Vryheid - East

The power of nature

Travelling in the direction of the rising sun, the area of Vryheid holds the greatest diversity of trees in the province, as well as fantastic birding and game viewing and some important historical and religious sites. This region is the centre of the coal mining area and contains open grassland and bushveld, interspersed with some impressive mountains. The tarred R69 leads one to Louwsburg (70km), Pongola (140km) and  the Mkhuze Game Reserve (230km).

 

The magnificent Zulu War fortress of Hlobane Mountain (E1, 35km) is where Lt Col Buller (later to become famous in the Boer War) earned his Victoria Cross rescuing mounted horsemen in a desperate attempt to save his men from a trap that AbaQulusi warriors had set for the British. The mountain has been mined for over a hundred years for its rich coal seams and a village of the same name lies at its southern foot (E2, 30km).

For the most incredible scenery and botany, a visit to the Bivane Dam (E3, 50km) is a must. Located west of Ithala Game Reserve, and privately owned, this diverse area is still under-explored and many new bird and plant species await discovery. The Bivane Dam, which is named after the river, forms the central point from which to explore the area. Rare plants include the Ithala gladiolus, Bivane waterwood, wild  teak, ‘livelong’ and many smaller, interesting botanical delights. Birding is productive, with rare species including the short-tailed pipit, white-backed night heron and redheaded weaver all being regularly recorded.

Klipspringer, chacma baboon, mountain reedbuck and serval are some of the naturally occurring mammal species. Fishing is a popular activity here too, and an exciting annual canoe race, the Ithala Challenge, takes place downstream of the dam.

On the way to Louwsburg you will find the place where Gen Louis Botha’s house (E4, 45km) was destroyed by invading British forces. Look out for the waterfall on the Nkongolwana River just past this point on the right. For a pocket-sized botanical and birding experience, visit the Sanyati Nature Farm (E5, 75km) just north of Louwsburg. It supports rare and endangered species that are hard to find elsewhere in the region. Transvaal bottlebrush, Ngoje lily, Vryheid aloe and many more grace the rocky and grassy slopes. It is one of the few areas that support three species of flufftails; red-chested, buff-spotted and striped.