Umlalazi Nature Reserve
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Umlalazi Nature Reserve is a magnificent KZN Wildlife reserve. On the outskirts of Mtunzini,and on the doorstep of both beach and lagoon, this resort offers various accommodation types, as well as activities to fit every fancy.
Tel: +27 (0)35 340 1896 /9
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| Location Information |
| Locality |
Region |
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KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Property description |
Umlalazi Nature Reserve is a beautiful coastal resort conveniently nestled in the dunes and thick coastal forest just 1km from Mtunzini on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Umlalazi was established as a protected area in 1948 and is 1 028 hectares in extent.
Accommodation
Umlalazi Camp
There are thirteen log cabins in the Umlalazi Camp. Each cabin has a combined lounge/dining room, 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 camp has a sparkling swimming pool for the enjoyment of guests.
By arrangement, guests can enjoy a sumptuous beach braai in the evening combined with a barge cruise on the river. Camping facilities are also available.
Inkwazi & Indaba Camps
There are two campsites, Inkwazi with 36 sites and Indaba with 14 sites, set in open areas with shady trees only a short walk from the beach.The large spacious sites take caravans or tents and have shared cold water taps, communal plug points and barbecue facilities with firewood and charcoal for sale. The ablutions have hot and cold running water, toilets, showers, baths, dishwashing facilities and coin operated laundry machines.Inkwazi also has playground equipment.
Plug points may be hired at a daily fee.
Recreational facilities include a swimming pool, trampolines, a tennis wall, swings and other playground equipment
Other facilities
- There is well stocked curio shop at Umlalazi Nature Reserve which sells local crafts and curios, books, beer, wine, cool drinks, light snacks and ice creams.
Attractions
Umlalazi Nature Reserve offers several forms of relaxation.
Water-skiing, boating and canoeing can be enjoyed on the Umlalazi River and the surf and lagoon fishing is excellent. Vast stretches of uncrowded beaches are outstanding for swimming, surfing, windsurfing and angling as well as for long beach walks. Crocodiles and sharks,however,may be present at times.
Umlalazi is superb for birding and there are three self-guided trails through mangrove swamps, dune forests and along the edge of the river.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.Visitors may also come across colonies of fiddler crabs and fascinating mud-skippers.
A trail map and a complete bird list is available from the office.
Other information
Gate opening and closing times:
Summer: 5h00 - 22h00
Winter: 5h00 - 22h00
Office hours:
The office is open from 8h00 to 16h30 seven days a week.
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| Check in times |
Check In Time: 14h00,Check Out Time: 10h00
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| Area activities |
Mtunzini is home to the Umlalazi Nature Reserve,where hiking,birding ,canoeing and picnicking are just some of the many activities on offer. The beach dunes and lagoon create a magnificent natural playground.
If you're eager to get near the water, there are many different boat trips available. Fishing and waterskiing are also popular.
For the sporting enthusiast, Mtunzini Country Club offers a 9-hole golf course (18 tees) as well as squash and tennis courts. The town also has a very active bowling club.
Other local activities include horse riding, microlight flights, barge excursions, surfing, mountain biking, 4x4 trails, many walking trails, jet skiing, pottery and cultural tours. The Riverbend Crocodile Farm is a great place to visit. Mtunzini also has a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants.
Mtunzini is an hour away from the Hlululuwe/Umfolozi Park. Half an hour further north is the St Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage site, where the scuba diving is breathtaking.
Eshowe, close inland, offers an aerial boardwalk, high up in the forest canopy, a must for the avid bird watcher. A visit to Fort Nongquai in Eshowe and Shakaland Zulu cultural village is also well worth the time. On your way back to Mtunzini take a quick detour to Ongoye forest, with its rare bird species.
An hour's drive south towards Durban you will find Gateway Shopping Centre where children can enjoy the skateboard park and wavehouse, or give the climbing wall a try. There are many restaurants in the shopping centre, as well as Adventure Golf and Tenpin Bowling to keep the whole family occupied.
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| Driving 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.
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| Airports |
Durban Airport (140 km from Mtunzini) and Richards Bay Airport (45 km from Mtunzini)
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| Other transport |
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| Policies & disclaimers |
A coastal fishing licence must be obtained before any angling can be done at Umlalazi. These are available from the office.
There are no handicap facilities at Umlalazi.
There are no freezer facilities at Umlalazi.
Firearms must be declared on arrival
Pets are not permitted at Reserve.
Fees and discounts
No entry fees will be charged for visits by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Primary and Secondary School groups, from KZN Schools to KZN Protected Areas and St Lucia Crocodile Centre provided that such visits:
1. are authorised by the Head of the school
2. are booked in advance with the Officer in Charge of the Protected Area or Crocodile Centre
3. do not take place over weekends, during KZN Provincial school holidays or Public Holidays".
Children under 3 years old - no charge (entry and accommodation).
A discount for children aged 12 or under is 50% of the standard tariff irrespective of the time of year or day of the week. This only applies to children sharing an accommodation unit with their parents or other adults.
The discount for permanent residents of South Africa over the age of 60, and for students is 30% of the standard tariff. In the case of people over 60, and students, the discounts are applicable during weekdays (Sunday night to Thursday night) only, and also excludes public holidays, long weekends, and school holidays.
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