Amatikulu Nature Reserve

Amatikulu Nature Reserve is situated on the north coast, with the Indian Ocean as its eastern boundary. The reserve contains the Amatikulu and Nyoni River estuaries, fine coastal lowland forest and some unspoilt climax grassland, a rare habitat type along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Approximately 210 species occur in the three main habitats o f the reserve, which has been restocked with several mammal species.

Specials
Dwarf Bittern, Crested Guineafowl, Green Malkoha, Swamp Nightjar, White-fronted Bee-eater, Olive Woodpecker, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Green Twinspot, Grey Waxbill.

Habitats
River estuaries, coastal lowland and dune forests, coastal grassland.

Facilities
The Zangozolo Tented Camp, which can accommodate 12 visitors, is built on wooden platforms overlooking the Amatikulu River and incorporates a panoramic view of the river estuary, sea and dune forests. This reserve offers a network of trails which lead along the river to the beach, through the dune and coastal forests and through the grassland. There is also a 4x4 track that leads to a pan near the Nyoni River. At the end of the main road which leads through the reserve, there is a shady picnic site on the bank of the Amatikulu River.

Birding
A short distance from the gate, the road runs through the grasslands where, in spring and early summer, many grassland bird species can be seen, such as Zitting Cisticola, Pale-crowned Cisticola, and Yellow-throated Longclaw. White-fronted Bee-eater are usually found hawking insects from the telephone lines along this road. In the wet season, Swamp Nightjar has been found in the moist shallow depressions occurring in the grasslands.

The road continues through coastal lowland forest which provides a suitable habitat for Crested Guineafowl, Lemon Dove and Gorgeous Bush-Shrike.

The road ends at the picnic site, from where one can see a range of aquatic birds in the river. One may find Goliath Heron and Little Egret stalking along the banks looking for unwary fish, or a Caspian Tern continually quartering the river in search of fish. In the picnic site, Yellow-breasted Apalis and Chinspot Batis can be seen in the upper branches of the trees, busily gleaning insects from the foliage.

From the picnic site, follow the path leading towards the beach. Soon after leaving the site, one passes through a small swamp forest, providing a suitable habitat for Black-throated Wattle-eye. Along the path, in the shady grassy areas, first listen and then look for Green Twinspot, which relishes this grass when it is in full seed. They may also be accompanied by Grey Waxbill and Red-backed Mannikin. From here, a path heads south up the valley through coastal lowland forest, where Green Malkoha and Olive Woodpecker are heard more often than seen.

General:

Gate Opening and Closing Times are:
Summer( October to March ): 05h00 to 21h00
Winter (April to September ): 05h30 to 21h00
Day visitor Entry Fee R10.00 per adult R5.00 per child

Office Hours: The office is open from 08h00 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 16h00

Camp Telephone Number: +27 32 453 0155
Camp Fax: +27 32 453 0058

Facilities: A communal freezer is available in the camp kitchen

Special Precautions:
As crocodiles and bilharzia are found in the rivers, visiters are advised not to swim in the rivers or drink the river water and do so at their own risk.

The nearest town which has a full range of services is Gingingdlovu which is 15 kms away.

How to get there:
Take the N2 north from Durban and take the Nyoni off-ramp, turn right over the highway and proceed 3kms to the reserve's gate

Accommodation reservations: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Reservations in Pietermaritzburg. tel +27 33 845 1000 / fax. +27 33 845 1001.bookings@kznwildlife.com. www.kznwildlife.com.

Roy Cowgill and Steve Davis 2001.