Ingungumbane Trail

Start: Umtamvuna Nature Reserve – at the office

Finish: Umtamvuna Nature Reserve

Duration: 4 km; 3 hours

Fitness: moderate

Our tip: don’t let the steep gradients discourage you; this is one of the reserve’s most charming hikes

This circular hike lies in the Drakensberg’s most southern reserve, set on the banks of the Umtamvuna river, which acts as the border between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. As a result both the Hibiscus Coast and the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park have easy access to the reserve.

The hike is not a long one, but it is steep, particularly the initial climb down to the Bulolo River and the return route out of the valley.

But even the initial stages of the hike allow for spectacular views as one heads from the office towards the rim of the gorge. The route follows along the ridge before a steep zigzag descent to the river.

Once there you find yourself in indigenous forest with clearly marked trees, making it an easy space to while away an hour. Press on or the hike will begin to feel long.

You cross the Bulolo River a couple of times, walking on either bank. The trail then heads up to a waterfall, where you can easily stop as it is worth a swim and some picnic time as there is a serious trek out of the valley when the trail winds again through forest, exiting on the rim of the gorge once more near a stream.

This is a good hike to do with children, provided they can manage the climb.