Giba Gorge

30 June 2009

Nola Muller

Toti Ramblers

401 Gordon House

Gordon Road

Amanzimtoti

4126

Walking update…

KRANTZKLOOF NATURE RESERVE…

A remarkable turnout once again.  21 Ramblers arrived at Lords and Legends and made their way to Krantzkloof Nature Reserve.  The weather held for the entire walk, but on our return to the cars we were surprised by the cold wind that made us dive for jerseys and coats.  By the time we left it had turned into a howling gale and I, for one, was happy to be going home!

We did the Blue Route – a very comfortable 2.5 hour walk of nearly 4 kilometers, which was wonderful.  Most of it was alongside the river and the walk was one of the most picturesque that we have had so far.  On the return we opted to go straight back to the picnic area instead of continuing onto the Black Route; this we will do on another outing.

Welcome to Molly Smit, Opal Lawson, Pam Coleman and Helen Meredith.  We are delighted that you have decided to join the club and wish you many happy hours walking with us.

Membership fees were received from Hettie Oelofse, Marion Clerk and Meredith Helen.  Thanks.

NEXT OUTING ON THE 12 JULY 2009 - GIBA GORGE

Giba gorge is home to various habitats some of which have been recognised (at a national level) as significant for conservation purposes; these habitats are home to a large number of rare and endemic plant and animal species.

1.     Kloof Frog (Natalobatrachus bonebergi) – found near unpolluted forested streams.

2.      Spotted Shovel-nosed Frog (Hemisus guttatus) – found in grasslands.

3.     Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus) – breeds in gorge forest.

4.     Ruby-legged black millipede (Doratogonus rubipodus) – only ever recorded from Krantzkloof an

d Giba Gorge

 Giba Gorge comprises a significant portion of the upper reaches of the Umhlatuzana catchment – a system that originates near Giba and terminates near Durban Bay.

There are two vegetation types in Giba Gorge that are significant both locally and nationally:

a.) Scarp Forest – Giba Gorge is 1 of only 4 sites that contain significant portions of this forest type in the greater Durban area – the others are at Nanda Mountain in the north, Nungwane Falls in the south and Krantzkloof NR (the only site with formal protective status) in the outer west.

b.) KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld – this vegetation type comprises the upper slop

es of the grassland areas in the Giba Gorge. It is classified as an 'endangered' habitat in South Africa (SANBI) with over 70% of it having been transformed by other land uses in South Africa. This habitat is extremely rich in plant species – especially apparent after burns in spring.

Giba Gorge is home to the Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter National Monument – preserving evidence of 100 000 years of human occupation (Gavin Whitelaw, Archeologist, Natal Museum). This site has enormous potential for education and tourism opportunities but in order for this to be achieved, the site will need strong conservation management.

I have spoken to the guide at Giba Gorge and he has given us two alternative walks which are recommended as being safe from Mountain Bike fanatics.   They are “Heartbreak Hill” and “The Old Waterfall Trail”.  We will decide which one to do on the day.

As usual we will be meeting at Lords and Legends to organize the lift club between 08:15 and 08:30 – or meet at the gates at Bluff Nature Reserve at 09:00.

Directions:

Approaching from the Durban area:

Travelling on the N3 north towards Pietermaritzburg

·         Take the Stockville Rd offramp (before the Mariannhill Toll Plaza)

·         Keep making a right turn till you double-back under the freeway.

·         Take the next right towards Stockville Quarry (dirt road).

·         Follow the dirt road for approx 3 kms

·         Just before the quarry (weighbridge office), make a short left turn.

·         Turn right towards the big thatched building — that’s where we will meet at 09:00.

We will be walking – rain or shine – so look forward to seeing you all there.