Umbilo-Umhlatuzana River Park
Description
This trail runs along the Umbilo Canal and mainly wading birds and swamp- or marsh-loving species are seen. The braai facilities in the picnic area are a bit worn, but the children’s playground is well kept. This is not a trail you should attempt on your own as muggings have been reported. Wait for a hiking club to advertise a hike and join them – the municipality gladly supplies escorts for groups of hikers.
Directions
Heading South along the N2, take exit 161 – M7/Edwin Swales VC Drive/Queensburgh. Turn left at the robot, into the M7 towards the Bluff. Follow the sign that says R102/Durban/Umbilo and continue until you see Stellawood Road on your left, turn into it. Turn left into Bartle Road and then left at the T-junction, into Oliver Lea Drive. You will notice the picnic site and park on your left.
Routes
There are a number of routes to choose from:-
Umbilo Canal and Carrington Heights (2 kilometers, 1 hour) – This trail follows the Umbilo Canal. Once completed, you have a choice of the following routes to continue along:-
- Umbilo River to Roosfontein (6 kilometers, 3 hours) – This is a point to point trail that takes you up the Umbilo River until you reach the Roosfontein Nature Reserve.
- Umbilo River to Beacon Park (1.5 kilometers, 45 minutes) – This trail takes you up a tributary of the Umbilo River to the watershed ridge of Beacon Park off Sarnia Road. The vegetation along this route has been planted by residents and the bird life is not that rich. From the end of this route you can choose to continue on to Coedmore Park, only 1.5 kilometers away, this walk will take you 20 minutes. You can continue even further to the Stainbank Nature Reserve’s main gate, which is only another 2.5 kilometers away (a 40 minute walk). Once you’ve reached Stainbank, you can choose to go even further – another 2 kilometers (3 hours) to Hillary Road bridge – and see interesting water plants.
Rating
Moderate; strenuous – you need to be fit (even if only a little).
Permit
Join a pre-arranged hike.
Features
Picnic area at start; toilets at start; wading birds and swamp- or marsh-loving species; snakes; water plants.
Take With
You will need the following:
• Good walking shoes;
• Camera;
• Binoculars;
• Refreshments and water.
Please Note
Important points to remember about this hike:
• Not a trail to tackle on your own;
• This is a point to point hike, plan how you will get back to your car;
• Beware of snakes (the black mamba and Mozambique spitting cobra has been spotted along certain sections of this hike).