River Valley Nature Reserve

Description

River Valley Nature Reserve is one of the few remaining privately owned and family run pockets of natural habitat on KwaZulu Natal's South Coast. The reserve falls within a horseshoe of a picturesque section of the iVungu River, which meanders down through a valley of hills into the Indian Ocean at the well-known Uvongo Beach, where one finds the iVungu Falls.

Comfortable accommodation is offered in 2 self-catering cottages. Each cottage comprises 2 large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms; both bathrooms have a shower and a bath. One bedroom contains a double bed and the other has 2 single beds.

Each cottage comprises an open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen. The lounge and bedrooms open up to a large verandah looking onto riverine forest. There are fans in the bedrooms and in the lounge area. The kitchen is equipped for self-catering with a fridge-freezer, oven and stove, microwave, kettle, toaster, pots and pans, and all the necessary crockery and cutlery. The lounge has a TV with a DVD player and selected DStv channels. Guests are welcome to bring their own DStv decoder and smart card for access to more channels.

Linen and bath towels are provided, as well as soap and toilet paper. Guests are required to bring their own beach towels, charcoal and firewood. Braai facilities are available, as well as a trampoline for the children.

There are walking trails through the reserve, and a picnic area for guests to enjoy. The reserve borders the Margate Golf Course, and is within reach of the main South Coast beaches and shopping centres, yet peacefully away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Abundant birdlife including the Narina Trogon, African Finfoot, Crowned eagle, Knysna Turaco, Olive woodpecker, and over 145 species of birds inhabit the area. Antelope such as nyala, impala, bushbuck, and blue and grey duiker can be seen, and if you are fortunate, you might be able to get a sighting of the Cape clawless otter that frequents the reserve.