VRYHEID HILL - EDUCATION
With the aid of many sponsors, the Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve Trust has built the Ntingonono Environmental Centre which is a unique facility designed specifically for low cost, rustic-type environmental education for school groups and other interested groups. The Ntingonono Environmental Centre is situated at the foot of the historical Lancaster Hill, in the heart of the Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve. 

Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve, 950 ha in extent, comprises five different ecosystems which make it an ideal venue for environmental studies. Forty mammal species roam the area and amongst others the following can be seen: eland, zebra, blesbuck, impala, oribi, mountain reedbuck and common reed buck. The keen eye will also pick up serval, caracal, porcupine, rock hyrax, genet and many more small mammals. Many trees are found on the slopes of the hill, 82 species of which have been identified. Interesting species include the various fig trees, coral tree, Cape quince, flame thorn, kranz aloe, buffalo thorn, forest bushwillow, Cape beech and the abundant cabbage tree. Eleven species of Orchid also occur in the reserve.

Many invertebrates occur and when the plants are in flower, a diversity of butterfly species can be found. With the summer rains the amphibians such as the red toad, common toad and the river frog compete in harmonious song. The reserve is also known as a bird watchers paradise, in which 208 bird species have been identified. The name of the centre is derived from the Zulu word "Ntingonono" meaning secretary bird, which periodically breed on the hill.

ACCOMMODATION
There are ten all-weather tents on wooden platforms. Each tent contains three double bunk beds with mattresses, each accommodating a maximum number of six people. Overall, the rustic accommodation can accommodate a total number of 60 people. Separate his and hers ablution facilities with hot and cold running water and flush toilets are available.

COOKING FACILITIES
There is a fully equipped kitchen with a dining/lecture hall attached, with 20 tables and 100 chairs. The kitchen contains fridges, freezers, an electric stove, cooking pots and utensils, eating and drinking utensils and a storage facility.

WHAT TO BRING
Food, toiletries and sleeping gear Sleeping bag and pillow.

COST
As this superb facility can be used for so many different functions, different tariffs are charged to different user groups. A special education concession is granted by the Ntinginono Environmental Centre for school groups, enabling this tariff to be kept at a reasonably low price. Prices are obtainable from the Parks Department Vryheid TLC, PO Box 57, Vryheid 3100. Tel/Fax (034) 9822768 or 9814341.

There are four educational-activity packages to choose from, in which visiting groups can participate in a varied and interesting educational programme

THE ZEBRA PACKAGE
This is the simplest package, in which visiting groups utilize Ntingonono Environmental Centre, go on the self- guided walking trails and utilize their own vehicles for self-guided day drives.

THE BUSHBUCK PACKAGE
This package includes the use of the Ntingonono Environmental Centre and the use of the "Hands On, Forest Fun" information booklets providing a greater insight and excitement in discovering the biodiversity in the evergreen forest.

THE SOUTHERN BOUBOU PACKAGE
Deep in the riverine and evergreen forests, a variable duet with basic notes of boo boo followed by a whistle whee-woo are the characteristic sounds of the Southern boubou. By exploring the various habitats within the reserve and having access to visual and audio bird identification aids, visitors will soon become familiar with its particular sound and those of the various other bird species. This package which includes the use of the Ntingonono Environmental Centre, has a specific emphasis on exploring and learning about the diverse birdlife found in the reserve.

THE LANCASTER PACKAGE
Whilst staying at the Ntingonono Centre, take a drive along the various roads during the day and embark on an interesting journey, re-discovering the days of the past, when the area in and around the reserve was occupied by the British troops during the Second Anglo-Boer War. Several of the features such as the fortifications established during this period have survived to tell the tale of the battle between the British and the Boers.
The use of an interpretive brochure will enable you to re-live the occurrence, explaining the various North and South Gun Point Trails.