Mountain Biking
Clearwater Trails near Port Edward boasts a marvellous mix of terrain and scenic views along four custom-built and well-marked mountain biking trails. Jan ‘The Man’ Abbott went all out when he designed the routes, making sure there would be something to suit all levels and types of mountain bikers.
Although you will be riding on singletrack and jeep tracks for 90% of the time, an occasional stretch of tarmac is now and then used to link sections of the ride. All trail options traverse the calypso coastline of the balmy Indian Ocean, criss-crossing stands of shady coffee trees within the Beaver Creek Coffee Estate in Port Edward. An exhilarating mix of handmade single-track, jeep track and gravel road constitute a fast and riveting ride. Choose between routes along moderate gradients or attempt a few of the more serious downhill sections if, of course, you’re prepared to take on the burn as you climb back up out of the valley!
There are four individual trails riders can tackle:
Green Route 4.7 km: This easy circuit on farm roads and single-track is ideal for family outings and sprint rides. From the cabins, head from the gate to Umtamvuna Gorge Viewing Deck. Follow the white poles with black arrows and luminous paint to stay on route.
Blue Route 11 km: This is an easy to moderate circular option along a mix of gravel roads, single-track and dual-track. This trail follows the ridgeline with only a few gradual hills, but is more technical than the Green Route.
Black route 16 km: This tough circuit whips you round on mostly single-track, with the odd bit of tar and gravel road. Ride with care.
Red Route 6.3 km: This is very technical, so only attempt it with both a proper skill set as well as the right bike. There is a short 2 km Red Route option as well.
Umtamvuna Nature Reserve
Umtamvuna Nature Reserve lies 8 km outside of Port Edward and is a natural haven for South Coast greenery, set within the beautiful Umtamvuna River Gorge. It is home to various rare and endemic plant species and consists of diverse habitats such as grasslands and Coastal Scarp Forest. Visitors to the reserve can expect to spot birds such as the Cape vulture, Crowned eagle, Secretary bird and wildlife like Samango monkey, Bushbuck, Blue duiker and the elusive Leopard.
The reserve is known for having the best nature walks along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, with trails suited for both beginners and experts. The following routes are available to avid nature enthusiasts ready to explore the magnificent scenery of Port Edward in KZN:
Lourie Trail: A relatively easy 2 km walk along the eastern bank of the Umtamvuna River through forestry.
Fish Eagle Trail: A slightly more difficult route that ascends steeply up the gorge to the grasslands above after following the river upstream for 3 km. It continues along the edge with spectacular views of the river as it winds its way through the gorge to the sea. It is 8 km in total and will take around 4 hours to complete.
Ingungumbane Trail: This trail is steep 4 km climb down to the Bulolo River and then back up through the forest to the grasslands. Well worth the effort!
uNkonka Trail: This route goes down to the Bulolo River and then downstream to the Umtamvuna River. This trail has great swimming spots along the river but the terrain is a little difficult to negotiate. A steep climb back up to the grassland follows where you can enjoy the spectacular views over the gorge. It is around 8 km and 6 hours long.
iMpunzi Trail: This 8 km route goes through the grasslands along the eastern boundary of the reserve. It with the Fish Eagle trail ending at the Pont entrance.
iMziki Trail: You’ll descend to the Bulolo River and then back up to Western Heights, where you can enjoy the gorgeous views and explore the forests and kloof. This is the longest route at 12 km and takes 8 hours to complete.