[category]
[title]
Sometimes you need to look up to find your next adventure.
And that’s the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk in the historic town of Eshowe, northern KZN.
This unique attraction lets you literally walk through the treetops of one of South Africa's last remaining indigenous coastal scarp forests.
It's peaceful, surprisingly affordable, packed with wildlife, and makes for the perfect day out.
READ: What’s MPA Day and why should you care?
Walk above an ancient forest
Unlike a traditional hiking trail, the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk lifts visitors into the forest canopy itself.
The 150-metre wheelchair-friendly wooden boardwalk winds through the towering indigenous trees before leading to a 20-metre-high observation tower, offering panoramic views across the lush forest and surrounding Zululand landscape.
The boardwalk was the first attraction of its kind in southern Africa when it opened in 2004 as part of the Sappi/WWF TreeRoutes Partnership. More than two decades later, it's still one of the most unusual ways to experience one of KwaZulu-Natal's natural treasures.
Set within the 250-hectare Dlinza Forest, one of the famed Five Great Forests of Zululand, the attraction places visitors right in the heart of a living ecosystem.
READ: Visiting Zululand got easier as CemAir brings back Richards Bay route
A paradise for bird and animal lovers
If you're into birdwatching, you should already be heading out the door.
Dlinza Forest forms part of the renowned Zululand Birding Route and is home to more than 65 bird species, including several sought-after forest specials on the twitcher bucket list. Keep an eye out for:
- Narina Trogon
- Spotted Ground Thrush
- Crowned Eagle
- Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon
- Green Twinspot
- Trumpeter Hornbill
- Chorister Robin-chat
The forest is bursting with life beyond its feathered residents. Visitors regularly spot:
- More than 80 butterfly species
- Bushbabies
- Blue duikers
- Bushbuck
- Porcupines
- Chameleons
- Mongoose
Towering indigenous trees, flowering orchids and dense green canopy make every visit feel like stepping into another world.
After exploring the boardwalk, spend some time on the walking trails beneath the canopy. Choose from:
- Impunzi Trail (1.3km)
- Unkonka Trail (1.8km)
READ: KZN launches R73m green jobs programme to tackle invasive plants
Conservation you can support
One of the best parts about visiting Dlinza is that your ticket directly contributes to conservation.
Every visit helps:
- Keep the boardwalk open
- Support local guides
- Fund environmental education programmes
- Protect one of KwaZulu-Natal's most important indigenous forests for future generations
What you need to know
- Location: Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk, Eshowe (around 2½ hours from Durban)
- Opening hours: Winter (1 April – 30 August): 7am – 4pm | Summer (1 September – 31 March): 6am – 4pm
- Current entry fees: Adults - R50 | Children (6 to 13) – R20 | Students & pensioners: R40 | Annual family membership: R320
- Bookings: Group bookings and more information are available here.
- Need nearby accommodation? Book here.
*Please note that prices are expected to increase slightly from 1 August.
Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk is proof that some of KZN’s best experiences are found off the beaten track!
TIME OUT DURBAN RECOMMENDS:
📍 The best things to do in Durban
🍽 The best restaurants in Durban
🏨 The best hotels in Durban
🛏️ Where to stay in Durban
📢 Latest news from Durban
Follow Time Out Durban on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok! To get the coolest news, features, and things to do straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.