Vryheid - South

Cradle of the Zulu

South of Vryheid lie open, tall grassland, bushveld and rolling bush-clad hills. The area is predominantly a cattle and game farming area, with some heat-loving crops grown in the hot Thaka River valley. The R34 road leads to the historical Ulundi (130km) and the famous Hluhluwe / iMfolozi Park (170km) as well as Melmoth (130km), Eshowe (170km), Richards Bay (230km) and eventually Durban (320km).

 

The Klipfontein Bird Sanctuary (S1) is situated 2km south-west of town on the Babanango road and is managed by the Vryheid Branch of the EKZN Wildlife Honorary Officers. The wetland is a perfect example of what can be done when treated sewage is channelled and dammed into degraded grassland. The resulting reed and rush-bed provides a safe refuge for a large number of rare and secretive wild waterbirds. A small hide is located on the edge of a pan and allows for great views of about 10 duck species, including the African rail, red-chested flufftail, black and Baillon’s crakes.

The reedbeds also attract a number of warbler, weaver, widowbird and whydah species. A pair each of grey crowned crane and African fish eagle breed in the sanctuary. Smaller mammals include the water mongoose and Cape clawless otter.

The waters of the Klipfontein Dam (S4, 8km) lure local fishermen to its carp, bass, barbel, scaly and other populations. The Inkamana Abbey (S4, 8km), situated on the edge of the dam, is an important and prominent feature around Vryheid and includes an abbey and a school and features beautiful architecture.

The eZikhume and Mpofini Mountain Bushveld area (S2), 10km south of Vryheid, is another well-known birding hotspot with over 200 species recorded around the Zikhume mountain. Thornveld, mixed woodlands, cliffs, rocky slopes and small streams represent the habitat type.

A number of mammals have been re-introduced to the Mpofini Game Lodge, which forms part of the same area. The broad-leaved coral tree grows on secluded slopes, while the localised corcky-bark thorn occurs on the warmer north-facing slopes.

In the south the footprints of the British army’s advance during the Anglo Zulu War of 1879 are clearly laid out. From the world famous Rorke’s Drift (S9, 120km) crossing on the Buffalo River past Isandlwana (S8, 140km) the site of arguably the greatest defeat the British army has ever experienced and on via Fort Tinta (S3, 11km), Fort Newdigate (S7, 70km) and the site of the death of the Prince Imperial (S5, 100km), France’s last link with the Emperor Napoleon, the names and places lead inexorably down the banks of the iMfolozi River and the royal palace of King Cetshwayo at Ondini (S14, 140km) just outside Ulundi (S15, 130km), site of a battle in 1879.

uMgungundlovu (S16, 100km), the site of King Dingane’s residence in the mid 1800’s, is worth a visit. Other interesting places to see include the Cemetery at Mahlabathini (S12, 140km), the Battle of Witklip (S6, 80km), an old Gold Mine (S13, 80km) and the white-backed vulture colony near Nhalazatshe Mountain (S11, 75km), itself an impressive landmark towering over the White Umfolozi Valley. Vryheid’s ‘Wild West’, the Black iMfolozi Valley (S10, 70km), is also within reach of a day trip.Situated east of Gluckstadt (35km), this area is dominated by thick thorn scrub, riverine forest, wooded hills and open grasslands. It is an area of great scenic beauty and is still home to wild leopard, spotted hyena and many antelope species.

Thangami Safari Spa and ThakaZulu Game Reserve lie at the bottom of the valley, along the Black Umfolozi River and form the focal point of a red-hot birding area. The special birds include southern ground hornbill, martial eagle, gorgeous bush shrike, long-tailed paradise whydah and purple-crested turaco. Many animals have been re-introduced into the area, including elephant, nyala, giraffe and warthog.