Krantzkloof Nature Reserve

Krantzkloof, established in 1950, protects about 670 hectares of the Molweni and Nkutu river gorges where they cut through Natal Group sandstone below the Kloof escarpment, and the surprise is the location - this is suburban Durban, with houses along the rim and a gorge 200 metres deep immediately below them. Kloof Falls drops into the Molweni gorge and is the best-known feature; trails run along the rim and down into the valley, with sandstone cliffs, grassland on top and forest in the bottom. Crowned eagles, one of Africa's most powerful raptors, nest in the reserve and are seen displaying over the suburb. Bushbuck, blue duiker and vervet monkeys are common, and the gorge holds several plant species restricted to this sandstone. Descents are steep, and the climb back out is harder than it looks.

The landscape

• The suburban gorge - a 200-metre valley immediately below Durban houses.
• Kloof Falls - the main waterfall dropping into the Molweni gorge.
• The crowned eagles - a powerful raptor nesting and displaying over the suburb.
• The sandstone flora - plants restricted to this rock type.

When to go

April to September - summer is hot, humid and the paths are slippery. Half a day.

Practical notes

The climb back out of the gorge is hard and catches people out. Paths are slippery when wet. Gates close at fixed times.

Nearby

Kloof and Hillcrest are around it; the Valley of a Thousand Hills is west.

Key facts