Marutswa Forest Trail and Boardwalk
About Us
The Marutswa project aims to develop the eco-tourism potential of Bulwer, with emphasis on the natural beauty characteristic of the southern Drakensberg region.
The R1.1 million project has established a forest interpretive centre, forest trail (wheelchair friendly) and a network of associated viewing decks and towers, supported by extensive interpretive signage. The highest tower will provide visitors with a 12m high panorama view of the forest canopy.
The boardwalk, which branches off of the existing trail running through the forest, is built of local timber and supported on poles concreted into the ground.
About Us
The Marutswa project aims to develop the eco-tourism potential of Bulwer, with emphasis on the natural beauty characteristic of the southern Drakensberg region.
The R1.1 million project has established a forest interpretive centre, forest trail (wheelchair friendly) and a network of associated viewing decks and towers, supported by extensive interpretive signage. The highest tower will provide visitors with a 12m high panorama view of the forest canopy.
The boardwalk, which branches off of the existing trail running through the forest, is built of local timber and supported on poles concreted into the ground.
Marutswa Forest is one of the few easily accessible intact scarp forest patches in the southern KwaZulu-Natal area, and is already popular with birding groups who use the existing trail network. Scarp forest is recognised as one of the most threatened and poorly conserved forest types in the country.
The boardwalk was developed in conjunction with the Bulwer Biosphere committee who manage the trail, as well as train local community members to guide people on this new trail.
The Marutswa Forest Boardwalk is built in one of the few easily-accessible intact scarp forest areas in southern KwaZulu-Natal. This forest type is recognised as being one of the most threatened in the country, so the project will have great ecological significance as well as tourism potential.
With the Marutswa Forest Boardwalk, the SappiWWF TreeRoutes Partnership promotes greater understanding of the biodiversity and conservation status of scarp forests. This is achieved by controlling access to the forest, training guides from the local community and supporting the overall eco-tourism potential of the Bulwer area. The development process draws on the knowledge and experience gained through community liaison and during the development of the Dlinza Aerial Boardwalk in Eshowe, and the Thonga Beach Lodge and the Mabibi Campsite, in KwaZulu Natal.
The forest extends access from a number of jetties and viewpoints and the boardwalk branches off the existing trail network in places into and out of the forest. The boardwalk was constructed entirely of local timber and in some places is approximately 12 metres above the forest floor and features a range of interesting interpretive signage.
The concept for the Marutswa Forest Boardwalk was developed by the Bulwer Biosphere Committee, which has secured the required environmental development approvals for the project. The committee manages access to the boardwalk, regulating access to guided tours only. Established in 1994 as a non-profit organisation, the Bulwer Biosphere Committee has developed a solid reputation for working with the local municipality, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, local farmers, communities and business corporations in order to promote biodiversity in the area.
The boardwalk was developed in conjunction with the Bulwer Biosphere committee who manage the trail, as well as train local community members to guide people on this new trail.
The Marutswa Forest Boardwalk is built in one of the few easily-accessible intact scarp forest areas in southern KwaZulu-Natal. This forest type is recognised as being one of the most threatened in the country, so the project will have great ecological significance as well as tourism potential.
With the Marutswa Forest Boardwalk, the SappiWWF TreeRoutes Partnership promotes greater understanding of the biodiversity and conservation status of scarp forests. This is achieved by controlling access to the forest, training guides from the local community and supporting the overall eco-tourism potential of the Bulwer area. The development process draws on the knowledge and experience gained through community liaison and during the development of the Dlinza Aerial Boardwalk in Eshowe, and the Thonga Beach Lodge and the Mabibi Campsite, in KwaZulu Natal.
The forest extends access from a number of jetties and viewpoints and the boardwalk branches off the existing trail network in places into and out of the forest. The boardwalk was constructed entirely of local timber and in some places is approximately 12 metres above the forest floor and features a range of interesting interpretive signage.
The concept for the Marutswa Forest Boardwalk was developed by the Bulwer Biosphere Committee, which has secured the required environmental development approvals for the project. The committee manages access to the boardwalk, regulating access to guided tours only. Established in 1994 as a non-profit organisation, the Bulwer Biosphere Committee has developed a solid reputation for working with the local municipality, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, local farmers, communities and business corporations in order to promote biodiversity in the area.
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
© Charlie MacGillivray (Gartmore Farm)
Michael Cowell
Ria Fokkens
© Charlie MacGillivray (Gartmore Farm)
Michael Cowell
Ria Fokkens
Eco-tourism = Community + Environment
