The Swamp Nature Reserve, Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
The Swamp Nature Reserve, as its name suggests, is mostly a wetland and is situated in the southern uKhahlamba Drakenberg Park, west of the Garden Castle Nature Reserve, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Wetlands cover 60ha of the reserve and there are no facilities at all. However, it is well worth a visit. The towering Drakensberg and Maluti Mountains of Lesotho create a stunning backdrop.
Naturally, the swamp attracts a wide variety of fresh water birds such as the wattled crane, so bird watchers should not be disappointed. You may also spot the tiny half-collared kingfisher and raptors such as the jackal buzzard, the crested eagle and many other smaller birds such as the dark-capped yellow warbler.
There are a number of other reserves in the area such as the Cobham State Forest and the Himeville Nature Reserve adjacent to the town of Himeville and near Underberg. It forms part of the Ezemvelo KZN management area so its unique bio-diversity has been maintained.
Getting there: take the R617 from Pietermaritrzburg to Underberg then onto the MR317 district road to Drakensberg Gardens (5km fro Underberg). This road ends at the gate. Follow the signs to the reserve. The Swamp Nature Reserve is due west of Garden Castle Nature Reserve.
| More info on the town of Underberg | More info on the Drakensberg area |
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