Palmiet Nature Reserve

27/08/2026

Our Final Winter Trail of 2026

17 people joined Linda Smith for our final Winter Trail of 2026, and the reserve certainly did not disappoint. It was looking particularly beautiful following the litter clean-up undertaken by the Westville Conservancy on Mandela Day.

Although we did not see any wagtails, we were treated to the sight of a beautiful family of geese and goslings. The Half-collared Kingfisher pair made an appearance and provided some wonderful photographic opportunities. They are becoming quite accustomed to their celebrity status!

We did catch a brief glimpse of what appeared to be either a particularly large dassie or a duiker. The mystery remains unsolved!

Thank you to everyone who joined the trail and contributed donations. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Linda highly recommends the Warren Friedman Trail for a short and enjoyable winter walk. The Iboza at the entrance is putting on a beautiful display, adding an extra touch of colour to the reserve.

Photos Linda Smith

29/07/2026

Discover the Beauty of the Palmiet This Winter

Looking for a refreshing way to spend your Sunday morning? Join Linda Smith and the Friends of the Palmiet for a memorable Winter Walk along the beautiful Warren Friedman Trail.

📅 Sunday 2 August
⏰ 8:30am

Enjoy the crisp winter air as we follow the Palmiet River through indigenous forest and open grassland, taking in the sights and sounds of one of Durban's treasured natural spaces. It's the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature, meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and explore the reserve with a knowledgeable guide.

Please note that the route includes rock scrambling and narrow paths, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Remember to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Walking sticks (recommended)
- Water to stay hydrated

📍 Meet at: Car park at the end of Old New Germany Road, Westville.

A R30 cash or Zapper donation is kindly requested from non-members to help support the ongoing conservation and maintenance of the reserve.

Bring your friends and family, breathe in the fresh winter air, and experience the beauty of the Palmiet Nature Reserve. We'd love to see you there!

29/07/2026

A wonderful community effort at the Mandela Day litter clean-up

We were delighted to see such a great turnout, and the results speak for themselves. Just look at the number of bags of litter collected along the Warren Friedman Trail!

A heartfelt thank you to the employees of PGCO for their enthusiasm and hard work. Special thanks to the three learners from Westville Boys' High School, who started at the far end of the trail and walked back over a kilometre carrying full bags of collected litter. Your commitment and teamwork are truly appreciated.

Our sincere gratitude goes to the Westville Conservancy for organising the clean-up and for their continued support of the Palmiet Nature Reserve. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in protecting this beautiful natural space for everyone to enjoy.

Photos Linda Smith

16/07/2026

16/07/2026

A Refreshing Walk Through the Palmiet

Despite the weather forecast predicting otherwise, we were treated to a beautiful, clear morning for our walk through the Palmiet Nature Reserve with Linda Smith on Sunday 12 July.

The recent rain made the river crossing a little more adventurous, while giving the reserve a refreshing wash. The result was a landscape bursting with vibrant shades of green, with every leaf glistening in the morning light.

Our walk to the Faurea Grassland and back was a wonderful experience, made even more special by a sighting of our beloved Palmiet mascot, the Mountain Wagtail, welcoming us on our return.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the hike and to those who generously donated in support of the reserve. Your continued support helps us protect this remarkable natural treasure.

Photos Linda Smith

16/07/2026

Visit our Website – Reconnect with Nature at Palmiet Nature Reserve

Looking for your next outdoor adventure or a peaceful escape into nature?

The Palmiet Nature Reserve is one of Westville's hidden treasures, offering breathtaking scenery, indigenous forests, tranquil river trails, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and an incredible diversity of wildlife.

With over 150 bird species, 170 tree species, and kilometres of scenic walking trails, there's something to inspire every nature lover.

Whether you're planning a family outing, a birdwatching excursion, a guided hike, or simply a moment to reconnect with nature, the Palmiet Nature Reserve has it all.

Visit our website to explore the reserve's history, discover trail maps, learn about local flora and fauna, and see how you can support conservation efforts

🍃 Explore. Discover. Protect.

👉 Visit https://palmiet.my.canva.site/

11/07/2026

Please note that unfortunately the hike will be cancelled tomorrow if it rains - the conditions will be too slippery to walk safely. Please check the weather and if it is raining at 8 then the hike will be cancelled. Holding thumbs for clear weather.

Send a message to learn more

10/07/2026

Ready for an Adventure? Join Our Sunday Hike!

Our monthly Sunday trail takes place this Sunday 12 July, after being rescheduled from the first Sunday of the month

🥾 Linda Smith – Hike the Reserve
📅 Sunday 12 July 2026
🕣 8:30 am

Join us for a longer guided hike through the beautiful Palmiet Nature Reserve, where we'll explore grasslands, riverine forest, towering sandstone cliffs and indigenous bush.

It's a wonderful opportunity to experience one of Westville's hidden natural treasures.

Please bring:
💧 Water and snacks
🥾 Good walking shoes
🥾 Walking sticks (recommended)

📍 Meet at the car park at the end of Old New Germany Road, Westville

A R30 cash or Zapper donation (non-members) is requested to help support the upkeep of the reserve

We can't wait to explore with you. See you on the trail! 🌿

02/07/2026

Sunday Trail Update

Please note that there will be no Sunday trail on the first Sunday of July. Instead, our monthly guided hike has been rescheduled to Sunday 12 July.

Sunday 12 July 2026, 8:30 am
Hike the Reserve – Linda Smith

Join Linda Smith for a longer guided hike through the reserve, exploring a variety of habitats, from open grasslands to lush riverine forest.

Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of towering sandstone cliffs, dense indigenous bush, and discover why this reserve is one of Westville's hidden gems.

The hike requires a reasonable level of fitness, as the route includes some slippery sections and rock scrambling.

Please bring:
• Water and snacks
• Good walking shoes
• Walking sticks (recommended)

Meeting point: Car park at the end of Old New Germany Road, Westville

A R30 cash or Zapper donation (non-members) is requested to support the ongoing upkeep of the reserve

We look forward to seeing you on the trail!

02/07/2026

A group of enthusiastic nature lovers joined Linda Smith on the morning of Sunday 7 June for a scenic walk along the river, starting just a five-minute walk from the Cascade entrance, making it an easy and convenient meeting point.

The weather was perfect, allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty of the Cascade and the peaceful, forested river path. A special highlight was watching two mountain wagtails gracefully fly by, adding a touch of splendour to an already memorable morning.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, made a donation, and helped pick up litter along the way. Your support and care for the Palmiet Nature Reserve help keep this beautiful natural space thriving for everyone to enjoy.

Photos Linda Smith