Nkandla Forest Trail

The Nkandla Forest is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most significant indigenous forest areas — a large Afromontane forest in the Zululand hinterland that forms part of one of the largest remaining indigenous forest complexes in KZN. The area has significant cultural associations — it is near the birthplace of former President Jacob Zuma — and the forest itself is botanically extraordinary.

What to Expect

Forest tracks and dirt roads through dense Afromontane indigenous forest on moderately rolling to hilly terrain. The forest canopy is continuous and tall — large yellowwoods, forest milkwoods and tree ferns create an enclosed, atmospheric environment. Forest birds including the rare Cape parrot are present and the forest floor mammal diversity is high. The Nkandla Forest is genuinely remote and off the beaten track.

Getting There

Nkandla is accessible from Eshowe in the KZN Zululand interior. GPS reference: -28.6456, 31.0234.

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🌐 Visit Official Trail Website →