a unique, untouched, pristine dune climax forest on the eastern seaboard of Kwa-Zulu Natal
Open the first Saturday of the month at 8h30 from February to December
The Hawaan Forest is one of very few remaining climax coastal forests in southern Africa, and it is imperative that it is conserved. Situated in the rapidly developing town of Umhlanga on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, a mere hip and a hop from King Shaka International Airport, it is bordered by the coastal M4 freeway, the Ohlanga River and rapidly developing residential areas. The forest, which is approximately 80 ha in extent, is privately owned. The Hawaan Investments helps to preserve 31ha of the forest and a portion of the adjacent coastal grassland as a nature reserve. The remaining forested 49ha area belongs to Tongaat Hulett Limited and is maintained as a private conservation area.
Author by Jocelyn Sutherland
Southern Cola (Cola natalensis) is also easily identified by its bark, which is flaky and splotched with green-grey splodges, and its leaf stalk has a distinct elbow-like bump at the base of the blade.
Please contact us for any inquiries about the forest and future walks. Our office is open part-time on Mondays and Thursday from 13h00 to 16h00.
Guided walks thought the forest are open to the public on the first Saturday of the month from February to December. The meeting place for walks is at the forest gate. Walks are given by volunteer guides, who have a passion for different aspect found in the forest environment.