Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve is a natural gem located in the heart of Glenwood in Durban, South Africa. It is a 10 hectare reserve that is home to over 110 species of trees, almost all of which are indigenous to the area. The reserve is a popular spot for birdwatching, particularly for rare forest birds.
One of the main attractions of the reserve is the Natal Elm Trail, a walking or running trail that takes visitors around the reserve. The trail is only 400 meters long, but offers breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities for photography. Visitors can also spot the endangered spotted ground-thrush, a forest bird that can be seen scratching in the thick leaf litter from late March to September.
The reserve is also home to two of South Africa’s rarest trees: the Natal elm and the forest loquat. Other birds that can be spotted in the reserve include the Narina trogan, green twinspot, and buffspotted flufftail.
In 2014, Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve was selected as a role model for other similar natural areas in Durban, thanks in part to the efforts of the Friends of Pigeon Valley. The group uses its own funds to pay for alien clearing and other work in the park. As a result, new birds that are not commonly seen locally have moved into the reserve, such as the red-backed shrike and little bee-eaters.
Goodpet’s Pooch Playgroup
Speak more about different activities and tourist attractions Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve has to offer. Rewrite the following text and incorporate it into the article: ABOUT GOODPET’S POOCH PLAYGROUP
Every Saturday at 3:15pm our dogs get together in a controlled environment at the Holy Family College in Glenwood, for an hour of great fun with pooches of all ages, sizes, and breeds!
Here they learn good park etiquette as well as to socialise with strangers, be they humans or canines. This all under the guidance of Mari Borain, SABCAP qualified and registered Animal Behaviourist and Dog Trainer. Sometimes it’s wet, sometimes its muddy, sometimes it’s just the wind in their nostrils, but always GREAT FUN!
Learn correct Dog Park Etiquette / Behaviour and Timeout assistance. We start on lead, and our goal is for off lead play / interaction. However our dogs need to learn to be eloquent on lead and off lead.
Every session is different, so some sessions may be great off – lead play days, and some sessions may end up in Timeouts throughout the session. Please remember this is a learning experience for your dog and for yourself.
Not everyone is suited for Playgroup, so please check with us first.
Playgroup is intended for pups and older dogs. For pups under 8 months old – in private training and still in need of socialising – as is vitally necessary for all young pups, or for pups/older dogs who interact easily with other dogs and humans. For dogs who are already socialised and friendly to other dogs.
If your dog has not been through our courses / classes and you would still like him to join Playgroup, we can look into the suitability. But this will depend on whether he is used to interacting and playing with other dogs outside of his home.
The Bean Green
Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve not only offers outdoor activities such as birdwatching and nature walks, but also offers visitors the opportunity to indulge in the local coffee culture. The Bean Green, a newly opened roastery and coffee shop on Davenport Road in Durban, is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts.
The Bean Green offers a variety of imported and local green bean coffees, sourcing the beans from the highest altitude African plantations. The team at The Bean Green take their coffee very seriously, using only freshly ground beans and filtered water in their brews. The coffee is made by a fully trained barista, ensuring that every cup is of the highest quality.
Visitors can also purchase the beans to take home, as they are roasted to your preference and available for sale in vacuum packed packs. The Bean Green is a great place to stop by and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while taking a break from exploring Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve.
Phansi Museum
Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve is not just for nature lovers, but also for those interested in traditional art, culture, and history. Visitors can take a break from exploring the reserve and visit The Phansi Museum, which houses some of the largest collections of traditional arts, crafts, and artefacts in South Africa.
The Phansi Museum is housed in Roberts’ House, which was built in 1898 and was once home to Esther Roberts, one of South Africa’s first female anthropologists. Inside the museum, visitors can see life-size dolls showing ceremonial wear from different regions and cultures of South Africa, as well as examples of beadwork dating back to the 19th century. Additionally, there are headrests, meat platters, carved spoons, and Zulu pots on display.
