Westville: Palmiet Gorge and Swamp Forest

Discover Westville through its nature spots and varied landscapes. At the Palmiet Nature Reserve, a river gorge, coastal scarp forest and grassland shape the scenery; Jubilee Park offers a different setting with its swamp forest. The trails also vary in route. For planning your trip, these features offer practical points of reference for matching Westville to the nature and activity interests that matter to you.

Palmiet Nature Reserve: River, Forest and Grassland

The Palmiet Nature Reserve lies in Westville along the gorge of the Palmiet River and is named after the Palmiet Reed, which was once widespread along this river system.

The Palmiet Trail, the reserve’s main trail, follows the river through coastal scarp forest. The Nkankane and Ridge Trails climb the gently sloping northern side of the valley and pass through grassland with numerous Transvaal beeches. This tree species, which is rare in KwaZulu-Natal, may not necessarily be seen on a single visit.

The difference between the trails is clear: the main trail focuses on the river and scarp forest, while the Nkankane and Ridge trails pass through grassland on the northern slope.

Jubilee Park: Swamp Forest and Circular Trail

In the centre of Westville lies Jubilee Park, a rare example of a swamp forest. The forest absorbs water, helps prevent flooding and provides a habitat for numerous wildlife species, including 76 bird species. The number of bird species may change.

A circular route of paths and boardwalks leads from the Bird Hide at Princess Anne through the park. Check current trail conditions before your visit.

Mountain Biking on the Eco Trails

A mountain bike route operated by the Westville Country Club runs along the Eco Trails. Through its Eco-Trail section, the club organises weekly rides and time trials. Dates may change, so check the schedule before planning a ride.

Westville for Your Hotel Search

Use these specific interests to assess the destination before looking for a hotel.

The Wider Area: Durban Metro

The wider Durban Metro destination, the eThekwini Municipality, stretches from cosmopolitan coastal areas in the north to rugged valleys in the west. The municipal museums have different focuses: the Durban Local History Museums cover cultural and historical heritage, the Durban Art Gallery focuses on visual art, and the Durban Natural Science Museum covers natural-science aspects of heritage. The 19 Local History Museums sites are managed entirely by the Municipality; their number may change.

uShaka Sea World is an aquarium offering dolphin shows, seal watching and penguin presentations. Show schedules may change. uShaka Wet n Wild is a water park.

Discover more destinations: Dawncrest, La Mercy, Berea, Mt Edgecombe, Mpumalanga, Umkomaas, Pinetown, Waterfall

Back to the wider travel overview: Ethekwini.