Springside Nature Reserve

For bird watchers or locals in the area wanting a quiet escape.

📍Hillcrest, KZN

🥳 Fun factor: we enjoyed the calming walk along the river and, as always, just being outdoors. The reserve consists of grassland, wetland and forest, and with more than 200 species of birds is a treat for avid bird watchers.

🏋🏾‍♀️ Fitness level required: beginners to intermediate. There are 4 options of trails ranging from 800m to 2.2km, with Tanglewood being a bit of a tester if done with pace.

👧🏽 Suitability for kids: Yes. The Forest, River and Protea trails are easy to navigate and pleasant underfoot.

💸 Costs: free.

🤩 What we loved most:
– For non bird watchers, the river walk (or jog) is probably the highlight at Springside. It’s a lovely trail that runs alongside a natural stream with benches and lookout spots along the route.

🚦What you need to know: this is not the most spectacular nature reserve and it’s appeal is likely the convenience (for locals) and the diversity of bird and plant life (for nature enthusiasts). The River and Protea trails are well maintained but I found the Tanglewood trail overgrown and sun exposed and as a result chose to cut that trail short to rather try the others.

In short: a peaceful escape for locals or for the keen birdwatcher.

100 outdoor experiences in 100 days – come with us 🤸🏾‍♀️☀️😆

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