Red Desert Nature Reserve

Port Edward’s unusual claim to fame is the Red Desert. The world’s smallest desert. This lies some 10 kilometres west of the town and is only 200 m in diameter and 11 hectares in its entirety. Best described as a miniature version of the Arizona Desert, the man high hills and valleys of naked red soil bare stark contrast to to the surrounding lush and tropical vegetation. Archeological artefacts going back millions of years can be found and the locals are pleased this is now an internationally protected heritage site.

This peculiar phenomenon is surrounded by myth and legend including stories that this is the site of an alien landing. Truth be told the origins of this desert are found in the location of a Zulu tribe in the 1800’s, with vast cattle herds stolen from the Pondo’s. The terrain became severely over grazed and subsequently eroded by wind leading to the desertification and an opportunity to study the unique desert ecology..

Hit the trail on foot or mountain bike and check out the magnificent view over the Umtamvuna Estuary from the cliff top. Clearwater Trails offer walking or mountain biking trips along the Umtamvuna Gorge starting at the viewing deck upriver, ending at the Umtamvuna Bridge.

Payment in advance can be made using one of the following options:

Tickets can be purchased by clicking on the Yoco link:
Tickets cost R40 per adult and R20 per child under 18.

or alternatively scan the QR Code below:

OFFICIAL SNAPSCAN APP
Downloading the app is quick, easy and free!
Here are the steps on how to do that:

Access your phone's app store and search for SnapScan.
Download and open the app (it is less than 10 MB, so they are not using very much data).
Open the app.

Setting up the app:

Follow the prompts starting with your email address, and then fill in your personal details (name, phone number).
You will have been sent a confirmation email, go to your email account open that email and click on the link.
You will then receive a verification code by SMS, put that code into the field provided.
Load your card by selecting "add card", and you will then fill in the card details (account holder, CVV).
Choose your pin.

And you are set up! You should be able to scan your code now :)

or Pay by EFT with the following details
Account Name: Red Desert Nature Reserve Trust
Bank: Standard Bank
Account No: 055385176
Account type: Savings
Branch code: 7528

NB: All visitors are to please retain their confirmation of payment for entrance to show staff at the entrance gate or inside the Nature Reserve.

Directions to the Red Desert

From Port Edward robots turn inland onto the Izingolweni Rd.
After 1.7 km turn left into Old Pont Rd.
After 1.2 km bear left into Roy Rd (gravel road).
Proceed to end of Roy and Maurice Rds.
Parking area is near Eden Crest complex and green RDNR sign.
You may enter the gate.