Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk

Description

Built of natural timber, the Aerial Boardwalk takes you 125m through the indigenous coastal scarp forest at a height of 10m above the forest floor, just below the canopy. The Boardwalk itself is wheelchair friendly up to the 20m high steel observation tower. There are numerous benches on the walkway for resting, viewing interesting trees or a special bird sighting.

FASCINATING FOREST SECRETS

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 the Zulu word 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. In bygone days, Anglican Bishop Carter used to meditate on his Sunday morning sermons in particularly beautiful forest clearing, called Bishop’s Seat. A unique Nativity play , the Forest Noel, which was specially written to be performed in the natural tree-lined amphitheatre at Bishop’s Seat , takes place here every three years.

Visit the forest and let the Aerial Boardwalk reveal for you the magical bird life, indigenous forest giants, busy insects and delicate 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 over the tops of magnificent Flat Crown, Giant Umzimbeet and Forest Iron plum, yet one can still smell sweet blossoms and watch butterflies sip nectar at close range.

Experience the boardwalk and take with you some fascinating secrets.

EXPLORING THE DLINZA FOREST

The best time for birding is early morning when the bird calls echo across the valley, though the beauty of the forest can be experienced at any time. There are currently three marked trails in the forest, starting at the Visitor Centre, with a deviation to Bishop's Seat. Trees are labelled on both trails. An aerial photograph of the 250 hectare forest shows the extent of the trails.

The IMPUNZI TRAIL, 1,3 kms , is an easy 20 minute round trip from the Visitors Center and takes the visitor under majestic Fluted Milkwood, Giant Umzimbeet and Wild Plum.

The UNKONKA TRAIL, 1,8kms, 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 blue duiker, or the green-banded swallowtail sipping from a pool. Weave under great gnarled stems of vines, while listening carefully for the Green Malkoha or Chorister Robin-Chat as they search for food amongst the abundant fruits, flowers and insects of the forest.

The TIMBER WAGON TRAIL, newly re-opened, is a minimum of an hour-and-a-half’s walk. It follows the wagon trail made when the building boom of the early 1900’s offered financial opportunities for removal of the forest Yellow-woods. There is one narrow, tricky part of the pathway, and one short, steep descent, but for the most part the gradient is gentle. It should be used by those wanting to experience the less-visited, quieter parts of the forest. Some of the most magnificent vines and tall canopy trees are to be found in this area. The trail is signed, but it is advisable to pre-book a guide at the Visitor Centre. Take a bottle of water with you!

The Dlinza Forest is home to more than 65 species of birds including the endangered Spotted Ground-Thrush , the rare Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, magnificent Purple-crested Turaco 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 birding lists are available from the Visitor Centre.

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 Dlinza Forest Centipede Snail (found only here), millipedes, porcupines, red and blue duiker, bushbuck, caracal, frogs and chameleons- in fact, a host of interesting animal life.

FACILITIES

The Visitors' Centre has a Refreshment Kiosk, Curio Shop selling local crafts, books and conservation-related merchandise, and an educational boma where trained birding guides will show you the interpretive displays of the flora and fauna and explain some of the Zulu myths associated with them. A wonderful collection of forest insects, spiders, butterflies and other small creatures was recently donated by the late Mr Dennis Eckard, whose many years of collecting specimens in the Dlinza Forest has resulted in a fascinating and very comprehensive collection of forest fauna.

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 information can be obtained from the Visitor Centre. There are also other interesting places to see in Eshowe, such as the Fort Nongqayi Museum Village, where you can see wonderful Zulu basketry in the magnificent Vukani Zulu Cultural Museum, and the Zululand Historical Museum, amongst other things. Visit www.visitzululand.co.za for further details.

Don't forget CAMERA, BINOCULARS and WALKING SHOES! A spare wheelchair is available at the Visitor Centre if needed.

GUIDED TOURS

Qualified birding guides are available to guide groups or individuals on the Boardwalk, when requested, but it is essential to pre-book for groups through the Visitor Centre. Birding guides for the trails must be pre-booked and a small additional fee will be levied for this.

A guided tour of the Aerial Boardwalk can take from half an hour to an hour, depending on what birds are spotted. Trail tours in the Dlinza Forest can take up to three hours, depending on the sightings and needs of the visitor.

The educational programme for school groups focuses on conservation and in particular the value of forests and wetlands. School parties are welcome but booking is essential.

OPENING HOURS

The Boardwalk is open daily except on Christmas Day. Visiting hours are:

Summer (1st September to 30th April) from 06h00 to 18h00.
Winter (1st May to 31st August) from 07h00 to 17h00.

GUIDES

Comments made by Visitors to the Boardwalk

Guides may be booked through the Visitor Centre or via the Zululand Birding Route at guides@zbr.co.za

THE DLINZA FOREST AERIAL BOARDWALK IS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE EVEN FOR NON-BIRDERS, AND SHOULD NOT BE MISSED!

Rates

ENTRANCE FEES

Day visit - R25.00 per adult and R5.00 for children between 5 and 18 years old (pre-schoolers free).

Group concessions for 15 or more persons.
Season ticket ( renewable annually)- R60 per person or R120.00 per family (2 adults and 4 children under 18).

Directions

From Durban , take the N2 north. Take the exit to the R66, signposted Gingindlovu, Eshowe and Ulundi. Drive approximately 28kms. Ignore the first turning into Eshowe, and turn left at the second turning to Eshowe at the traffic lights, into Kangela Street.( If you are coming from the north on the R66,from either Melmoth or Empangeni, these traffic lights will also be the second turning to Eshowe) Travel approximately 3kms along Kangela Street, past the Hospital and High School. (Look out for Bald Ibis on the sports fields). Turn left at the sign for the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk.