On the back of the continued successful digital mapping partnership with CapeNature in the Western Cape, we are delighted to be partnering with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in KwaZulu-Natal.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW), the provincial nature conservation authority in KwaZulu-Natal, is mandated to protect biodiversity in the province and manages over 65 nature reserves across the province which includes over 200 000 hectares of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a four to five-hour drive from Johannesburg and Durban, the Drakensberg is South Africa's highest and largest mountain range - the highest mountain range in Africa south of Kilimanjaro. It is a spectacular mountain wilderness with an extensive hiking path network that suits all levels of hiking, from meanders in gentle valleys to technical passes and peaks.
To assist EKZNW in keeping visitors safe and managing their trails, Forge and EKZNW will be running a trial partnership over the festive season focussed on their flagship park - Royal Natal National Park. Royal Natal, the northernmost reserve in the KZN Drakensberg, is the gateway to the stunning Amphitheatre valley and hosts fantastic day hikes, for both day visitors and those staying overnight at one of the various accommodation options.
The partnership is aimed at showcasing the Forge app to visitors to Royal Natal, ensuring they get access to our accurate trail maps. The maps are available offline (just download them before heading out!) and include relevant emergency contact details and a direct link to our Trail Issue Alert tool, which can be used to report any observed trail issues that will be relayed to EKZNW management and used to keep our maps up-to-date where needed.
Access to the Forge app will not only help keep people on the right track but also be a source of inspiration to explore, with the confidence that comes with a reliable digital map, the best that Royal Natal has to offer. The Royal Natal map (including the nearby mNweni area - not managed by EKZNW), along with other maps of the region are available on the Forge app and website. We love getting feedback from our users through app ratings and reviews (you can make one on your app store here) or directly via email on how Forge helped you explore more. We are delighted to be strengthening our relationship with the EKZNW, the official trail manager of the region, and bridging the communication gap between them and trail users. We look forward to building on this relationship and trust that the Forge app will help make visiting Royal Natal this festive season even more of a memorable highlight and leave visitors yearning to explore more.
