Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve

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Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve is a 253-hectare protected area in Yellowwood Park, Durban, South Africa. It was proclaimed in 1963 after land was donated by Kenneth Stainbank and is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. The reserve is famous for its real yellowwood trees, which give the suburb its name. It contains coastal forest and natural grassland that support various plants and animals.

There are 13 km of nature walks and a 10 km mountain bike trail. Recently, three new walking trails were added: a 5 km family-friendly route, a moderate trail, and a 10 km challenging route. A wheelchair-friendly trail is also available from the main car park.

Within the reserve, among the giant yellowwood trees, is Coedmore Castle, a stone house built in 1885 by Dering Stainbank. It still holds much of its original furniture, portraits, and antique silverware. The castle remained with the Stainbank family until 2018, when the property became state property and is no longer open to public tours or events.

The Mary Stainbank Memorial Gallery is also in the reserve. Mary, a contemporary of Henry Moore, studied in London in 1925. The gallery houses much of her private work and papers and is open to visitors by prior booking.

The reserve is home to the Wilderness Leadership Foundation, founded by Ian Player, which runs guided walks through KwaZulu-Natal’s northern game reserves, mainly Hluhluwe-Imfolozi.