Nagle Dam and Game Reserve (Self Catering Kwazulu Natal)

About Us

Guarded by the mystical splendour of KZN’s Table Mountain, cupped in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, lies Nagle Dam and Game Reserve. This is African thornveld country, the reserve’s memorable nature trails leading you through bush studded by the joys of seasonal flowers.

Picnic spots reveal views that give you the feel of a farflung African getaway, even though you’re less than an hour’s drive from either Durban or Pietermaritzburg. Find out why fishing at Nagle Dam is renowned as much for the catches as for the awesome tranquillity of the setting. Or burn up some energy on the dam in waters that are favoured by top canoeists and watersports enthusiasts.

Share this wonderful slice of Africa for longer by enjoying a stay with us, choosing from camping or safari-style tented accommodation, or add an extra layer of comfort to your bushveld experience at one of our luxury lodges.

However you’d like this corner of Africa to make its mark in your life, we can help, with everything from wedding to conference facilities.

Nagle Dam and Game Reserve is a jewel, allowing you to enjoy a taste of Africa away from your busy world for an afternoon, a weekend or a few days. Start your planning now with this list of the great activities that Nagle has to offer you.

Canoeing and watersports: Nagle Dam is renowned as one of the homes of SA and KZN flat-water canoeing and also hosts barefoot water-skiing. Try out all other forms of wind, paddle or powered craft to create your own private “Thousand Hills Cruise”, watching the mountains and water go by. Unfortunately, boating means we can’t also allow swimming in the dam.

Fishing: Nagle Dam is a magnet for fishing, well stocked with cub, bass, scalies (yellowfish), tilapia, barbel (catfish). We allow the use of an electric “sneaker” motor while fishing.

Picnicking: Our glorious picnic sites and braai facilities overlooking the dam with its resident patrolling fish eagle are firm favourites with those in the know. A wonderful family getaway that feels so far away from everything but in reality is so close to major centres!

Trails and game drives: On the reserve’s walking trails, you can see zebra and various buck, as well as discovering the reserve’s floral jewels and watching the African harrier hawk swoop. For parties of four or more, consider booking one of our game drives. Or for a challenging hike, tackle the richly varied clamber up Table Mountain guided by one of our rangers - minimum four people.

Birding: You’ll enjoy a good variety of birding from water birds to raptors, thanks to the interesting habitat mix of grassveld, dam, thornveld and highlands at Nagle Dam and Game Reserve. Start by spotting Egyptian geese strutting at the roadside and look for giant kingfisher trying its luck by the dam.