Harold Johnson Nature Reserve, Dolphin Coast, KwaZulu-Natal
Harold Johnson Nature Reserve is situated on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal about 24 km north of Stanger off the N2 highway on the south bank of the Tugela River. The reserve is 104 ha in extent and comprises undulating hillsides covered by grassland with dense coastal bush down steep cliffs and gullies. The reserve has some interesting vegetation, especially trees, orchids and ferns.
The area has some important historical significance in that it was the launch site of the British invasion of Zululand during the Anglo-Zulu war in 1879. Fort Pearson, where 5000 troops were garrisoned, was a thick earthen wall on a high knoll overlooking the Tugela within the reserve but there is not much of it left. There are the remains of the Ultimatum Tree, a huge old Sycamore fig tree, under which the ultimatums were read to King Cetshwayo’s clan leaders. The ultimatums were totally unreasonable and the Indunas were expected to remember them to carry them back to their King. Of course this was impossible so Britain actually forced the war on the Zulus.
The decision led to the famous battle at Isandlwana when the Zulus routed the British army. There is a small military cemetery just outside the reserve where many of the wounded were buried.
Gate Opening and Closing Times: 06h00 to 18h00. Office Hours: The office is open from 07h00 to 16h00
Entrance Fees: R10 / adult and R5.00 / child (subject to change without notice)
Tel: +27 (0)32 4861574
Getting there: Take the N2 freeway, go through the Tongaat & Umvoti Toll gates. Take the Zinkwazi/ Darnell turn off approx 18 Km’s after the Umvoti Toll. At the stop street turn left and at the robots turn right onto the R102. After approx 10Km’s see Harold Johnson sign board turn right onto dirt road and follow signs.
| More info on the town of Umhlanga | More info on the eThekwini area |
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