Exploring Shongweni Dam near Durban
Durban, with it’s warm sub-tropical climate, is perfectly situated for an outdoors lifestyle and since we have far more sunny days than not, many Durbanites can be found at either the beach, or at any of the dams dotted about; Inanda Dam, Midmar Dam, Hazelmere Dam or Albert Falls Dam. One of the lesser known spots though, is Shongweni Dam.
Completed in 1927 after 5 years of construction, Shongweni Dam just outside of Hillcrest (some 30-odd km’s from Durban) consists of not only the dam itself, but 17 thousand hectares of nature reserve as well.
The Shongweni Resource Reserve (to give it the official name) is a perfect family spot. There’s abundant wildlife in the area, featuring Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Waterbuck and much more. There’s also picnic spots available for those family and friend get-togethers; and activities ranging from horse riding, sailing and canoeing available (please phone ahead to book). On top of everything else, there is also the fishing, with very respectable sized bass being caught on lure.
For those feeling more active, there are walking trails available where KwaZulu-Natal’s best kept birding location can be explored and over 200 birding species spotted! And for the more adventurous, there’s even some mountain climbing routes for the well-equipped to tackle. And if you’re planning to stay over, there is accommodation available, both inside and outside the reserve.
For history buffs, the dam wall also offers something a little extra, being the worlds largest “hydroplus fuse gate system” at the time and awarded the “South African Institution of Engineers Award for Technical Excellence” in 1995! The original water works located below the dam wall have been declared a national monument and can be explored on foot.
For a family or group of friends looking for something a little different to experience, the Shongweni Resource Reserve might be exactly what the doctor ordered!
Click here for more information about Shongweni Dam.
Information provided by Shelldon Wells of Country & Coastal Touring.