Umgeni Valley nature reserve lies in a spectacular gorge below the Howick Falls, while the upper part is the fringe of a rolling plateau which has an average altitude of about 1 000m.
The Umgeni Valley reserve is home to giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope. There is an indigenous tree trail surrounding the Education Centre and self-guided walks mingling with the wildlife in the beautiful. The reserve is a bird watchers paradise, with over 200 bird species to view throughout the year including the elusive Nerina Trogon or the crowned eagle. The reserve is also a butterfly hotspot.
There are 5 trails in the Reserve, namely the Black Eagle Trail of 7 km, circular, the Inkonka Trail of 5 km, circular, the Dwarfs Dawdle of 5 km, circular, the Grasslands Trail of 8 km, circular and the Shelter Falls Trail of 3 km, circular. Shorter 1,5 km walks are also available.
