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The area north of Vryheid is primarily afforested, wattle, pine and gum being the dominant trees grown. Open, often rocky grassland cover the unplanted areas, with small wetlands and forest patches scattered in between. The two main rivers in this area are the Bivane and Pongola, both renowned for their fishing. This region is also steeped in German history and culture due to the arrival of German settlers in the early 1900's. Water is one of the main attractions, with a bottling plant as well as hot springs located in the Bivane Valley. The R33 tar roads links Vryheid with Paulpietersburg (50km) and the neighbouring Mpumalanga Province (65km). Situated on Lancaster Hill, just north of town (1km), lies the Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve (N1). The reserve is a well-known location for quality birding and botanising, as well as just for enjoying a weekend picnic or stroll. A network of roads and trails criss-cross the major habitats of the reserve, and within a morning one could explore forest, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| woodland, wetland, grassland and rocky outcrops. 230 species of birds have been identified in the 700ha, making it a birder's paradise. Specials include Bush Black-cap, Broad-tailed Warbler, Buff-streaked Chat and Swee Waxbill. Of special importance isa pair of African Crowned Eagles which breed in the forest overlooking town. Naturally occurring and re-introduced mammals include Oribi, Eland, Blesbok, Caracal, Mountain and Common Reedbuck, Grey Duiker, Bushbuck and Burchell's Zebra. Most of the grassland species can be found on the loop road on the plateau. Special plants abound and include charismatic species such as the Common Cabbage Tree, Forest Bushwillow, Paper-bark Thorn and Cape Beech. Smaller gems include various orchids, the carnivorous Sundew, Gladiolus, Watsonia, Agapanthus and Scadoxus species. The British army had a base camp on the mountain, occupied by the 2nd Royal Lancaster Regiment, and in December 1900 they successfully defended Vryheid against the 2nd Boer invasion of Natal.Battlefields to the north of Lancaster Hill are Kambula (N4, 30km) the site of a famous British victory over the Zulu army of king Cetshwayo in 1879, and Holkrans/ Mthashana (N5, 35km), unusual in that it was one of the the only engagements of the Anglo Boer War where black people were involved.The Kruger Bridge (N6, 35km), a border crossing between the old Nuwe Republiek and the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek, and the Natal Spa (N7, 35km) both straddle the Bivane River. The rocky riverine vegetation of the Spa also attracts a number of bird species, with the stars being the pair of African Crowned Eagles that nest in a nearby stand of Eucalyptus.These birds can be viewed from a hide, allowing in-depth insight into the breeding behaviour of these powerful hunters. Other beauties occurring at the Spa include Mocking Cliff-Chat, Violet-backed Starling and Greater Double-collared Sunbird. Rock Hyrax are common around the pools, and often seem oblivious to the fact that they form the main diet of the African Crowned Eagles! The delightful Drostdy (N8, 50km) in Paulpietersburg and the Lutheran Church and cemetery at Luneberg (N9, 60km) are also worth a visit, as is Ntombi Drift, scene of yet another British disaster in the Anglo Zulu War of 1879. Botha's meeting place (N10, 53km) is another interesting spot in this area. Further west lies the impressive Pongola Bush Nature Reserve (N11, 90km), domain of the adventurous naturalists who can reach the highest point in Zululand with their 4x4's. The incredible beauty of the reserve justifies a visit, but the bird and plant life are equally special. The cool, Afromontane forested slopes are home to Orange Ground Thrush, ChoristerRobin-Chat and White-starred Robin, while the rocky outcrops support Gurney's Sugarbird, various chats and wheat-ears, Martial, African Crowned and Verreaux's Eagles. Samango Monkeys occur in the forest, as well as Chacma Baboon, Leopard and Bushbuck. Contact the EKZN Wildlife officer in Paulpietersburg to obtain permission to visit. Well-known public fishing haunts in this area include the Grootgewacht (N2, 10km) and Bloemveld (N3, 15km) Dams. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
