Ncandu Nature Reserve

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Ncandu Nature Reserve
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Ncandu Nature Reserve
Interactive map of Ncandu Nature Reserve
Location Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Nearest city Newcastle
Coordinates 27°54′00″S29°43′00″E / 27.90000°S 29.71667°E / -27.90000; 29.71667
Area1,858 ha (4,590 acres)
Established1925
Governing body Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

Ncandu Nature Reserve (also known as the Ncandu State Forest Nature Reserve) is a 1,858-hectare (4,590-acre) protected area situated on the northern Drakensberg escarpment in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. [1] Administered by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, it is the second-largest indigenous forest in the province and is recognized for its significant yellowwood gorges and high-altitude grasslands. [2]

Contents

Geography

The reserve is located approximately 32 km (20 mi) southwest of Newcastle on the Mullers Pass road. [3] It lies across an altitude gradient ranging from 1,460 m to 1,900 m above sea level, characterized by steep sandstone cliffs and the Ncandu River valley. [1] The reserve is home to several dramatic waterfalls, most notably the 30-meter high Ncandu Falls. [4]

History

The area was originally proclaimed as the Ncandu Forest Reserve in 1925 to protect the indigenous timber resources of the northern escarpment. [1] In 1989, the reserve was expanded with the addition of state land from the adjoining farms Steep Glen and Buffel's Hoek. [1] In 2013, the protection of the broader landscape was further enhanced when the 1,387-hectare Ncandu Private Forest and Grassland Reserve was declared adjacent to the state-managed land through a partnership with WWF South Africa. [5]

Biodiversity

Ncandu is an ecological transition zone where Drakensberg montane vegetation meets high-altitude Mistbelt forest.

Flora

The reserve is dominated by Mistbelt Scarp Forest and high-altitude grasslands. Notable tree species include massive Outeniqua Yellowwood and Real Yellowwood trees. [4] The grasslands are rich in endemic wildflowers and are considered a critical water source area for the Tugela and Pongola river systems. [5]

Fauna

Tourism

Ncandu is managed primarily as a wilderness area with rustic facilities:

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (2009). "Ncandu Nature Reserve Integrated Management Plan: 2009-2013". Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Management Series. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
  2. 1 2 3 "Ncandu Nature Reserve - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife". Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
  3. 1 2 3 "Ncandu State Forest Nature Reserve, Battlefields". SA-Venues. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
  4. 1 2 "Ncandu State Forest Nature Reserve". Kizzler. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
  5. 1 2 "WWF hails new protected grassland areas". WWF South Africa. 2013-11-26. Retrieved 2025-12-29.
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