The Red Desert
the Smallest
Desert in the
world
The Red Desert, found just outside Port Edward, is
reputed to be the smallest desert in the world,
being barely 200 metres across and surrounded by
lush, tropical vegetation.
Theories of the origin of the desert range from
extra-terrestrial landings to excessive overgrazing
in a confined area.
There are grasslands, forests and wetlands
surrounding the Red Desert, which are home to a
number of rare endemic plants. Archeological
artifacts have also been unearthed. Efforts are
underway to make the area into a conservancy to
protect the uniqueness and significance of the Red
Desert area.
A magnificent view over the nearby Umtamvuna
Estuary and Umtamvuna Bridge can be seen from
the nearby grasslands atop the cliffs which line the
Umtamvuna Gorge.