Just 13 km from Berea and the Durban CBD, the Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve is an extension of the D’Moss green lung in the south-western suburb of Yellowwood Park. The reserve has become a refuge for the city’s mountain bikers as well as a rare species of Natal owl and migratory birds.

On your bike

The Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve sports a 5–10km mountain bike trail, depending on whether you’re able to handle the technical bits or not. The trail starts from the parking lot and loops up to the entrance gate along an open jeep track, climbing steadily for about 1.5km.

A sharp incline left off the jeep track leads onto a well-used single-track, with sharp rutted turns and a few roots and rocks to negotiate. The track drops off to crisscross the riverbed, forcing a few portages in some places. The single-track ends with a steep climb back out from the river and up to the parking area. The track has a few wooden bridges and steps to negotiate. Watch the cement bridge, as it ends on some steps that could very well spell danger.

Off the bike

Hike along one of the many trails for some excellent birding; Coedmore Castle is a ‘must see’.

GPS: 29°54.784′ South / 30°56.500′ East

Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve on Trailforks.com