Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve

The Oribi Gorge in the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is a true gem and not to be missed when you visit the South Coast. It is absolutely worth the short 21 kilometer scenic drive from Port Shepstone inland to reach this spectacular natural wonder. It is perfect for a day excursion or a weekend getaway.

What makes the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve a must-see?

The beauty of this game reserve, with its lush greenery offering views of the dramatic Oribi Gorge, is unsurpassed. Be prepared to be awed by the size of the Gorge and how small it will make you feel.

Think dramatic sandstone cliffs, lush forests, from easy to difficult hiking trails, rivers, rapids, abundant bird life, leguaan, various species of small antelope, troops of baboon and you might even catch a glimpse of a leopard.

Plenty of viewing sites ensure that you are able to enjoy the breathtaking views from several viewpoints. Viewing sites can be reached on foot, by bike (bring your own) or by car.

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve offers a variety of delightful hikes and walks, with trails to suit all fitness levels. Visitors can enjoy easy one-kilometer walks like the Baboon View Trail or more challenging, longer hikes to stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, and scenic picnic spots.

For the most up-to-date and comprehensive information, visitors should contact or visit the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reception office at the reserve or check their website. They can provide detailed maps and advice on the various self-guided trails available.

For the adventurer who is into Extreme Sports the Oribi Gorge is the place to be

You can look forward to Abseiling down a 110-meter cliff face, sliding down a Foefie Slide / Zip Line 165 meters above the tree tops, daring the highest Swing of its type in the world, taking on White Water Rafting, or walking over an 83-meter Suspension Bridge. There are also Paintball and Team building activities to suit everyone. Read more about it all here.

Quick Facts:

The Reserve was named after the Oribi antelope that is rarely seen today.

The Gorge is in actuality a Canyon that runs through the Oribi Flats and has an eastern and western gorge.
It is approximately 27 kilometres (17 mi) long, 400 metres (1,300 ft) deep, and almost 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) wide at its widest.

The Mzimkulwana river cuts through the eastern gorge and the Mzimkulu river through the western gorge.
The base of the cliffs is part of the Kaapvaal Craton that is over 1000 million years old. The dramatic cliffs are formed from sandstone that is about 365 million old.
Italian prisoners of war built the road through the Oribi Gorge.
It was declared as a Nature Reserve in 1950.

WARNING
Do not swim in the rivers!
There is a risk of contracting Bilharzia.

The Anatomy of the Gorge

The Mzimkulwana river, a tributary of the Mzimkulu river, has carved an awe-inspiring canyon/gorge over 25 kilometers long that varies from 180 meters to as much as 300 meters deep through the Oribi Flats.

The sandstone galleries rising from the Mzimkulwana river bed have been eroded over millions of years into very dramatic shapes that got names such as The Needle, Baboon’s Castle, Oribi Heads, The Pulpit, and Hanging Rock.

The Nature Reserve, which covers an area of about 1800 ha along and around the Gorge, was declared a reserve in 1950.

Oribi Gorge Visitors Map

The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is on the property of the Oribi Gorge Hotel. Drive past the rustic looking Hotel (on the dirt road) and pay the entrance fee at the Kiosk by the entrance gate when entering.

Things to do:

Hiking
Biking
Abseiling
Wild Swing
Wild Slide
Suspension Bridge
Picnic/Braai

The Sights of Oribi Gorge

Including Lehr’s Waterfall, various viewing sites and the Hanging Bridge.

Where is the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve?

It is a scenic, short 21-kilometer drive from Port Shepstone on a well-maintained tarred road. The Nature Reserve has only dirt roads, but all of the roads are very accessible with any type of car. You will be supplied with a handy map of the Nature Reserve at the entrance that clearly indicates all points of interest.