New Germany Nature Reserve — Attraction in eThekwini Ward 18

Ample parking lot which had majestic old trees. The views and sounds experienced were a delight to the soul with a quaint dam, the beautiful winter colours of the trees, shrubs and plants. It felt like a littlepiece of heaven tucked away just outside our bustling city. It was filled with the sounds of birds chirping and you could view them from a well built bird watching area which was decorated with bird poop.

The inside of the reception area was a shock...on the upside it was very educational with a well preserved, huge bird of prey,a stunning glass display of butterflies, it also had pictures and facts on the fauna and flora found there. The walls outside had historical cultural weapons of war cleverly displayed.

The diwnside was that the building was not maintained-it had cobwebs in the corners, the walls were dull and was in dire need of fresh paint.The ladies toilet had a leaking tap which one was unable to close. How's that ...a nature reserve that cannot preseve nature's precious element of water! The entrance of the reserve had remains of cages where we were told housed a variety of beautiful birds.It was damaged by monkeys and was never restored. It did have a spacious braai and picnic area at the entrance.

With all that being said i would recommend a visit to it was still a beautiful and precious...

Neglected entrance/ reception area but the trails were enjoyable. Entrance is Free and gates are open from 7:30am to 5pm daily. There are maps available free at reception however the maps are very outdated and not entirely readable. In the past there was a lovely bird aviary which is now just a broken mess. Facilities were clean with clean bathrooms and many picnic spots with braai facilities. Trails were mostly neat and signposted with the exception of a few spots that may have been effected from recent floods. The loop trail is roughly 1600m that takes you through grasslands and small Forrest’s. While walking we were visited by a Grey Duiker which was exceptionally friendly and filled alongside...

Had a visit and a quick walk down to kingfisher dam to see how this reserve is holding up over time. Sadly it is nowhere close to what it used to be in previous years. All the aviaries are derelict and the display tanks in the reception area don't have anything in them. So you probably wondering why 4 stars. The trails are maintained so it makes the walks pleasant. Some great bird life and even came across a blue duiker while walking. Also a couple of terrapins in the dam.

While run down, it is still clean and the primary purpose for a space like this is to enjoy the outdoors.

If you not sure what to do if you have a couple of free hours. Pop in and take a walk. It is free and there is...