Kwazulu Natal South Coast Attractions

Day trip to Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and Fairacres Estate

Oribi Gorge

The Oribi Gorge is situated along the spectacular forest-cloaked ravine of the Mzimkulwana River. The river has etched a spectacular gorge into the mountains to create a rugged, natural landscape of breathtaking beauty. Over centuries, the sandstone cliffs of the gorge have been carved out by the river. At the base of the cliffs there are rocks over 1000 million years old while the cliffs were formed from sandstone deposited about 365 million years ago. The canyon has been named after the small antelope, Oribi. The forests are home to leopard, caracal, serval, bushbuck, blue duiker and samango monkey and the grasslands are the home of the oribi. The gorge is a bird-watchers paradise, with over 255 species of birds. There are 500 plant species e.g. orchids, proteas, aloe and many species of cycads.  Visitors can explore the reserve along six nature walks, ranging from 1km to 9km.

Fairacres Estate

Spectacular views of the Oribi Gorge can be seen from vantage points along the cliff edge e.g. the Horseshoe Bend in the Mzimkhulwana River. Other rock formations with imaginative names which can be seen are. Overhanging Rock, Sphinx, Pulpit, Leaning Tower and Baboon’s Castle. Lehr’s Waterfall is also a popular attraction.