The museum offers a coffee shop, Ikhishi, which is open for refreshments and light lunches on Mondays to Fridays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. This is a great place to rest and have a snack while learning about the rich history and culture of South Africa. The Phansi Museum is a must-see destination for those interested in traditional arts, crafts, and anthropology.
Khangela Brewery
Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve offers visitors not only a chance to explore nature but also an opportunity to experience the local culture and tradition. One such experience is a visit to the Khangela Brewery, the United National Breweries branch in Durban, which produces the largest Umgombothi in South Africa.
Umgombothi is a traditional beer made from Sorghum and has a unique flavor that is an acquired taste for foreigners but is very popular among locals. The Khangela Brewery produces between seven and nine million litres of beer annually and distributed throughout the country. The popular iJuba brand is a household name for many, and even though they produce plenty of litres of beer the turnover each year is relatively low because it is essentially a low-cost beer.
Guided tours of the brewery are available from Tuesday to Thursday. Visitors can see the brewing process and learn about the history and culture of Umgombothi. There is also a small on-site pub that is enjoyed by employees, however, snacks and a beer tasting can be arranged on request after the tour. This is a great way for visitors to taste the local beer and learn about the brewing process.
Stables Lifestyle Market
Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve offers visitors a chance to explore not only nature but also the local culture and tradition, and shopping is also one of the most popular activities to do in Durban. If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, head to The Stables Lifestyle Market, located in the old New Market.
The Stables Lifestyle Market is a unique shopping destination, where approximately 230 stables have been renovated into cute little shops, or stalls, with an emphasis on home-grown and craft-type merchandise. Despite the modernization of the complex, the market still looks like stables, and each stall is named after a famous race horse to add to the ambiance. Visitors can find a wide range of products, from handmade crafts to unique home decor items.
The Stable Lifestyle Market operates twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 pm to 10 pm, and on Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. This is a great place to find unique and locally-made souvenirs and gifts to take home. The Stables Lifestyle Market is a must-visit destination for those looking for a unique shopping experience.
Parc Cafe
Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve not only offers outdoor activities such as birdwatching and nature walks, but also offers visitors the opportunity to indulge in the local food culture. One popular spot for foodies is the parc. café. This café combines fresh ingredients, a novel approach to food preparation, fine dining, and a friendly vibe, with a liberal dose of good service. This makes for the perfect place for coffee-lovers and hungry patrons to enjoy the delicious flavors coming from the menu, which changes often to incorporate the freshest available ingredients with the creativity coming out of the kitchen.
Parc café is a family-run eatery that has a beautiful story; one that is filled with romance and history, with a splash of travel but with its roots deeply entrenched in South Africa. The passion behind the establishment of the café continues to characterize its ambience, making it a warm and inviting atmosphere. This café is situated in the tourist hotspot of Durban, making it ideal for visitors from all over the world who have included the curry capital in their exciting travel itinerary.
The breakfast menu includes delicious options such as banana French toast with a ganache of white chocolate and chili, topped with fresh papaya, devilled chicken livers, rocket, cheese and poached eggs on a variety of freshly baked breads, and apple hotcakes with camembert, bacon, cinnamon crème fraiche, and green tomato jam. The lunch menu comprises stunning salads that each promise something exciting and irresistible to the palate, open sandwiches (including one with braised brisket and a whiskey barbecue sauce, and another with Chevin goats cheese and onion marmalade balsamic) and gorgeous patés, pickles, and preserves to be enjoyed with fresh artisanal breads. parc. café is licensed and closed on Mondays. Being situated in Glenwood, it is accessible and convenient, even if only for a quick but delicious cuppa before heading out again.
To learn more about the reserve, visitors can attend one of the Friends of Pigeon Valley’s monthly walks on the second Saturday of every month at 7:30am at the entrance to the reserve. Alternatively, you can become a Friend of Pigeon Valley by contacting WESSA. Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
