Spring means warmer weather, and the coastal town of Port Edward (47kms from Port Shepstone) is a great day trip destination, where you can experience the natural beauty of the area on a hike in the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve.

The flowers are in full bloom on the walking trails of this relatively unknown nature paradise on the northern banks of the Umtamvuna River, just inland from Port Edward.

Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge that forms the border between the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal from various trails for hikers (or walkers) of all fitness levels.

Exploring South Coast organises fabulous day hikes on the South Coast, and I joined the group of about 20, led by our guide Craig, in the parking area of the reserve at 9 am on a Sunday morning.

It was the last weekend in August, but spring had sprung early and vivid displays of wildflowers dotted the landscape as we set off towards the gorge on our 12km trail.

Streams and waterfalls, koppies and sandstone cliffs, green hills and dense forest are all part of the magnificent scenery on the route, and the trails are designed to allow you to experience all the natural beauty of this reserve.

Baboons and various buck species are often spotted, although we didn’t encounter any on this particular hike, but the reserve was teeming with birdlife and is home to more than 250 species, including vultures, eagles and falcons.

The trail is steep in parts, and there are a few rocks to clamber over, but there are no serious climbs or cliffs to scale (a stile between two fenced areas is the sum total of the climbing required). The sight of the river below at the viewing deck is worth the trek, but the trip back to base is uphill for quite a bit of the way, so if that puts you off, then a more gentle trail might be a better option and still offers the magnificent gorge views with lots of flora along the route.

There are various trails to choose from – ranging from 2kms to a more strenuous 12 kms, and you can choose to explore the reserve on your own or with a guide. R30 entrance fee gives you a full day in the reserve (no overnight camping is allowed) and there are toilet facilities at the office.

Umtamvuna Nature Reserve is located on the road to Izingolweni, off the R61 about 8kms inland from Port Edward.

No excursion to the Port Edward area is complete without a visit to Beaver Creek

On the way back to Port Edward, a stop at the legendary Beaver Creek Coffee Estate is a must for coffee lovers. (You have to pass it on the way back to the highway.)

Daily crop-to-cup tours take place at 12 noon every day or enjoy delicious meals and freshly roasted coffee at the Estate Café.

Sasha is a freelance journalist and has a passion for writing, reading, good food and wine. She’s obsessed with the IDEA of healthy eating (as well as chocolate – dark of course) and is always experimenting with alternative health therapies and trying to get the family to eat less sugar. Her best reward at the end of a busy week: a good book or time to sit on the beach and stare at the sea: whichever option is available.