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 consists of undulating hillsides with steep cliffs and gullies covered in scrubland, valley bushveld, and well-preserved coastal bush, and from the camp and picnic sites which are perched on the hilltop, there are good views over the Thukela Valley towards the sea.

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. Although the original tree was severely damaged in a cyclone in 1987 a branch that was grafted from it has been planted nearby, and the site has been enclosed by a fence

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.

The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife species such as zebra, bushbuck, impala, blue, red and grey duiker, vervet monkeys, bush pigs the slender mongoose, the white-tailed mongoose, the banded mongoose, porcupines, and crocodiles

In an area that is a veritable paradise for the bird watcher and you can look out for the Green Barbet, Pel’s Fishing Owl, the Pink-Throated Twinspot, Neergard’s Sunbird or the Palmnut Vulture among others, and in season you will encounter many butterfly species.

There are various self-guided trails including the 9-km Bushbuck Trail, however the shorter 2km Remedies and Rituals Trail designed to give visitors an insight into the traditional remedies of the Zulus and Settlers, is very popular, and can be completed within an hour.

At the main picnic site and parking area, there is a Cultural Museum consisting of huts showcasing Zulu beadwork and other aspects of Zulu society.

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.