The Oribi Gorge Hotel is also something of an adventure centre, offering adrenalin junkies a selection of activities ranging from abseiling to white water rafting. After a bird's-eye view of the gorge , it's time to take a closer look at its wealth of natural beauty by visiting the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve. The turnoff to the main camp from the N2 is about 21 km from Port Shepstone and is sign-posted. Continue driving along the road past the main camp and you will begin to descend into the gorge itself. As well as an attractive picnic site, next to the main road where it crossed the river, there are several walking trails of between 1km and 9km in length, offering walkers a chance to explore the gorge's magnificent grassland and forest sections.

The surrounding plateau comprises grasslands with scattered trees, including protea stands. Sheer sandstone cliffs form a backdrop to the natural beauty. With the many different habitats the reserve has to offer, it is not surprising it is considered one of the premier birding spots of southern KwaZulu-Natal. A bird list of 255 species includes forest, woodland, grassland "specials" and the birds of prey that make the cliffs their home.

The rare samango monkey is one of many interesting the gorge. You might also spot baboons, vervets, aardwolf, leopard, caracal, serval, jackal, otter, genet, mongoose, dassies, bushbuck, reed buck and duiker.

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve

Some 21 km along the Harding road(N2), west of Port Shepstone. The turn-off is marked 'Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve'.

Contains leopards, baboons, small antelope and a prolific bird life, including five kingfisher and seven eagle species. Accommodation is provided in a small, but comfortable hutted camp set in a garden of indigenous flowers. There are also a number of campsites. To reserve one of these sites contact the Officer in Charge on (039)679-1644.

For more information make use of the Contact Oribi Gorge Tourism by mail:

Accommodation at Oribi Gorge

• Amakhulu Central Reservations
  Merl offers a very friendly and professional service to book accommodation in South Africa. She specializes in KwaZulu Natal and knows the Oribi Gorge well.
  
• Accommodation in Oribi Gorge
  This website is the best I have yet come across for accommodation in South Africa. You communicate directly with the accommodation establishment and the entire booking is carried out online.
  
• Oribi Gorge Hutted Camp
  The camp is situated at the head of the Umzimkulwana Gorge and commands an impressive view of Oribi Gorge. The camp has electricity and consists of six two-bed huts each with an en-suite shower and toilet Each hut is equipped with a refrigerator, kettle and toaster. Bedding, cutlery and crockery are provided, but visitors must bring their own food and beverage.
  
• Oribi Gorge Hotel
  The Oribi Gorge Hotel is a center for adventure activity and boasts having the big 5 adventures. But Oribi is so peaceful and so beautiful that you could also just kick back and relax.