Wilderness Gem near Durban
Just 30 minutes from Durban, Shongweni Dam and Game Reserve is a little gem set in verdant hills around a tranquil dam in KwaZulu-Natal. So close to the city, and yet it feels like wilderness. There are a number of idyllic spots around the reserve, loud with birdsong and a frog orchestra of considerable talent.
The dam is beautiful. Early mornings see fishermen casting their lines around its shores; the days are filled with boating groups from local schools; in the evenings the waters are crisscrossed by canoeists.
Apart from the wide array of non-motorised water sports and fishing (carp, big-mouthed bass, tilapia and barbel abound), Shongweni also offers picnic sites, walking trails and even rock climbing on Shongweni’s dramatic sandstone cliffs.
Game drives, guided walks and canoes can be booked at reception. The drives are surprisingly fruitful as this relatively small, 1 700-hectare reserve is home to a wide variety of mammals, including white rhino, buffalo and giraffe.