Ilanda Wilds, Protected area in Amanzimtoti, South Africa.
Ilanda Wilds is a protected area along the Amanzimtoti River featuring riverine habitats, forest sections, and rocky slopes. The reserve covers approximately 20 hectares and supports over 120 tree species throughout its landscape.
The site was formerly a quarry that was converted into a nature reserve during the 1960s through partnership between local residents, the Wildlife Society, and Amanzimtoti Council. This transformation shows how the degraded landscape was reclaimed and restored.
A memorial at the site recalls King Shaka's 1828 visit, when he tasted the river water and named the place. The location remains significant in local memory and tells the story of early exploration along the coast.
Three self-guided trails, each about one kilometer long, allow visitors to observe bird species, vervet monkeys, and native plants throughout the reserve. The trails can be walked at your own pace and offer good opportunities for wildlife observation.
The reserve is home to the southernmost natural specimen of Natal white stinkwood and protects habitat for the endangered spotted ground-thrush and endemic chameleons. These rare species make the reserve an important location for regional conservation efforts.
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