Oribi Gorge

Description:

Oribi Gore is located 25km west of Port Shepstone along the Hibiscus Coast of KwaZulu Natal.

The Oribi Gore has been carved out of sandstone over millions of years by the Mzimkulwana River which flows through the gore.

There are many spectacular viewing points to ponder at.

There is The Wild Abseiling rig at Oribi Gorge and was the first commercial abseil in the Southern Hemisphere and it is presently the highest natural commercial abseil in the world at 110 meters.

Inside the park is the Oribi Gorge Hotel and is hosts an adventure centre, offering adrenalin junkies a selection of activities ranging from abseiling to white water rafting.

There are also a wealth of natural beauty to be seen by visiting the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve.

To get there one must turnoff to the main camp from the N2 which is 21 km from Port Shepstone.

On the way there are attractive picnic sites, next to the main road where it crossed the river. In addition a view walking trails of between 1km and 9km in length offers walkers a chance to explore the gorge's magnificent grassland and forest sections.

It consists mainly of grasslands with scattered trees and protea stands.

Sandstone cliffs form a backdrop to the natural beauty. With the many different habitats the reserve has to offer, it is considered one of the premier birding spots of southern KwaZulu-Natal. A bird list of 255 species includes forest, woodland, grassland "specials" and the birds of prey that make the cliffs their home.

The rare samango monkey is one of many interesting the gorge. You might also encounter baboons, aardwolf, leopard, jackal, otter, genet, mongoose, dassies, bushbuck, reed buck and duiker.

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve has game such as leopards, baboons, small antelope and a prolific bird life, including five kingfisher and seven eagle species.

A small comfortable hutted camp set in a garden of indigenous flowers. There are also a number of campsites.

To reserve one of these sites contact the Officer in Charge on (039)679-1644.

For more information make use of the Contact Oribi Gorge Tourism by mail

Accommodation at Oribi Gorge

• Oribi Gorge Hutted Camp

Situated at the the Umzimkulwana Gorge has an magnivisant view of Oribi Gorge. It has electricity and consists of six two-bed huts each with an en-suite shower and toilet, a refrigerator, kettle and toaster. Bedding, cutlery and crockery are provided, but visitors must bring their own food and beverage.

• Oribi Gorge Hotel

Is the center for adventure activity and having the big 5 adventures. But Oribi is so peaceful and so beautiful that you could also just kick back and relax.