Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve

August 8, 2021

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.

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Reviews

We only spent one night at Antbear and I am so sad we couldn't stay any longer! We had the most incredible time - Accommodation was beautiful, very clean and comfortable. And the food was out of this world. Andile was an incredible host, and nothing felt like too much trouble! We can't wait to go back!

We stayed at the cave at Antbear lodge. The owner Andrew and his staff are wonderful hosts and made us feel very welcome. Stying at the cave is a unique experience and it is well equipped with a fireplace with ample wood, small fridge and kingsize bed. The cave have a private deck with great views of the river and Drakensberg. Breakfast and dinner were good. Located close to Giants Castle and Kamberg nature reserves. The road to the lodge from the N3 is gravel and in poor condition but accessible with a normal vehicle. All the woodwork and furniture at the lodge is special and very unique

We stayed 3 nights at the lodge, and we enjoyed it so much. It started with a warm welcome by Andile and handpicked flowers in our room. We stayed at no. 8 which is a very spacious, beautiful unit, with a fenced garden for our pup to play. All the woodwork is impressive, from the doors to the furniture. The fact that our dog was allowed to roam freely everywhere added so much pleasure to our stay. She met up with all the animals, and the highlight was of course meeting Angel! The circular hike is beautiful and our dog loved running in the fields and jumping in the dam. The scenery around the lodge is stunning, it is so peaceful! The first evening it was very cold, but the fireplace kept us warm. Breakfast and dinner were delicious, with lots of homemade treats. It is such a great place to unwind, highly recommend it.

Thoroughly enjoyable stay at Antbear. Accommodation in cave was comfortable, well set out, secluded & quiet with wonderful views of the mountains. Loved the outside shower and sherry was a welcome night cap for the chilly evenings. Staff were fantastic. So friendly & went out of their way to make this occasion special for us. Food was delicious. All home cooked & home grown which made it taste even more heavenly. Compliments to the chef. Wood work too throughout the lodge is absolutely stunning. Only one suggestion that I could make is to perhaps includes a games room especially for those rainy days and for people travelling with children.

Just an amazing place to stay the night. we took her of with a hot air balloon that we booked before. the staff is super friendly they did our laundry and everything. the view is breath taking. the rooms are super cozy. just a place to visit!!!!

We were completely blown away by our stay at Antbear Lodge. It was by far the best accommodation and service we received on honeymoon. The luxury Cave is a must and the food was of the highest standard. We felt so welcomed. We are already planning when we can return. A little gem in the mountains.

We had an absolutely wonderful and very relaxing time at Antbear lodge. The staff are very friendly and accommodating, from the moment we arrived until we left. Both breakfast and dinner were really well prepared. The woodwork is truly something to see everywhere in the main area as well as the rooms. The farm and animals, especially the horses, are well looked after. I will definitely return.