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South of Vryheid lies open tall grassland, bushveld and rolling bush-clad hills. The area is predominantly a
cattle and game farming area, with some heat-loving crops grown in the hot Thaka River valley. The R34
road leads one down to historical Ulundi (130km) and the famous Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park (170km) as
well as Melmoth (130km), Eshowe (170km), Richards Bay (230km) and eventually, Durban (320km). The Klipfontein Bird Sanctuary (S1) is situated 2km south-west of town on the Babanango road and is managed by the Vryheid Branch of the KZN Wildlife Honorary Officers. The wetland is a perfect example of what can be done when treated sewage water is channelled and dammed into degraded grassland. The resulting reed and rush-bed provides a safe refuge for a number of rare, secretive and confiding wild water birds. |
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| A small hide is located on the edge of a pan, and allows for great views of about 10 duck species, African Rail, Red-chested Flufftail, Black and Baillon's Crakes. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The reedbeds also attract a number of warbler, weaver, widowbird and whydah species. A pair each of Grey Crowned Crane and African Fish Eagle breeds in the Sanctuary. Smaller mammals seen include Water Mongoose and Cape Clawless Otter. The waters of the Klipfontein Dam (S 4, 8km) lure local fishermen to its carp, bass, barbel and scaly populations. A cultural centre will soon be built near the entrance of the dam. The Inkamana Abbey (S4, 8km), situated on the edge of the dam, is an important and prominent feature around Vryheid and it includes an abbey and a school and features some beautiful architecture. The eSikhuma and Mpofini Mountain Bushveld area (S2), 10km south of Vryheid, is another well-known birding hotspot with over 200 species recorded around the prominent mountain of eSikhuma. Thornveld, mixed woodland, cliffs, rocky slopes and small streams represent the habitat types. It is not unusual to record 80 species of birds in 2 hours in summer in this area, some of which might include African, Black, Jacobin and Red-chested Cuckoos, Verreaux's Eagle and Mocking Cliff-Chat. A number of mammals have been re-introduced to the Mpofini Game Lodge, which forms part of the same area. The Broad-leaved Coral Tree grows on secluded slopes, while the localised Corky-bark Thorn occurs on the warmer north-facingslopes.In the south the footprints of the British army's advance during the Anglo Zulu War of 1879 are clearly laid out. From the world famous Rorke's Drift (S9, 120km) crossing on the Buffalo River past Isandlwana (S8, 140km), the site of arguably the greatest defeat the British army has ever experienced and on via Fort Tinta (S3, 11km), Fort Newdigate (S7, 70km) and the site of the death of the Prince Imperial (S5, 100km), France's last link with the great Emperor Napoleon, the names and places lead inexorably down the banks of the Umfolozi River and the royal palace of king Cetshwayo at Ondini (S14, 140km) just outside Ulundi (S15, 130km), site of a battle in 1879. uMgungundlovu (S16, 100km), the site of King Dingaan's residence in the mid 1800's, is worth a visit. Other interesting spots include the Cemetery at Mahlabatini (S12, 140km), the Battle of Witklip (S6, 80km), an old Gold Mine (S13, 80km) and the White-backed Vulture colony near Nhlazatshe Mountain (S11, 75km), itself an impressive landmark towering over the White Umfolozi Valley. Vryheid's “Wild West”, the Black Umfolozi Valley (S10, 70km), is also within reach on a day trip out of town. Situated east of Gluckstadt (35km), this area is dominated by thick thorn scrub, riverine forest, wooded hills and open grasslands. It is an area of great scenic beauty, and is still home to wild Leopard, Spotted Hyena and many antelope species. The TangamiSafari Spa and ThakaZulu Game Reserve lie at the bottom of the valley, along the Black Umfolozi River, and form the focal point of a red-hot birding area. The specials include Southern Ground Hornbill, Martial Eagle, Gorgeous Bush Shrike, Long-tailed Paradise Whydah, Levaillant's Cuckoo and Purple-crested Turaco. Many species of animals have been re-introduced into the area, including Elephant, Nyala, Giraffe and Warthog. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
