Burman Bush, Durban

Burman Bush is a small patch of coastal forest overlooking the Umgeni River. This 50 hectare remnant of forest gives one an impression of what the Durban area was like when settlers first arrived. It is a good place to see a variety of birds that are typical to this habitat. There are three trails leading through the forest and one can also walk along the road that runs through the reserve. The trails all start opposite the visitors centre and are of different lengths but even the longest trail shouldn't take you more than two hours. A walk through the dense forest may give you sightings of bird species such as Purplecrested Lourie, Tambourine Dove, Olive and Grey Sunbirds, Southern Boubou, Yellowbellied and Terrestrial Bulbuls and Squaretailed Drongo. There is also a chance of seeing some smaller mammals such as Vervet Monkey and Blue Duiker.

There are a number of picnic sites at the entrance to the reserve in Burman Drive as well as further along Goodwin Drive. The picnic sites also give one a chance of seeing a number of bird species along the edge of the forest. Keep an eye out for the monkeys as they make take an opportunity to steal your food and remember you must not feed them! Burman Bush is also home to the Baden Powell Scouts' Site. This is located deep in the forest and is reached from the western side of Burman Bush via North Ridge Road. Directions to Burman Bush: Leave the Durban city centre on either NMR Avenue or Umgeni Road and turn left when you reach Goble Road. Continue up the hill until you reach Windermere Road where you turn tight. Follow Windermere Road until you reach Goodwin Drive where you turn left. Turn left into Burman Drive and you reach the parking area straight away. Entrance to Burman Bush is free. The reserve is officially open between 07h30 and 16h00. The information centre should be open at the same times but is sometimes closed. For further information telephone 031-312 4466.