Different natural features shape a stay in Westville: the river gorge and escarpment forest of Palmiet Nature Reserve, the swamp forest in Jubilee Park, and a mountain biking route along the Eco Trails. Depending on your interests, you can focus on the river and hillside landscape, wetlands, or an organised cycling programme. If culture or water attractions are also on your wish list, you can look to the wider destination of Durban Metro.
River and Escarpment Forest in Palmiet Nature Reserve
Palmiet Nature Reserve is in Westville, along the gorge of the Palmiet River. Its name comes from the palmiet reed, which was once widespread along this river system. The Palmiet Trail, the reserve’s main trail, runs alongside the river through coastal escarpment forest.
The Nkankane and Ridge Trails climb the gently sloping northern side of the valley and pass through grassland with numerous Transvaal beech trees, a species that is rare in KwaZulu-Natal. The routes therefore differ in landscape and course: the Palmiet Trail follows the river through the forest, while Nkankane and Ridge cross the grassland on the northern slope.
Swamp Forest and a Circular Trail in Jubilee Park
Jubilee Park is in central Westville and is a rare example of a swamp forest. This habitat absorbs water, helps prevent flooding and provides a home for many wildlife species, including 76 bird species. The number of species may change.
A circular route of paths and boardwalks leads through the park from the Bird Hide at Princess Anne. If you plan to follow this route, check the current condition of the paths before your visit. Jubilee Park thus offers both a distinctive habitat and a clearly described circular route.
Mountain Biking Route and Club Events
A mountain biking route run by Westville Country Club follows the Eco Trails. The club organises weekly rides and time trials through its Eco-Trail section. The cycling programme adds an organised activity to the nature trails. If you are considering joining a ride or time trial, check the current weekly schedule in advance, as dates may change.
More to Explore in the Wider Destination of Durban Metro
The wider destination of Durban Metro spans the eThekwini Municipality, from cosmopolitan coastal areas in the north to rugged valleys in the west. It also offers cultural attractions: the Durban Local History Museums explore cultural and historical heritage, the Durban Art Gallery focuses on visual art, and the Durban Natural Science Museum covers natural science aspects of heritage.
There are 19 Local History Museums sites in eThekwini; they are all managed by the Municipality. The number of sites may change. Other regional attractions include uShaka Sea World and uShaka Wet n Wild: Sea World is an aquarium with dolphin shows, seal viewing and penguin presentations; Wet n Wild is a water park. The show schedule may change, so it is advisable to check the current presentations before visiting.
Westville therefore offers a range of natural settings to choose from for your stay: the river and escarpment forest in Palmiet Nature Reserve, the swamp forest and circular trail in Jubilee Park, and the cycling programme along the Eco Trails. Museums, an aquarium and a water park, meanwhile, are part of the wider destination of Durban Metro.
Discover more destinations: Dawncrest, Pinetown, Umkomaas, Mpumalanga, Durban South, Mt Edgecombe, Berea, La Mercy.
To the wider travel overview: Ethekwini.
