the source while on the boardwalk – just look down.
What is the most special place in the forest?
Right at the top of the tower, when you are 20m up, looking over the canopy. It makes you think of our African history, of our folklore. You hear the bees, you watch the birds and you feel humbled. The trees have seen so much of our history, and it’s only them that will be here forever.
Article: As published in AA traveller, Winter 2010.
The vines or ‘monkey ropes’ in the forest are several hundred years old.
Good news
One of the Dlinza projects run by Jane is bringing underprivileged children to the forest.
Thanks to sponsorship she secures, these children are taught all about natural, historical and cultural conservation through their visit to
the forest and local museums. If they have an overnight trip, they’re also taken to the beach.
Even though these children live close to the coast, many of them have never been to the beach, ‘so their eyes are like saucers and they’re amazed by the noise of the waves, the feeling of the sand and allowing the sea to run over their feet’, says Jane.
Last year they were able to fund visits for 2 900 children and the feedback from the schools was incredibly enthusiastic.
One of the Dlinza projects run by Jane is bringing underprivileged children to the forest.
Thanks to sponsorship she secures, these children are taught all about natural, historical and cultural conservation through their visit to
the forest and local museums. If they have an overnight trip, they’re also taken to the beach.
Even though these children live close to the coast, many of them have never been to the beach, ‘so their eyes are like saucers and they’re amazed by the noise of the waves, the feeling of the sand and allowing the sea to run over their feet’, says Jane.
Last year they were able to fund visits for 2 900 children and the feedback from the schools was incredibly enthusiastic.