Roy Cowgill & Steve Davis

Roosfontein Nature Reserve is situated in Westville, about 10 km from central Durban, and is primarily a grassland reserve, with coastal forest in the river valleys. A variety of grassland birds are resident, such as Grassbird, several cisticolas, Redthroated Wryneck and many seed-eaters, including waxbills, canaries and widows. Identification of the widows is easier in summer when the males are in their distinct plumage, and Cisticolas are quickly identified by call at this time. Along the river in the valley, African Black Duck, Giant Kingfisher and Longtailed Wagtail are found, while on the cliffs Mocking Chat occur. In summer, numerous migrant warblers such as Garden Warbler, European Sedge Warbler and European Marsh Warbler can be heard and sometimes seen in the thickets.

There are two main trails, one through the grasslands (1 hour) and the second following a spur down into the valley and returning along the river (2 hours). To reach the reserve, turn off the N3 at the Pavilion Shopping Centre at Westville, and drive along Spine Road to the south for 3 km. The entrance to the reserve is on the left 150 m before the prison entrance.