DLINZA FOREST - OVERVIEW
Situated in southern Zululand, near the town of Eshowe, are two beautiful indigenous forests Dlinza and Entumeni. Both consist almost entirely of coastal scarp forest with a few glades of grassland. Known for their birds and plants, the forests are also home to a number of mammal species. The forests are currently visited by bird watchers from all over the world with the hope of catching a glimpse of one of the rare species which occur there.  

Both forests have hiking trails which allow easy access for visitors to enjoy their unique cool atmosphere. Early morning is the best time to visit as the forests echo with bird calls before the heat and cicada beetles take their toll a little later in the day. Shaded picnic sites are available. No entrance fee or booking is required. Accommodation and camping facilities are available at numerous establishments in Eshowe. An interpretive display on the fauna and flora in the area is situated in the Eshowe Fort Museum. The town of Eshowe also forms the epicentre of the Zululand birding route.

For more information contact the Eshowe Tourism Association on (035) 4741141.

DLINZA FOREST
Established in 1947, this 250 ha forest is uniquely situated within the urban environment of Eshowe. The Dlinza Forest historically provided a burial site for the Zulu dead during the Anglo-Zulu War in Eshowe.

The forest is best known for its birds. Two species in particular, namely the Spotted Thrush and Delegorgues Pigeon, are sought after by birdwatchers in the forest. Numerous other beautiful species such as Green Coucal, Grey Cuckoo Shrike, Narina Trogon, Trumpeter Hornbill, Redbacked Mannikin and Green Twinspot are found in the forest.

A picnic site on the western side of the forest provides secluded private barbecue sites and modern ablution facilities. Toilet paper is not provided.
The forest trail which starts at the picnic site takes approximately 2 hours to walk. Early mornings, particularly after rain, are broken by a chorus of forest birds and frogs. An alternative to the forest trail is Royal Drive, a rough track which passes through the centre of the forest.

While walking, keep a look out for secretive blue duiker and bushbuck which can be seen or heard as they scamper across the forest floor.
Numerous tree plaques provide information of biological interest and describe Zulu medicinal use of the various trees. The presence of a nesting pair of Crowned Eagles in the centre of the forest has resulted in their prey, the vervet monkey, utilising only the forest margin. Throughout the year, particularly in autumn, the butterflies are most impressive. Seventy species have been recorded. Species such as the Gaudy Commodore, Mocker Swallowtail and the Mother of Pearl abound here.

ENTUMENI FOREST
Established in 1970, this little-known 750 ha reserve consists largely of a gorge covered by forest. It can be found approximately 20 km from Eshowe on the Nkandla road. A visit to this reserve is advised only for the fit as the two trails are both situated on steep terrain. There are no facilities other than a clearing in the forest with two picnic tables. The two trails begin at this clearing. The uPiti Trail is a circular route and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The Ukhozi Trail takes approximately 4 hours. The Ukhozi Trail covers some beautiful but strenuous terrain. The half-way point is at a spectacular waterfall on the Ngoje stream. At this point the rare Longtailed Wagtails are often observed along the stream. Birding can be very rewarding with species such as Delegorgues Pigeon, Brown Robin, Yellowstreaked Bulbul, Olive Woodpecker, Grey Cuckoo shrike and Black Cuckoo. As with the Dlinza Forest, both blue duiker and bushbuck occur in the forest. The grasslands in the reserve are home to a herd of zebra, and numerous grassland bird species such as the Lazy and Croaking Cisticola. Two pairs of Crowned Eagles are regularly seen and heard flying over the forest.

This forest has a particularly high and impressive canopy provided by trees such as the Giant Umzimbeet, Wild Plum and Flatcrowns. Those in turn provide shade for the numerous colonies of plants such as Cycads and Clivias on the forest floor. A rare moth, the Miller's Tiger, which was thought to be extinct, was recently discovered in the grasslands of the Entumeni Forest.