Usuthu Gorge Community Conservation Area, a wildlife conservation area run and owned by the Mathenjwa community, is situated in the north-west corner of Maputaland on the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains. The northern boundary is drawn by the Usuthu River which carves an impressive gorge through the Lebombo Mountains providing spectacular views for visitors. In the east, Ndumo Game Reserve forms the boundary and the western boundary is a large wilderness area leading to the beautiful series of cliffs forming the Swaziland boarder. With Wildlands assistance, the aim is to ultimately create a transboundary conservation area that stimulates and promotes economic development and that safeguards the unique biodiversity.
The community has started accepting visitors and a number of local and international groups have already enjoyed all it has to offer. The community have dedicated the reserve to conservation with the aim of providing jobs and income for its members and Wildlands have been working with the community since 2006 to assist them with this process. With fences up, windmills erected (for reserve and community use), conservation and eco-tourism plans in place, the reserve is well on its way to achieving this.
Usuthu offers plenty of options for birders, hikers, 4×4 enthusiasts and mountainbikers. Currently the bird list includes over 152 species of bird and the list is expected to increase to over 300 once new surveys are undertaken. Common occurring wildlife includes Nyala, Impala, Blue wildebeest and Kudu, which were donated and released in the reserve by Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW). Other naturally occurring species include Klipspringer, Mountain Reedbuck, and the Red Rock Hare. You might also be lucky enough to spot Leopard, Hyena, Buffalo, Zebra, Reedbuck and Duiker. There are currently chalet and camping options and a lodge will be developed in the next phase of the project.
Conservation manager Clint Halkett-Siddall had this to say about the kind of visitors who’ve enjoyed the Usuthu Gorge CCA so far: “The guests that camp at Usuthu Gorge CCA are more the rugged outdoor type, the type of people who enjoy the seclusion and wild side of camping. There have been a lot of families, some single people looking for an adventure and a few young groups.” The chalet’s include basic furniture, cutlery and crockery, pots and pans, a fridge and stove and a braai area. Guests wanting a true ‘outdoor experience’ can enjoy a hot outdoor bucket shower as well. All profits from the reserve go towards the management of the reserve and development initiatives within the community.
Contact Clint on 082 335 6062 for more information or to make a booking.
