uMngeni Valley
Welcome to uMngeni Valley – our magnificent 900 HA nature reserve in Howick
From game viewing to nature trails, rock climbing, picnicking and cooling off in sparkling rock pools and waterfalls, uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve has something for everyone.
From its highest point (1 044 metres above sea-level) near the entrance gate on the Howick-Karkloof road, the land drops away steeply to the valley floor, encompassing all five terrain units – plateau, escarpment, slope, foot slope and valley bottom.
Vegetation includes grassland, woodland, thicket and forest. Owing to this diversity, the reserve boasts an amazing variety of plants, insects, reptiles, birds and animals. Among these are zebra, giraffe and antelope like blesbok, impala, nyala, bushbuck and blue wildebeest.
Day visitors are welcome to come and enjoy all that the reserve has to offer. We also have a number of self catering chalets, cottages and rustic camps for those wanting to extend their stay.
Education Centre
Our education programmes are suitable for all age groups – from pre-primary to tertiary level, and extend from half day sessions to five-day camps.
Trained education officers not only open children’s eyes to the wonders of the natural world, they also challenge them to think about issues such as climate change, pollution and conservation of natural resources. Water and soil samples are examined, and students learn about GIS and map work. There are also team building activities and campfire memories to cherish.
Take a video tour of uMngeni Valley Education Centre, and see how we do things in this vast outdoor classroom.
Accredited science centre
In addition, uMngeni Valley Education centre is accredited by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). Science centres are integral to the delivery of the Department’s Science Engagement Strategy and can only fulfil this role if they meet certain performance and operational expectations.
Activities
Accommodation
Relax and enjoy our little patch of paradise – where you wake to birdsong and the thrill of spotting the elusive bushbuck on your early morning walk.
Options:
- Self catering chalets (6-8 sleeper) : R250-R500 per person per night sharing.
- Garden Cottage (6 sleeper): 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, lounge and braai area. R500 per person per night sharing, or R2700 for 6 people per night.
- Baurmann’s Cottage (2 sleeper): 1 bedroom with ensuite. R500 per person per night.
- Indulo Camp (min 10 people): R150 per person per night.
- Cycad Camp (min 10 people): R150 per person per night.
10% discount for WESSA members
Conservation levy
R35 per adult
R20 per child under 12 years of age
Children under 2 years of age – no charge
uMngeni Valley Season Tickets
R500 individual
R250 pensioner
R1000 family (maximum 5 persons)
Enquiries and Bookings
Tel: 033 330 3931 / 087 354 9072
Email: bookings@wessa.co.za
Not what you’re looking for? Check out our Education Centres at Treasure Beach and Twinstreams.
