Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is situated in the Oribi Gorge, which is approximately 27 km long, 4 km wide (widest point) and 400 m deep. One of KwaZulu-Natal’s most spectacular natural settings, the scenic Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve lies some 21 km inland from Port Shepstone, in 1950 it was proclaimed a protected state forest.

Oribi Gorge is the eastern gorge of two gorges that cuts through the Oribi Flats (flat sugar cane farmlands). The western gorge was formed by the Mzimkulu River. At the base of the cliffs of both gorges there are rocks over 1000 million years old while the cliffs themselves are formed from sandstone deposited about 365 million years ago. Below the gorges is a large surface mine producing cement.

The scenery along the gorge formed by the Umzimkulwana River is a photographer’s and nature lover’s paradise. Wildlife to be seen in the reserve includes mammal species such as bushbuck, common reedbuck and blue and grey duiker. Leopard occur in the area and with luck, you may join the select band of game viewers to have seen one of these secretive creatures. The bird list numbers 250 and with its diverse habitats bird watching in Oribi is a rewarding experience.