About a week before Christmas my family and I decided to head out to Oribi Gorge and Nature Conservancy. We didn't see much of the conservancy but we certainly had a great time at the gorge. It was my first time visiting the gorge and I was utterly surprised and shocked that I had not visited this awesome place before, especially since it's only 20 minutes from my home (30 minutes from central Port Shepstone).
It really is a beautiful getaway, whether for a day or weekend trip. It offers a variety of activities and picnic sights, perfect for those glorious sunny days. We got there at about 9am and spent a good couple of hours. What drove us away (literally) was that there was no real place to swim or have a bit of a water frolic. After 4 hours of walking in bush and wobbly bridges (in 30 degree heat) you work up a sweat and a good dip is what you want. The Umzimkulwana River is the main river that runs along the gorge however, you're not allowed to swim in it because of the risk of contracting bilharzia. According to the website, there is a 'reservoir swimming pool' with a sundeck inside the camp but it's reserved for residents only. That was a little disappointing.
Anyway we didn't go there to swim, we went there to see the gorgeous gorge. And gorgeous is exactly what is was.
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| First sightings of the gorge and conservancy. |
This is a photographer and nature lover's paradise. Perfect weather, lush vegetation, great views and the incredible rolling hills make for spectacular photo opportunities. The website gives more information on the wildlife that can be seen and which time of the day you can see it.
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| View of the Umzimkulwana River running alongside the gorge. |
THE WILD 5
If you're an adrenaline junkie and you like to get your adventure on then this is the perfect place for you!! 5 extreme sports/ activities to get your heart pumping in less than 5 seconds. At the heart of the gorge is the Lehr's waterfall which forms the main attraction. The first of the wild 5 activities is situated at the top of the waterfall. The largest gorge swing in the world. At first you might mistake this for bungee jumping but after closer inspection you see it's a swing and not just a jump. It's pretty awesome, I've never seen a gorge swing before.
For the other Wild 5 activities check out their website
If you're an adrenaline junkie and you like to get your adventure on then this is the perfect place for you!! 5 extreme sports/ activities to get your heart pumping in less than 5 seconds. At the heart of the gorge is the Lehr's waterfall which forms the main attraction. The first of the wild 5 activities is situated at the top of the waterfall. The largest gorge swing in the world. At first you might mistake this for bungee jumping but after closer inspection you see it's a swing and not just a jump. It's pretty awesome, I've never seen a gorge swing before.
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| Wild Bridge: Not part of the Wild 5, but still pretty awesome!! |
For the other Wild 5 activities check out their website
