uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve
A rugged nature reserve ideal for hikers and 4x4 enthusiasts, offering stunning valley views and waterfalls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife spotting
uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife spotting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rugged nature reserve ideal for hikers and 4x4 enthusiasts, offering stunning valley views and waterfalls.
"Great hiking spot with superb views, but a 4x4 is essential due to rough roads."
🚗 4x4 is a MUST
Don't attempt with a standard car; roads are rough. Confirm conditions before paying! :car:
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails can be slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for safety. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Valley Views
Ridge roads
Drive along the ridge for superb, sweeping views of the uMngeni Valley. A must-see for any visitor.
Waterfalls & Swimming
Various trails
Discover refreshing waterfalls and designated swimming areas perfect for a cool dip after a hike.
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the reserve
Spot zebras, wildebeest, blesbok, and recently donated giraffes in this animal-focused nature reserve.
Howick Falls Viewpoint
Drive towards Howick
Catch a glimpse of the famous Howick Falls as you make your way through the reserve.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Vehicle Requirements: 4x4 Essential
Best for Active Visitors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 is a MUST
Don't attempt with a standard car; roads are rough. Confirm conditions before paying! :car:
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails can be slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for safety. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack water & snacks
Limited facilities, especially at picnic spots. Be prepared for your adventure. :water_wave:
🥾 Hike to the waterfall
The hike down can be challenging; assess your fitness level first. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 is a MUST
Don't attempt with a standard car; roads are rough. Confirm conditions before paying! :car:
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails can be slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for safety. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack water & snacks
Limited facilities, especially at picnic spots. Be prepared for your adventure. :water_wave:
🥾 Hike to the waterfall
The hike down can be challenging; assess your fitness level first. :hiking_boot:
🎶 Respect quiet hours
Be mindful of noise, especially on Sundays, to not disturb other visitors or wildlife. :speakerwiththree_speakers:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the reserve for its stunning valley views, refreshing waterfalls, and affordable entry fees, making it a great spot for active pursuits like hiking and trail running. However, a significant drawback is the poor road condition, which often necessitates a 4x4 vehicle, and a lack of clear signage at some picnic spots.
"THE GOOD : If you have a 4x4, then entrance fee is a good price, and the park is a nice setup. The Park itself is small about 6km in length and follows a section of the Umgeni Valley, you drive along the ridge of the hill with superb views of the Valley. Recently declared a nature reserve in 2019 and very conveniently located in central Howick with easy access off the main N3 highway. It also offers basic accommodation which is convenient to stay if you are visiting someone in the surrounding Retirement Villages.
The park is more suited to the young and energetic with a focus on hiking paths (about six), waterfalls, swimming area's, rock climbing, superb views of the Umgheni Valley, and a view of Howick falls as you drive. This is an animal park so you will also find 5 newly donated giraffe (2024), zebra, wildebeest, blesbok and other smaller animals. There are no big five here.
THE BAD : The entrance to the second main game park gate is ruined by approximately 10 meters of abandoned building rubble.
WARNING a 4x4 vehicle is required. Driving into the park the road progressively deteriorates and becomes undrivable. The photo shows the earlier good part of the road but it gets much, much worse. Our last visit the road was okay but it has not been maintained. To be honest this ruined our visit. We believe the park reception should CHECK with visitors that you own a 4x4 car BEFORE you pay entrance fee.
We were unable to turn around until reaching the Inkonka car park and "The Saddle" picnic spot which is 2km or 33% of the total road. There is almost nothing there, ONE parking space, we parked and walked 10 minutes down a hill and found nothing, no seating, no benches, no facilities. We "think" we reached the picnic spot which consists of a 5m circle of grass with 3 more paths leading away, one trail path, one bush camp, one path to the river. There was no signage indicating where the picnic spot was or how far it was. We did not investigate further and came back up. Not really suited for senior citizens.
Additionally, the local community across the valley, on top of the adjacent hill was playing LOUD music and conducting building work (LOUD banging) on a Sunday.
The only good thing about "The Saddle" picnic spot that we saw was that they had cut paths in the grass to make it easier to walk."
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"Really good place for hikes and trail runs. Very affordable and has great picnic spots.
It's also children friendly and easy to get to the Cascades waterfall."
Werner Post
"WESSA is a great place to get away from the city noises. There are many routes to go for walks, but make sure to have a good pair of hiking shoes for some of the hills could be a bit slippery if it was raining a few days before. Prices are also cheap and it's a nice place to go and spend the day at."
