Pinetown and Pietermaritzburg
Paradise Valley Nature Reserve is a hidden KwaZulu-Natal gem tucked between Pinetown and Pietermaritzburg. The area’s coastal forest and grasslands have local history, “mysterious burial mounds,” and the remains of Umbilo Waterworks, a South African national monument built in 1887.
History and Devastating Rain
“In the late 19th Century, Durbanites caught a train to Pinetown Bridge and walked down to Umbilo Waterworks for picnicking, boating, fishing, and hiking. In 1905, a destructive flood changed that by putting an end to Umbilo Dam.”


_____________
“In 15 devastating hours, 16 inches of rain fell and logs, bamboo, and debris blocked the river at Pinetown Bridge.”
_____________

The bridge gave way, and the ensuing tidal wave not only killed hundreds of people but also destroyed countless homes on the lower Umbilo riverbanks. Durban discovered an alternative water supply, so Umbilo Dam was never rebuilt.

Hiking Trails
There are four hiking trails in the reserve – Dormouse, Waterfall, Duiker, and Bushbuck. They begin at the Interpretive Centre on a path leading down to the picnic area. The start of the Waterfall Trail is a walk over wooden bridges on the other side of the Umbilo River. The trail follows flat river rock, waterfalls, and thick jungle-like terrain with massive strelitzias – wild banana trees.
Waterfalls
The Waterfall Trail passes through a waterworks slipway with yellowwood trees and ponds. Near the bottom of the falls, beyond the turnoff to Duiker Trail, there’s a natural viewing platform. In the summer heat, a large pool below the falls is tempting, but swimming isn’t recommended because of poor water quality.

I’ve been under the weather with a stubborn virus and haven’t done much strenuous activity for a week. The gentle Waterfall Trail was perfect. I met others enjoying the scenery and heard but didn’t see animals. Fragrances in the humid air and the sound of birds singing were divine!



It looks very lush. Sorry to hear you have been ill. Not great at any time, but particularly challenging when travelling. Hope you are fully fit soon.
LikeLike
Thanks Gwen – the virus is a tough antibiotic-resistant one and it will take time to recover fully – several different antibiotics, cortisone, and inhalers for congestion. The doctor says it must be resolved quickly as my next stop in Mozambique is not the best place for medical assistance.Sounds like I smoke 3 packs a day…. ;(
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had a super-charged virus last year which they have nick-named the Australian Flu, and several countries then went on to experience it. If it is like that one, I have to warn you it was not a quick recovery. I was laid flat on my back for about three days, and needed an inhaler also. Hope it’s not that.
LikeLike
I’d like to get in contact with you. Could you please email me?
LikeLike
Another beautiful reserve and interesting that the dam tragedy helped create a lush space for nature.
LikeLike