The reserve is located approximately 25km (15.5mi) southwest of Greytown.[1] The name "Blinkwater" (Afrikaans for "shining water") is derived from the numerous perennial streams and springs that originate on the high plateau and descend through steep ravines.[3] The terrain comprises high-altitude Midlands mistbelt grasslands and indigenous mistbelt forests.[1]
History
The area has a long history of human activity, including evidence of San "hunting pits" located on the forest margins.[3] At the turn of the nineteenth century, an industrial railway line was constructed to extract timber from the indigenous forests on the southern slopes.[3]
In 1994, a collaborative agreement was formed between private timber owners and the provincial conservation authority (then the Natal Parks Board) to create a formal hiking trail network and consolidate the protection of the local biodiversity.[3]
Biodiversity
Blinkwater is considered a critical habitat for several rare and endangered species.
Flora
The reserve protects two endangered vegetation types: Midlands Mistbelt Grassland and Mistbelt Forest.[1] The forested areas contain all three species of South African Yellowwood trees (Podocarpus), alongside Lemonwoods and Knobwoods.[3] The grasslands are noted for a high diversity of wild orchids and Proteas.[1]
Birds: Approximately 135 bird species have been recorded. It is a known breeding site for the Wattled crane and Grey crowned crane.[4] The reserve historically hosted the rare Blue swallow, though local populations have faced significant declines in recent decades.[4]
Tourism
The reserve is primarily known for its extensive trail system:
Blinkwater Trails: Over 50km of hiking trails, split into Northern and Southern sections.[3]
Accommodation: Visitors can stay at the Douglas Smith Cottage, a replica of a 1905 homestead, or the Mountain Falls camp.[2]
Historical Sites: Points of interest include an old stone cattle kraal and an arboretum planted by the Smith family in the early 1900s.[2]
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