Palmiet Nature Reserve- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Located just 10 km from Durban in Westville, Palmiet Nature Reserve spans approximately 90 hectares of ecologically diverse terrain, including riverine forest, grasslands, and rocky outcrops shaped over millennia by geological uplift and erosion. Traversed by a 6 km stretch of the 26 km-long Palmiet River, the reserve features over 10 km of walking trails, some crossing the river, and is home to an extensive array of flora and fauna. More than 150 bird species have been recorded, along with reptiles such as the water monitor and snakes like the rhombic night adder. The reserve also shelters threatened mammals such as the Cape clawless otter and water mongoose. Palmiet Nature Reserve holds archaeological significance through sites like Igwalagwala Cliff, which provides evidence of prehistoric human habitation. Iron-age tools and artifacts indicate human presence dating back over a thousand years, while the reserve's name derives from the indigenous palmiet plant that once thrived along its riverbanks. Officially declared a nature reserve in 1972, the area now contends with environmental pressures including invasive plant species and urban runoff, prompting ongoing conservation measures. Despite these challenges, the reserve remains a key green corridor within the Durban metropolitan area, balancing natural heritage with urban proximity.