WAGENDRIFT NATURE RESERVE - EDUCATION CENTRE

The Wagendrift Youth Centre is situated within Wagendrift Nature Reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

VISITOR AMENITIES
The large dining hall can be used as a lecture hall. A field is close to the centre for outdoor activities. Swimming and fishing are allowed.  

Moor Park forms part of the Wagendrift Nature Reserve and is approximately 10 km away from the Youth Centre. It is accessible by bus and at no extra charge, visitors can explore Moor Park along the self-guided Furrow Trail. This follows the course of an old irrigation furrow which was built in 1903. The trail is an easy walk of 3,5 km and should take 2-3 hours to complete at a comfortable pace. An interpretive booklet on the park is available. This refers to the various reference points along trail which have been selected as sites of particular historical and ecological interest.
This This area is one of great historical significance. It is listed in the Guinness Book of records as the first known iron-age settlement in Southern Africa, occupied during the 11th century.

The area was also the scene of numerous famous battles between the Boers and the British. The wildlife within Moor Park includes: black wildebeest, zebra, blesbuck, mountain reedbuck, bushbuck, impala and grey duiker to name a few. For the keen eye, caracal, black-backed jackal, striped polecat, clawless otter and genet may also be seen.

The many habitats created by the varied types of vegetation and wealth of cliff ledges ensures a great diversity of birdlife too. Over 200 bird species have been recorded including larger raptors such as black eagle and African fish eagle. Apart from the many smaller grassland and forest birds, a variety of water birds are found on and around the dam. Bird and mammal lists are in the booklet available from the office. The area in and around the park is also the sole habitat for the small yellow flowering shrub, Calpurnia woodii, found nowhere else in the world. A field ranger is available to accompany visitors along the walk but prior arrangements with the office must be made. Using the centre as a base, an exciting voyage of discovery can be started. Three bioclimatic regions exist in the area: from Drakensberg mountain, through the lowlands of Wagendrift Nature Reserve/Moor Park region to the typically rugged and wild valley bushveld of Weenen Game Reserve.

The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site, is only an hour away. Weenen Game Reserve, 35 km away, protects a variety of the larger mammal species such as the white rhino, the endangered black rhino, kudu, giraffe, eland, red hartebeest, zebra and hyaena to name just a few. The size and layout of the reserve lends itself to game viewing and a game drive will provide opportunities to see most species. There are also guided and self-guided walking trails available for those wishing to experience the thrill of walking in big game country.

Other places of interest include Fort Durnford museum and the Glamosa Glass Factory in Estcourt 10 km away. The Jaggersrust Electrical Project is also within reasonable distance.

Please note gate closing times:
Summer (1 October -31 March) 05:00- 19:00
Winter (1 April -30 September) 06:00- 18:00
Please plan arrivals back from any excursions out of the reserve to coincide with these gate times.

ACCOMMODATION
The Youth Centre has been specifically designed for use by large groups of visitors. The centre has four dormitories with a total of 80 beds. Attached to each dormitory are separate sleeping and bathroom facilities for two teacher/group leaders. Only beds and mattresses are supplied. No linen is supplied.

COOKING FACILITIES
A large dining/lecture hall is attached to a fully equipped kitchen which contains cooking pots and utensils, a large electric stove and oven, gas stoves, large fridge and freezer , storage cupboards. washing up sinks and braais with grids.

ABLUTION FACILITIES
A large ablution facility between the four dormitories has separate male and female toilets and showers, with hot and cold running water.

WHAT TO BRING
Food, toiletries, crockery and cutlery, drinking and braaiing utensils, sleeping blankets and pillows and sporting equipment.

COST
An educational concession granted by KZN Wildlife has enabled the costs for visiting school groups to be kept reasonably low.
Fees are obtainable from the office at Wagendrift Nature Reserve, P.O. Box 316, Estcourt, 3310. Telephone (036) 352 5520. Fax (036) 352 2807
Bookings can be done directly by contacting the Officer at the above address or by telephone.

GENERAL
Teacher/Supervisors are responsible for the behaviour of the Youth Centre occupants.
The school/organisation hiring the Centre is responsible for all equipment in the Centre.
Each party is responsible for its own cooking and cleaning. Brooms, dustpans and rubbish bins are provided in each dormitory.
Visitors must leave by 10:00 on the morning of departure, unless alternative arrangements have been made with the office.
The inventory will be checked with the staff on arrival and departure.