Umlalazi Nature Reserve

Game Reserve in Mtunzini

Description

This lovely coastal reserve is conveniently situated one km from Mtunzini on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Umlalazi was established as a protected area in 1948 and is 1 028 hectares in extent. Home of the palmnut vulture, which is one of the rarest birds of prey in South Africa, Umlalazi offers several forms of relaxation.

Limited water-skiing and good fishing are enjoyed in the lagoon, but crocodiles and sharks may be present at times. The beach is popular for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, angling and other water sports. Recreational facilities include trampolines, a tennis wall, swings and other playground equipment. Three trails have been laid out in the reserve. There is an easy walk through one of the best examples of mangrove swamps in South Africa, where several species of mangrove can be found. A second walk leads through the dune forest where bushpig, bushbuck and red, grey and blue duiker may occasionally be seen.

A third trail leads through dune forest and mangrove swamp along the edge of the river. Wildflowers and a great variety of bird life can be seen.
Visitors may also come across colonies of fiddler crabs and fascinating mud-skippers.

Accommodation

There are thirteen log cabins in the resort. Each cabin has a combined lounge diningroom, two bedrooms, kitchenette and bathroom with shower or bath. All cabins now have DSTV. Cots and high-chairs are available for children. Cabins are fully equipped,but visitors must bring their own provisions and are responsible for their own cooking and washing up. The cabins are serviced daily. There are no razor plug points. The campsites are situated at Inkwazi camp and at Indaba camp. Both are five to ten minutes walk from the beach. There are 38 camp and caravan sites with modern ablution facilities. Fifteen amp plug points are also available on site and may be hired at a daily fee.

Contact Details

KZN Wildlife
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Facilities

Swimming pool: Yes

Fishing licence available: Coastal fishing licences are available from the Office

Self guided trails: Three trails have been laid out in the reserve. There is an easy walk through one of the best examples of mangrove swamp forest in South Africa, where several different species of mangrove can be seen. The second trail leads though coastal dune forest where bushpig, bushbuck and red, grey and blue duiker may been seen. A third trail leads through coastal dune forest and mangrove swamp forest along the edge of the Umlalazi river. Wildflowers and a great variety of bird life can be seen.

A trail map and a complete bird list is available from the office.

Directions

Follow the N2 North from Durban and take the Mtunzini off-ramp at the Mtunzini toll plaza. Travel towards the town of Mtunzini and turn right opposite the Spar shop and follow the road to the reserve. Type of road surface: Tar Gate opening and closing times: Summer: 5h00 - 22h00 Winter: 5h00 - 22h00 Distance and time it takes from entrance to gate to camp: Five minute drive Distance & Time it takes from: Durban: 140 km; 1.5 hours Johannesburg 740 km; 7.5 hours Name of the nearest town & distance: Mtunzini; 1 km where the services of a Doctor, Dentist, Police Station, Pharmacy, Grocery Store and Service Garage can be obtained.

What do our users think

05.01.2009 by Pieter de Bruyn from South Africa
- The worst holiday of my life. Terrible ablusion blocks, no hot water, toilets does not flush, untidy rest rooms. The list goes on.

15.12.2008 by Mari van der Westhuizen
- If these people have the decency to answer the phone and not put it down in your ear all the time it would be nice.

Umlalazi Nature Reserve
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