Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

PollutionSand MiningCoastal ErosionNurdlesUPL Chemical Spill
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10 May 2021

South Coast boasts smallest desert in world

(South Coast Herald: Southern Explorer) Picture: The terrain became severely over grazed and subsequently ended by wind leading to the desertification and an opportunity to study the unique desert ecology.

The Red Desert is KZN South Coast’s most unique geographic formations, and the smallest desert in the world at only 200 m in diameter. The desert consists of red soil beneath which has been found archaeological artefacts dating back millions of years. Best described as a miniature version of the Arizona Desert, the main high hills and valleys of naked red soil bare stark contrast to the surrounding lush and subtropical vegetation.

Archeological artifacts’ 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 sorties that this is the site on an alien landing.

Truth be told the origins of this desert are found in the location of a Zulu tribe in the 1800s, with vast cattle herds stolen from the Pondos. The terrain became severely over grazed and subsequently ended 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.

According to the reserve, many archeological artefacts dating back several millennia have been found in this desert. More recently, however, it is believed to have been occupied by a Zulu tribe in the 1800s. Overgrazing by the resident cattle led to the area’s unique desertification amid KwaZulu-Natal’s thriving lush vegetation.

 

Online Article