Bluff Nature Reserve, Durban

Bluff Nature Reserve is a small wetland situated near the oil refineries south of Durban. It is a reminder of what this area looked like before these extensive wetlands were drained and developed. Despite its proximity to an oil refinery and being surrounded by houses it is still worth a visit. The main feature of the reserve is the dam and surrounding vleis. In fact Tara Road splits the reserve into two portions with a long strip of wetland to the west of the road. The eastern section of the road is where the dam and visitor facilities are. There is a large birdwatching hide situated over the water near the car park. It is well worthwhile to spend some time here, particularly keeping an eye in the reedbeds to the side of the hide. From this hide there is a trail that leads to a smaller hide on the eastern edge of the dam. This hide does not have as much of a view of the open water but does give one an opportunity of seeing some of the more elusive birds like crakes and warblers. They are also some smaller mammals to be seen in the reserve including Blue Duiker and Banded Mongoose.

More information: Bluff Nature Reserve is in Tara Road on the Bluff, Durban. It is administered by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and they can be contacted for more information. There is an entrance fee payable at the gate.