VERNON CROOKES/ORIBI GORGE
 

 
4 DAYS SELF CATERING
DAY ONE
VERNON CROOKES
As you enter Vernon Crookes your impression is one of surprise at this natural area of rare coastal grassland tucked away in the canelands and farms of the KwaZulu-Natal south coast.
The grassland areas are full of wild flowers in the spring and together with the other dominant habitat, coastal forest, the reserve boasts 300 species of birds.
Book into your comfortable rest hut and after a late lunch take refreshments and do a game and bird viewing drive. Martial and Crowned eagles nest in the reserve so there is an excellent chance that you will get close up views of two of South Africa`s biggest raptors. With 56 species of mammals the reserve also offers many photographic opportunities.

DAY TWO
ORIBI GORGE
Rising before the sun drive to a high spot in the east of the reserve and watch the sun emerge from the Indian Ocean. Bird activity is at its maximum at this time of day and as each species proclaims its territory with song, move slowly through the various habitats, grassland, forest and the ecotones using this special time of the day to see the great variety in this special reserve. Return to camp for a relaxed breakfast, pack and make your way back to Umzinto and head south to Oribi Gorge. The coast between Umzinto and Port Shepstone has many coastal resort towns with beautiful beaches. Chose a suitable spot for lunch and a swim before heading inland at Port Shepstone which is a convenient place to restock essential supplies. At Oribi Gorge book into your comfortable chalet. An evening barbecue in this attractive camp completes your day.

DAY THREE
ORIBI GORGE
An early morning cup of coffee and taking binoculars and camera, set off for Baboon View on a trail that takes you along the edge of the gorge with magnificent views. The echo of bird calls rebounding off the steep cliffs where Cape Vultures nest. Back to camp for a late breakfast and then taking a packed lunch and lots of liquid as the gorge gets very hot, drive down into the gorge and stop at the picnic site next to the bridge over the Umzimkulwana River. Take the path next to the river to Hoopoe Falls. This takes you through the forest at the bottom of the gorge with the possibility of seeing the African Broadbill, Knysna woodpecker and the African finfoot in the river. Do not swim in the river because of Bilharzia. Once you return to camp in the late afternoon a refreshing swim in the camp swimming pool will set you up for a relaxing evening at the braai fire.

DAY FOUR
ORIBI GORGE
An early start with a packed breakfast and lunch on a hike along the Mziki Trail which follows the edge of the gorge then drops down into the gorge going past Samango Falls. Wonderful opportunities for bird watching and photography. The vegetation in the gorge is magnificent with a number of significant  trees such as Alberta magna with its deep red flowers.
Arriving back in the late afternoon, dip in the camp pool to freshen up and take your sundowners to Baboon Rock where you can sit and watch the sun set over this spectacular natural area.