Guide to Dlinza Forest in Eshowe

Of the many beautiful forests of Zululand, Dlinza - around which Eshowe has grown - is probably the most accessible and is currently visited by birdwatchers from all over the world hoping to catch a glimpse of a rare bird species such as the Spotted Ground Thrush or Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon.
Early morning is the best time to visit when the forest echoes with the calls of Trumpeter Hornbills, Purple-crested Turacos and Narina Trogons.
As the day warms up the distinct chorus of the cicada beetles reverberates through the forest.
An alternative to walking the forest trails, is to walk (or drive) the Royal Drive, a gravel road through the centre of the forest where visitors can still have a good chance of glimpsing a secretive blue duiker or bushbuck.
Numerous tree markers along the trails provide interesting information along the trails and describe Zulu medicinal uses of the various trees.
Throughout the year, but especially in autumn, the butterflies are most impressive. As many as 70 species - including the Gaudy Commodore, Mocker Swallowtail and the Mother of Pearl - have been recorded in the 250-hectare forest.

Hours: 07h00-17h00.

Giant Fluted Milkwoods in a clearing known as Bishops Seat.

The horn-like knobs on the Forest Knobwood is one of the interesting trees on the trail.

OPEN DAILY
(closed Christmas Day)

HOURS:
SUMMER
(1 Sept - 30 April)
06h00 -17h00
WINTER
(1 May - 31 August)
07h00 -17h00

ENTRANCE FEE:
(Includes trained guide)
Adults: R25
Pensioners: R20
Season ticket: R60
Season Family: R120
Children 5-18 years: R5
Children u/5: Free

CONTACT DETAILS:
Tel: 035 474 4029

email:
boardwalk@birdlife.org.za

HIKING TRAILS

The iMpunzi Trail (1,3kms) is an easy 30 minute round trip from the Visitor Centre and takes you past majestic Fluted Milkwoods, Giant Ironwoods and Wild Plum trees. Trees are clearly labelled and described on the trails.

The uNkonka Trail (1,8kms) reaches deeper into the forest and is an easy 45 minute walk joining the Impunzi Trail near its end. Along the way you will cross the source of the Mpushini river, where you may see spoor of the Blue Duiker. Look out for blooming Clivia miniata flowers during Spring.

Bishop's Seat is a beautiful clearing in the forest where one of the early Bishops of Eshowe, Bishop W M Carter, would come to ponder his next sermon. It is now used as a venue for outdoor functions as well as an amphitheatre for the 'The Forest Noël' which the people of Eshowe present every three years.

Royal Drive is a picturesque drive on a gravel road through the forest and was specially cleared for the British Royal Family's visit to Eshowe in 1947.

The 125-metre Aerial Boardwalk is wheelchair friendly up to the final observation tower which is 20m high. There is a wealth of information - from birds to butterflies - on display in the Visitor Centre which will enrich your visit to this beautiful forest. There is also a refreshment kiosk, wheelchair-friendly toilet facilities and several picnic sites on the fringe of the forest near the car park. Trained guides are available at the Centre and will accompany visitors along the boardwalk.

The Spotted Ground Thrush (left) and the Purple-Crested Turaco (Loerie) are two of the specials at Dlinza Forest.
All birding photography courtesy of Hugh Chittenden.