Ongoye Forest; The perfect family getaway on your doorstop

The Ongoye forest birders lodge has recently been re-opened following major refurbishments. The self catering lodge is situated just inland of Mtunzini boasts a six sleeper self catering unit set on a hilltop overlooking Ongoye Forest. The initiative is a joint project between a wide range of stakeholders including The Zululand Birding Route, Mzimela Tribal Authority, Uthungulu District Municipality, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, The SAPPI WWF Tree Routes Partnership, Foskor Ltd and Umalazi Municipality. The camp offers comfortable accommodation for birders, mountain bikers, hikers, rock climbers and other clients that wish to enjoy the forest, with proceeds going back to the Mzimela Community Trust.

The area is undoubtedly one of the province's most precious biodiversity areas with several endemic species found only in this forest.  This project is intended to make a positive difference to the long-term conservation of this asset, and to directly involve the forests neighboring communities and the Mzimela Tribal Authority in the area's management. Camp services such as guiding, cleaning, and providing alien species braai wood are provided by local community members and we are always seeking ways to increase this involvement.

The Ongoye forest lies about 150km north of Durban, between Mtunzini, Eshowe and Empangeni. It is a large remnant patch of pristine coastal forest, 3903 ha in extent and lies along a ridge of hills overlooking the Indian Ocean. This beautiful forest is interspersed with patches of rolling grasslands between granite outcrops.
Ongoye is one of the few forests that has its own endemic mammal, the Ongoye Red Squirrel. Ongoye Forest is the only place to see Woodwards' Barbet in Southern Africa. Samango Monkeys, Baboon, Mongooses, Thick-tailed Bushbaby and the secretive Blue Duiker can also be seen. The Zululand dwarf chameleon, a localised KwaZulu Natal endemic, is abundant at Ongoye and the Forest Green Butterfly Euryphene achlys is unique to this forest.
For more information on the lodge or to book an ultimate weekend of peace and quiet please click here for more information.