Cumberland Nature Reserve

01/11/2026

There’s a lot more to Cumberland’s grasslands than meets the eye! 🌱

This World Ecology Day, we’re celebrating something very special about our little corner of KZN - the threatened Cumberland Crest ecosystem, with its unique mix of grassland and savanna vegetation.

These grasslands are home to remarkable plant life, and protecting them is an important part of what we do at Cumberland. 💚

Recently, Prof Benny Beytebier visited the reserve with his second-year Botany students, highlighting just how valuable these natural spaces are for learning and research.

And sometimes, nature still has a few surprises up its sleeve! A recent botanical discovery in the area has sparked excitement among researchers, reminding us how much there is still to learn about the natural world around us. 🌿

We're proud to play a part in conserving this special ecosystem for generations to come.

29/10/2026

Coffee on the deck, birds doing their thing, and absolutely no reason to make decisions before the second cup ☕🌿

Zebra Cottage is a cozy 4-sleeper with its own private deck, sweeping views and easy access to the swimming pool.

Start with a slow morning on the veranda, wander to the nearby picnic sites, cool off with a dip and head back to your cottage for an easy evening outdoors. No complicated itinerary required ☺️

Looking for a thoughtful gift? Ask us about our accommodation vouchers at [email protected].

Book your stay: https://www.cumberlandreserve.co.za

28/10/2026

We’re reminding our community to please be cautious of the TikTok account StayEasy SA (), which has been using Cumberland’s content to advertise our accommodation.

This account is not affiliated with Cumberland Nature Reserve and is not authorised to accept bookings or payments on our behalf.

If you're planning a visit, please book through our official booking link:
https://book.nightsbridge.com/35729

Not sure whether you're dealing with the right people? You're always welcome to check with us directly before making any payment. 💚

📧 [email protected]
📞 082 376 5600

Please help us spread the word and keep our Cumberland community informed.

28/10/2026

It’s World Sustainability Day 🌿 A good reminder that getting away doesn’t always have to mean modern comforts.

At Cumberland, our off-grid accommodation offers a simpler way to spend time in nature - and Kranz Hut is one of those places.

Surrounded by the reserve, it’s a stay that brings things back to basics: less distraction, more time outdoors and the chance to experience Cumberland at a slower pace.

It’s all part of our approach to meaningful, low-impact ways of experiencing nature.
Make a weekend of it.

27/10/2026

Who’s been digging tiny holes in the bush? 👀

If you’ve ever spotted one of these neat little funnels in dry, sandy soil, you might have wondered what made it.

Here’s your clue: it’s not a footprint, a burrow or someone having a very tiny game of golf 😉⛳

Any guesses who’s hiding at the bottom?

Drop your answer in the comments before you swipe for the reveal 👇🌿

26/10/2026

The Crinum lilies are putting on quite a show at Cumberland right now! 🌸🌿

These beautiful indigenous lilies belong right here in our natural landscape, and they're flowering in abundance at the moment. ☺️

But here's something worth knowing: not all lilies are local! The similar-looking Formosa lily, originally from Taiwan, is an invasive species that flowers later in the season.

A little reminder that knowing what belongs in our bush is just as important as appreciating what grows in it. 💚

Next time you're wandering through Cumberland, keep an eye out for our blooming Crinum lilies!

22/10/2026

Some of the best school days are the ones that come with a little mud on the shoes 😉🌿

Outdoor Educators offers school programmes at Cumberland that take learning outdoors, giving learners plenty of opportunities to work together, solve problems, communicate and try something new.

From raft building, beacon hunts and map reading to trust and communication activities, the underground Tunnel maze, photo adventure challenges, indigenous games and team-building activities, there’s plenty to keep everyone involved. And when the day winds down, there are night activities and campfires too 🔥

It’s a chance to learn new skills, build confidence as a team and have plenty of fun along the way.

Planning your school’s next outdoor programme? Get in touch with Dirk at Outdoor Educators on [email protected] or (072) 135 7047

20/10/2026

The fire is lit, the drinks are poured and dinner will be ready whenever the braai master decides it’s ready 😏🔥
Tucked beneath tall trees, Bush Camp gives you a private base for spending more time outdoors, with Cumberland’s safe walking trails right on your doorstep.

Head out for a wander, keep an eye open for wildlife along the way, then come back to camp, get the fire going and settle in. Marshmallows are probably a good idea too 😉

Looking for a thoughtful gift? Ask us about our accommodation vouchers at [email protected].

Make a weekend of it: https://www.cumberlandreserve.co.za

15/10/2026

Some Cumberland visitors are harder to miss than others 👀🌿

Meet the Grey Crowned Crane – easily recognised by that unmistakable golden crown, long legs, grey plumage and flashes of red and white around the face.

These striking birds are right at home in wetland and grassland habitats, where they forage for everything from grass seeds and insects to frogs and other small creatures. KwaZulu-Natal is also an important stronghold for the species in South Africa.

Keep an eye on open grassland and areas around water when you’re out exploring – and if you’re lucky enough to spot a pair like these, give them plenty of space and enjoy the sighting from a respectful distance. 🌿

Come see what you can spot: https://www.cumberlandreserve.co.za

A spacious, 3 bed-roomed house with 2 bathrooms, can accommodate 7 people. The lounge has a fireplace for those chilly winter nights. Equipped with an electric oven, gas hob, microwave oven and fridge -freezer.

13/10/2026

Grab that friend who’s always saying, “We really must get together soon.” This is your sign 😉

Every Thursday is Pensioners Day at Cumberland. For just R45, pensioners can spend the day enjoying the reserve at their own pace - and sometimes the best plan is simply finding a good spot near the falls, unpacking something tasty and settling in for a proper catch-up.

There’s still plenty of time for a gentle wander, a little birdwatching or some wildlife spotting along the way. But no one said every visit had to be about getting the steps in 😉

Bring a friend, pack the picnic basket and make a day of it.

Contact us on [email protected] to find out more.