Shiyalongubo Dam. Nestled in the rocky folds of the Makhonjwa Mountains, the dam was originally built to provide water for irrigation on farms in the Low’s Creek area. It is accessible from either the Bulembu Pass via Barberton or the Louieville Road turn-off at Low’s Creek. Taking the long way round, Bulembu Pass way, will take you past massive pine trees and a rare indigenous forest vibrant with birdlife.

Local Swazi villagers believe there is a dragon that makes an appearance when the full moon rises over the Makhonjwa Mountains. He leaves the dam and makes a long journey into the mountain Kingdom where he visits his concubines. Returning to Shiyalongubo Dam, he once more recedes into the waters to await the next full moon. The cloak of mist that lies over the water on early mornings may well be proof of his presence in the deep.

Another interesting story about this dam is that it was never really inaugurated. On the day of the supposed inauguration the ceremony was interrupted by a runaway car. The vehicle, which was parked just uphill from the ceremonial platform, rolled down the hill due to a faulty handbrake. This resulted in the destruction of the inauguration platform and the death of a number of dignitaries, including the mayor’s wife. Because of this disaster the ceremony never actually occurred.

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Corymborkis corymbis

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The actual reason for the rather challenging hike is to try an find and document the illusive Corymborkis corymbis Orchid. This little bugger is not rare as it does well on on our Natal South Coast, however its only been seen once here in the Ugutugulu.