Umlalazi Nature Reserve

Description

The Umlalazi Nature Reserve is situated 1km from the popular holiday village of Mtunzini on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. The reserve protects a pristine coastal forest and offers 3 different trails and a chance to spot a variety of bird and wildlife.

For those who want to experience a small piece of paradise, there is a forest trail that will take you straight to a secluded sandy beach, while, for visitors wanting a guided tour, boat trips along the Mlazi River are taken down to the river's mouth. There are also scenic picnic spots along the river.

Fish eagles and kingfishers are often spotted along river, and red duiker, bushbuck and vervet monkeys can be sighted in the forest. For a real outdoor adventure, there is a circular walk that takes you through a mangrove swamp teeming with life, as well as mud skimmers and crabs.

Umlalazi hosts two unique attractions, namely the Palm-nut Vulture, is one of the rarest birds of prey in South Africa; and the Raffia Palm Monument which is the largest palm in the world. The estuary provides a nursery for baby fish, and you can often see shoals of young mullet swimming along the surface.