Nature Hiking Trails at The KOP (Ntunjambili)
An opportunity exists to develop nature trails on and around the Kop. This hill, 45 km from Greytown on the Stanger road, overlooks the Tugela River, which meanders nearly 700m below. The ‘Kop’ has long been a well-known landmark in the area (Ntunjambili) with it’sits trademark rounded cliff face rising 800m (2000ft) from the valley of the Tugela (Thukela) River below. The distinctive "head" stands like a lone sentinel at the end of a narrow grassy ridge, which extends from the surrounding plateaux. Not only is this formidable pinnacle of weathered sandstone home to the Natal/Zululand Cycad (Encephalartos ferox), but also several species of bird life (Black Eagles, kestrels, falcons and rock pigeons) and the ubiquitous ‘dassie’ (hyrax). The arch of the bridge is approximately 20m below the level of the bluff, which is split in half from north to south, with a rock chimney (about 1m wide and 30m deep but partially filled with rubble). On a clear day, one can see as far as the sea and Eshowe to the east, and westwards to the Drakensberg Mountains. An interesting tribal legend dating to the days of Shaka tells of the rock splitting to hide a Chief's son and his bride from cannibals.