Take a saunter in the unspoiled and beautiful Oribi Gorge, a 35 minute drive from Port Shepstone, South Africa.
Oribi Gorge, a canyon cut by the Mzimkulwana River, is the eastern gorge of two that cut through flat sugarcane farmlands called the Oribi Flats. The scenery is stunning. The dramatic gorge is about 400 metres (1,300 ft) deep, and almost 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) wide at its widest. River erosion has carved out spectacular kloofs and crags, covered with dense subtropical vegetation. The dense forest on the sandstone slopes is home to various small mammals and along the river banks, large leguaans burrow. The name Oribi Gorge comes from the formerly frequently sighted oribi, a small buck. Commonly seen are both vervet and samango monkeys, bushbuck, duiker and reedbuck. Leopard live here but are rarely seen. Some 250 bird species have been listed, including 5 species of kingfisher and 7 species of eagle.
Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is the protected park along the bottom of the Oribi Gorge. It is about 27 kilometres (17 mi) long, and just 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) wide at its widest.
The reserve is bisected by a paved road that descends right to the base of the gorge, where it crosses the river and climbs back up the other side. There are many delightful walks and self-guided trails to scenic spots in the reserve. There are idyllic picnic spots on the banks of the river including a picnic and braai spot next to the bridge. 2 good walking trails start at the bridge: Hoopoe Falls Trail is a moderate 4 hour, 7 kilometer trail that wends its way along the riverbank, ending at a delightful waterfall. Another trail is the easy Nkonka Hike which takes just 2 hours and is 5 kilometers. There is another longer walk, the Mziki hike of 5 hours, 9 kilometres. The Camp Manager has details of the walks.
Next head for a stunning view, a great photo and some refreshments at Leopard Rock’s Overhanging Rock. This is a rock which juts right out over the gorge. There is accommodation here: Leopard’s Rock Chalets which are owner well-run. Only 4 romantic open plan, spacious chalets set on a rocky incline with sweeping views over the majestic Umzimkulu River Gorge. The chalets are earthy and rustic with a warm relaxed ambiance. Enjoy the view from the comfort of your bed or sip your drink while lying in your leather recliner listening to the soothing sound of the river rushing down the gorge.
We suggest a special start to the next day, which needs to be booked ahead. Visit the Oribi Cape Vulture Colony and hide with superb guide Andy. The work here has been fantastic and this endangered species is slowly growing. The colony is situated within farm property on a steep cliff face with panoramic views. From the meeting point, it is a short drive through cane fields, then a short walk to the view sites allowing you good vantage over the roosting and nesting places on the cliff face. The vultures are curious and you will sometimes have one flying close by to have a good look at you. Presumably to see if you are in any sort of decay!
Now for some action at Lake Eland Game Reserve which has not only animals such as giraffe, various antelope, zebra and wildebeest but the longest zipline tour in Africa. There are 14 stages and in one you must keep your legs up to avoid the lake. For adrenaline junkies, there is the Extreme Zipline which reaches speeds of 120km per hour!
Lake Eland also has mountain bike trails, hiking trails, fishing, playgrounds and activities for youngsters, game drives, 4×4 tracks & horse riding. There is a gravity scooter track which is fun and youngsters can stand up front. One of the most important reasons to visit Lake Eland Game Reserve, is to take a walk along the suspension bridge. It hangs 130m above the gorge and is some 80m long. A fear of heights? Your bravery will be amply rewarded with stunning views.
Time to relax with an award winning High Tea at The Gorge Private Game Reserve and Spa. You can visit this superbly perched luxury lodge with its breath taking views as a day visitor, or stop and indulge in all that this luxurious, romantic and intimate lodge has to offer to make you feel very special. Food at this lodge is a particular treat with many ingredients being home grown. The chef has a special way with food, which often has unusual infusions. Her many courses are simply heavenly!
Take a game drive to see the many types of antelope in this private reserve, including the rare oribi, leopard, black backed jackal, lynx, wildebeest, zebra, bush pig and the Samango monkey. It is a birding haven with over 255 species including fish, martial and crowned eagle, Cape vultures in the nearby colony, trumpeter and the endangered ground hornbill. Besides hiking and mountain biking, the lodge also recently discovered a cave with San Rock Art which you can visit. Alternately indulge in a Spa treatment, curl up with a good book or completely chill in the infinity pool.
Enjoy this wonderful break with stunning activities from The Saunter!
