Spread across the banks of the Tugela River just off the N2, the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve was once the site of an important British military camp and is now one of a chain of reserves protecting and preserving KwaZulu Natal's indigenous floral habitats.
With its well-preserved coastal bush, steep cliffs and gullies, the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve is a fine place to come for a day's visit or an overnight camp. The 104 ha reserve consists of scrubland, valley bushveld, and coastal vegetation with indigenous inhabitants such as blue, red and grey duiker, bushbuck, bushpig, impala, zebra, crocodile. It also includes a rich variety of bird life and butterflies, which makes hiking and bird-spotting a pleasure.
For day-trippers, facilities include a picnic and braai area where firewood can be bought from the ranger. Limited camping facilities are available and bookings have to be made well in advance.
At the main picnic site and parking area, there is a cultural museum housed in huts and featuring displays of Zulu beadwork and aspects of Zulu society.
Visitors can also take themselves on various self-guided trails including the 9-km Bushbuck Trail. The highlight, however, is the fascinating Remedies and Rituals Trail. At under 2 km, the trail is not exactly an arduous physical challenge, but rather an absorbing educational meander that can be comfortably be completed in under an hour.
The trail has been planned to introduce visitors to those plants which were important medically or spiritually (or both) to the early inhabitants of this region, both the white settlers and he Zulu.
Gate Opening and Closing Times: 06h00 to 18h00
Office Hours: The office is open from 07h00 to 16h00
