Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk

Description

Built of natural timber, the boardwalk takes you 125m through the forest just below the canopy, which is 10m above the forest floor. The boardwalk itself is wheelchair friendly up to the steel observation tower, which is 20m high and unfortunately inaccessible to wheelchairs.

Visit the forest and let the Aerial Boardwalk reveal for you the magical bird life, indigenous trees, busy insects and precious flowers. Take notice of the things like textures of bark, twisted vines, roots of strangler figs, Epiphytic Orchids and the odd bird's nest. The 20m high viewing platform, which emerges above the canopy of the trees offers a panoramic view toward the Indian Ocean, over the tops of magnificent Flat Crown, Giant Umzimbeet and Forest Iron plum, yet still smell sweet blossoms and watch butterflies sip nectar at close range.

EXPLORING THE DLINZA FOREST

The best time to visit is early morning when the bird calls echo across the valley. There are currently two marked trails in the forest, starting with at visitor centre, with a deviation to Bishop's Seat. Trees are labelled on both trails.

The IMPUNZI TRAIL in an easy 20 minute round trip from the Visitors Center and takes you past majestic Fluted Milkwood, Giant Umzimbeet and Wild Plum.

The UNKONKA TRAIL reaches deeper into to forest and is an easy 30 minute walk , joining the Impunzi Trail near its end. Along the way you will cross the headwaters of the Mpushini River, where you may see spoor of the Blue Duiker, or the green-banded swallowtail sipping from the pool . Weave under great gnarled stems of vines, while listening carefully for the Green Coucal or Chorister Robins as they search for food amongst the abundant fruits, flowers and insects of the forest.

The Dlinza Forest is home to more than 65 species of bird including the endangered Spotted Ground-Thrush , the rare Delegorgue's Pigeon, magnificent Purple-crested Lourie and Narina Trogon, to name but a few. African Crowned Eagles are frequently seen from the viewing platform as they soar high above the forest.

Dlinza Forest is a popular birdwatching destination and is part of the Zululand Birding Route. In addition to the birds, there are over 80 species of butterfly and many more moths, the rare tiny Clifden's Centipede Snail (found only in here), millipedes, frogs and chameleons- in fact, a host of interesting animal life.

FASCINATING FOREST SECRETS

Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk is situated in an indigenous forest within the urban environment of Eshowe. Here visitors experience the unique 250 hectare indigenous coastal scarp forest from a birds eye point of view. The name Dlinza is derived from the fact that one of the first Sibiya Chiefs was buried on the forest fringe . The noun " idlinza " is Zulu for grave or sepulchre whilst the verb implies meditation and thought.

Elephants once walked the forest and King Shaka is said to have hidden his women and children here when an attack by his enemy Zwide, chief of the Ndwandwes, was imminent.

Experience the boardwalk and take with you some fascinating secrets.

FACILITIES

The Visitors' Centre has a Refreshment kiosk, Curio shop and educational boma where trained birding guides will show you the interpretive displays of the flora and fauna and tell you about some of the Zulu myths associated with them. Books and promotional merchandise are available.

A picnic area with private secluded braai areas adjoins the visitor centre, which also has wheelchair friendly ablutions. Accommodation of various types is available in Eshowe and there are many other places to visit. Don't forget CAMERA, BINOCULARS and WALKING SHOES!

THE TOURS

The tours are conducted through the Boardwalk with a qualified guide. The forest has trails namely the Impunzi Trail which is 1,3kms and the Unkonka Trail which is 1,8kms for more birding.

The guides also identifies places such as the Royal, and the Bishop Seat where Bishop Carter of St Michaels Cathedral used to sit and meditate before his next sermon in the early days. The tours can range from an hour to half a day depending on your needs and interests. Accommodation bookings can be arranged for you.

VISITING HOURS

The Boardwalk is open daily with the exception of Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. Visiting hours are:

In Summer (1st of September to 30th of April) from 06h00 to 18h00.
In Winter (1st of May to 31st of August) from 07h00 to 17h00.
Should potential visitors / birders wish to visit at times different from the above, please contact the Boardwalk Manager on +27 (0) 35 474 4029 or boardwalk@zbr.co.za and make the necessary arrangements. A spare wheelchair is available at the office should it be needed.

Directions