Fancy a total escape from city life? Then welcome to Paradise Valley Nature Reserve. It is a celebration of utter natural beauty.
Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, located just outside Durban in Pinetown, is best known for its stunning waterfall. The waterfall cascades down a rock face. It creates a beautifully choreographed tumble of graceful power. Seeing it is truly magnificent.
This nature reserve spans about 170 hectares. It includes coastal forest and grasslands. The Umbilo River winds through the entire reserve. It is a vital water source for lush vegetation. The river also creates a perfect habitat for diverse animal species.
Did you know the Paradise Valley Nature Reserve was once part of a farm owned by Francis Drake? This was back in 1850. Francis was the son of Commodore Drake.
One of Paradise Valley’s main features is the Umbilo Waterworks. These waterworks are one of only two national monuments in Pinetown. Built in 1887, they tell the story of Durban’s first water supply scheme.
The waterworks included a 159 megalitre storage dam. There was also a 27 megalitre settling dam and water pipelines. Materials came by ox-wagon from Pinetown Bridge station to build the facility.
Sadly, the dam washed away in 1905. A catastrophic flood caused the dam wall to fail. 150 megalitres of water were released. This caused significant destruction along the Umbilo riverbanks. The dam was never rebuilt because Durban had found other water supplies.
Today, you can still see the stone reservoir remains. Look for the sand filter beds. Also spot the stone pipeline supports and remnants of the original dam wall.
Paradise Valley Nature Reserve has four trails. They range from gentle to steep. The Waterfall Trail is a gentle 705-metre walk. It leads to the Umbilo Waterworks and a viewing deck over the waterfall. The Duiker Trail is only 642 metres long. The Bushbuck Trail is 861 metres. It’s manageable with a bit of a challenge. Finally, the Doormouse Trail is the toughest. It measures 1.3 kilometres and is quite steep.
Self-guided walks offer chances to see exciting birdlife. You might also spot bushbucks, blue duikers and dassies.
Paradise Valley has fantastic braai and picnic areas. They are perfect for enjoying the scenery with family and friends. Remember to bring comfy walking shoes, sunscreen, and water. You may even want towels for a dip in the river.
Paradise Valley also holds the historic Indigo Vats. Two Dutch immigrants built them. From 1854 to 1856, they manufactured indigo dye here.
Paradise Valley Nature Reserve offers hiking trails. There are also picnic areas and environmental education programs. Bird watching opportunities abound. Paradise Valley is a protected area that is centered around a gorge carved by the Umbilo River.
So come to Paradise Valley Nature Reserve. Experience its beauty, history and tranquility. It is a true escape.