The Nyamvubu Conservation Trust is a pristine rural environment in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, encompassing a 74 acre dam and approximately 3 km of river within 600 acres of conservancy. The Nyamvubu Trust also holds an official Nature Reserve status. The Nyamvubu river filters through the Rietvlei wetland located just to the south which then traverses through and out of the dam in a northerly direction. The river within the conservancy drops some 600 feet in elevation interspersed with several weirs and three waterfalls, before finally discharging into the Craigieburn dam located just north of the boundary.

The trust consists of nine houses owned and managed by over 25 families. Each house is sensitively and discreetly positioned around the shores of the dam leaving the river totally uninhabited.

The shared ethos of the trust is about family, friends and outdoor pursuits. The dam and river are a fly-fisherman's paradise with trout stocking taking place annually. We are fortunate to also get some natural spawning occurring when conditions permit. Yellow fish periodically make their way upstream to just below the conservancy's third waterfall which is the highest point that they can migrate to from Craigieburn dam. Although house rules allow for one trout per rod per day, the trust strongly encourages catch and release with the occasional trout "for the pan". Cycling is popularly pursued by homeowner enthusiasts and guests alike. The trails are plentiful within thousands of acres of timber plantations, Mount Gilboa, and numerous dirt roads and tracks all literally on our doorstep.

The unique eco systems, all found within the conservancy and consisting of wetland, grassland and riverine forests support an abundance of plants, trees, bird life and animals. With the elevation dropping from the dam along the course of the river, this provides for contrasting landscapes of rolling midlands scenery to African bush. Birders are spoilt here with all three cranes resident, along with regular sightings of the African fish eagle, buzzards and the Western osprey to name but a few. Black-backed jackals are sighted occasionally whilst numerous antelope including the oribi are naturally resident on the conservancy. Some homeowners and guests have been fortunate to spot caracal and serval. Rather excitingly, a leopard and its cub was spotted in the area in 2010.

The local small neighboring community is engaged and supported. Whilst this support may come in the form of initiatives such as assistance with water supply to vegetable tunnels and local school funding, each house also provides full time employment to some ten people collectively.

For other photographs of Nyamvubu, please click on the Menu Gallery