ENTUMENI FOREST - OVERVIEW
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.