Umlalazi Nature Reserve, Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal
Umlalazi Nature Reserve is situated near the Zululand town of Mtunzini on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. This 1028 ha reserve is one of the few coastal reserves encompassing a lagoon and a beach and its stand-out feature is that it contains one of the best preserved red, black and white mangroves, in large stands, in South Africa. There is an easy walk through the mangrove swamps and another through the dune forest where you can see bushpig, bushbuck, red and grey duiker.
This swamp is home to the fascinating mud and fiddler crabs, mudskippers, various tree-climbing whelks, snails and periwinkles. Small eels, fish, prawns and shrimps shelter in the mangrove roots and hippo, crocodiles and sharks occur in the lagoon and the river. You can ski and paddle on the lagoon but be very careful. The estuary is a refuge for a large variety of sea birds including the endangered oystercatcher.
There are a number of campsites at the Inkwazi Camp and the Indaba Camp both of which are about a 5 to 10 minute walk from the beach. There are also 13 fully equipped log cabins all with DSTV. Cabins are serviced but you must do your own washing up.
Getting there: turn off the N2 at Mtunzini. Go left at the fork and you will see the signpost in about 600 m on the right.
Bookings can be made at the reserve office. Tel: +27 (0)35 340 1836
Central reservations tel: +27 (0)33 845 1000 Email
| More info on the town of Richards Bay | More info on the Zululand area |
Related Articles
Book your accommodation right here on ShowMe.
You can find the top hotels, lodges and Airbnb establishments conveniently placed on the map below. All you need to do is click on the place that’s conveniently located and within your budget and then make a booking. What could be easier?
If the map is not where you want to be, click on the ShowMe Pin and then enter the exact name of the location and the map will adjust accordingly.