Marcell Van Niekerk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve is conveniently located in central Howick, with easy access off the main N3 highway. However, once inside, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended due to deteriorating road conditions.
Yes, the reserve is centrally located in Howick and easily accessible from the N3. The main entrance is straightforward to find.
A 4x4 vehicle is strongly advised. The roads within the park can become very rough and undrivable for standard cars.
Public transport options are limited for reaching the reserve directly. It's best accessed by private vehicle, preferably a 4x4.
Driving through the entire reserve can be challenging without a 4x4. Some sections of the road are known to be in poor condition.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is considered affordable, especially if you have a 4x4. It's advisable to confirm current pricing upon arrival.
Advance booking is generally not required for day visits. You can typically pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the gate.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check their official website or contact them for the most up-to-date information.
Parking is usually included with the entrance fee. Specific details about parking availability and any additional charges should be confirmed on-site.
Refund policies can vary. It's recommended to inquire about this possibility at the entrance gate before paying, especially if you have concerns about your vehicle.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include hiking, trail running, rock climbing, swimming in designated areas, and wildlife viewing. There are also picnic spots.
While there are many routes, some hikes, like the one down to the waterfall, can be physically demanding. Assess your fitness level before attempting steeper trails.
You can see zebras, wildebeest, blesbok, and other smaller animals. Recently, giraffes have also been donated to the park.
Yes, there are picnic spots, though some may be basic with limited facilities. 'The Saddle' is mentioned as a picnic spot, but signage can be lacking.
The reserve is more suited to the young and energetic. Some trails can be challenging, and the terrain might not be ideal for senior citizens.
📸 📸 Photography
The ridge roads offer superb views of the valley, making them ideal for landscape photography. Wildlife sightings also provide great photo opportunities.
Yes, the waterfalls are a key attraction and offer beautiful photographic subjects, especially after rain when they are full.
Early mornings and late afternoons are generally best for wildlife photography as animals are often more active during these cooler periods.
Specific regulations regarding drone usage are not mentioned, but it's always advisable to check with park authorities before flying a drone.
While you can see animals, it's important not to get too close to maintain a safe distance for both you and the wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to stick to the more accessible paths and picnic areas. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear, and always supervise them closely, especially near water or on steeper terrain. Packing plenty of water and snacks is also a good idea, as facilities can be limited.
👟 Active Adventurers & Hikers
For the more daring, opportunities for rock climbing are also available. The reserve provides a natural playground for those who love to push their physical limits and immerse themselves in the outdoors. The affordable entry fee makes it an accessible option for regular adventurers.
🚗 4x4 Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a rugged experience. The lack of consistent road maintenance means you should have confidence in your vehicle's capabilities. The reward for navigating these conditions is access to stunning views and a more immersive exploration of the reserve.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain: A 4x4 Necessity
It's crucial for visitors to be aware of this before paying the entrance fee. Some reviewers suggest that the park reception should proactively inform visitors about the 4x4 requirement. If you don't have a suitable vehicle, you may find yourself unable to explore a significant portion of the reserve, limiting your access to viewpoints and picnic spots.
For those equipped with a 4x4, the park offers a rewarding experience with its scenic drives. However, the lack of road maintenance is a recurring concern. Planning your visit with the right vehicle in mind will significantly enhance your enjoyment and prevent potential disappointment.
Embracing the Adventure: Hiking and Activities
Beyond hiking, the reserve provides opportunities for rock climbing and swimming in designated areas, making it a versatile destination for adventure seekers. The natural beauty of the valley, combined with these activities, makes it a great place to spend a day exploring. The affordable pricing also adds to its appeal for those looking for an active and budget-friendly outing.
While the reserve is described as children-friendly, parents should be mindful of the difficulty of certain trails. The emphasis is on an active experience, so visitors should come prepared with appropriate gear, such as good hiking shoes, and be ready to engage with the natural landscape.
Wildlife and Scenery: What to Expect
Complementing the wildlife are the superb views of the uMngeni Valley. The roads that follow the ridge of the hill provide expansive vistas, making the drive itself a scenic experience. You can also catch a glimpse of the well-known Howick Falls as you traverse the area. The combination of accessible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes makes the reserve a worthwhile visit for nature lovers.
It's worth noting that while the park is an animal reserve, visitors are advised not to approach the animals too closely to ensure safety. The natural setting provides a tranquil escape, though occasional noise from the local community has been reported.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit