The Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, situated in the Durban South suburb of Yellowwood Park, was proclaimed in 1963 and is considered to be one of the finest reserves in the Durban area. The land on which the reserve is situated was settled by the Stainbank family in 1857, and was used as farmland. The reserve was established after Kenneth Stainbank, bequeathed the land for public use and is now managed by KZN Wildlife.

The Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve covers a total area of 253 ha and features a number of natural habitats which include excellent examples of coastal forest and grasslands. These habitats serve as home to a variety of interesting species which include, bushbuck, reedbuck, impala, blue, both red and grey duiker, vervet monkey, rock hyrax commonly known as dassie, bushbaby, and a variety of mongoose which include slender, Egyptian and banded mongoose. Zebra, water monitor and genet can also be found within the reserve.

Over 200 bird species have been sighted within the reserve,  including Narina Trogon, Grey Waxbill, Spotted Thrush, Cinnamon Dove, Green Coucal, Black Sparrowhawk, African Goshawk, Green Twinspot and many others. The reserve is considered one the best places in the Durban region to observe white-eared barbet, green malkoha and the elusive lemon dove.

The wildlife can be best be seen by exploring the 13 km of trails that traverse the reserve. which includes a specially designed pathway for physically disabled and sight-impaired visitors. This trail leads to a portion of forest which allows for relatively easy viewing of game and birdlife, without having to travel through the reserve too much. There is also a 10 km mountain biking trail, which proves to somewhat of a challenge in some parts. The reserve also has a number of scenic picnic sites, which are often visited by the zebra and other animals.

The reserve is open between the hours of 6:00am - 18:00pm. An entrance fee is charged at the entrance gate where visitors can obtain maps and plant and animal lists from the field ranger.

For further information contact:
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
(031) 469 2807
divesj@kznwildlife.com