Oribi Gorge

I made a recent trip to the Oribi Gorge Private Lodge and Spa.

Its a stunning place, the views are spectacular with rooms which if i had stayed over I would not have wanted to step out of.

The Sounds of the Trumpeter Horn-bills Resonate through the Valley, which had been cut by two rivers and contains Rocks (Basalt) at the base which are 1000 Million years old and Sandstone Ridges which are 365 Million years old!

Trully worth a visit to relax and have a Spa treatment with spectacular views.

People often forget what South Africa and for that matter our Province of Kwa- Zulu Natal has…

A few interesting facts on the Oribi Gorge and the Lodge. 

• The canyon has been named after the sprightly little antelope; the Oribi (now an endangered species). Norwegian Settlers were the first to farm the fertile plateaus. Due to the climate, they cultivated tea, coffee and sugar.

• The Oribi Gorge (one of two converging gorges) is situated along the spectacular forest-cloaked ravine of the Mzimkulwana River. The river has etched a spectacular gorge into the mountains to create a rugged, natural landscape of breathtaking beauty. Over centuries, the sandstone cliffs of the gorge have been carved out by the river.

• The Oribi Gorge is approximately 27km long, 1km at its widest point and 400m deep.

• The Oribi Gorge was proclaimed a protected forest in 1950 and is home to a Private Nature Reserve.

• The road through the Oribi Gorge was built by Italian prisoners of war.

• The gorge is a bird watcher’s paradise. Due to its inaccessibility, the gorge is untouched by man and is home to over 255 bird species including cape vultures and the famous fish eagle.

• The rare samango monkey is one of many interesting animals found in the gorge. It is also home to baboons, vervet monkeys, aardwolf, leopard, caracal, serval, jackal, otter, genet, mongoose, dassies, bushbuck, reedbuck and duiker.

• The gorge has more than 500 plant species. Some of the most popular species are exquisite orchids, proteas (Oribi Spear Leaf), aloe and many species of cycads.