Oribi Gorge

The Oribi Gorge has something for all types of travelers including both those that enjoy the peace and serenity of breathtaking natural settings or adventure seekers who would enjoy a safari or white-water rafting.

Just 75 miles south of South Africa’s third largest city is the stunning Oribi Gorge, the place of echoes, which was carved out of rock millions of years ago by the Umzimkhulu River that eroded incredibly deep and narrow gorges making for a stunning landscape. The landscape includes the forested ravine of the Mzimkulwana River and boasts some of the country’s best hiking, cliff jumping and bird watching.

Those that enjoy the peace and quiet in natural settings find much to occupy and astound them in the Oribi Gorge. The area is home to many cliffs, forests and well-marked hiking trails that offer beautiful vistas and even the potential to spot the elusive oribi antelope. Photographers are able to capture high sandstone cliffs along the 15-mile gorge, troops of baboons and herds of antelope.

Others adrenaline seekers can enjoy white-water rafting, difficult horseback riding trails, steep hikes, a foofy slide (essentially a zip line) 185 yards above the gorge as well as the opportunity to have an exhilarating jump off of the 33-story high Lehr’s Waterfall.

The region is known for many things including its diversity of wildlife and bird species. Bird enthusiasts here have to opportunity to spot more than 300 recorded species. Rental trucks are also available to see giraffes, zebra, leopards and antelope. The roads are well maintained.

The Oribi Gorge is also known for its diversity of ecosystems (the gorge boasts bushlands, grasslands, wetlands and coastal forests) as well as fauna and wildlife. The region is also known for its coffee. Several local tour companies offer tours that guide you through coffee production, showing you where the coffee is grown, picked, processed and roasted.

The Oribi Gorge is also a home of the Zulu tribe. Visitors can take tours of Zulu camps and homes, benefit from their famous hospitality and cooking and watch Zulu women make crafts.

Visitors also frequent the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve that offers fantastic views of the gorge and has a trail that leads down to the river that is lined with lush vegetation and ample opportunities to spot wildlife. Several waterfalls spill into the river at this point and the crystal-clear water attracts almost 40 mammal species. The nature reserve also offers a campground and cabins.