KwaZulu-Natal
The Umlalazi Nature Reserve is situated next to the town of Mtunzini on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast. The reserve comprises of coastal forest, a lagoon and the coast line. This makes for a variety of habitats which in turn leads to a wide variety of animal life that may be found here.
One of the most interesting things to do is to take a walk on the trail through the mangrove forest. Thousands of crabs scuttle out of your way. You may also see mudskippers and, in winter, the Mangrove Kingfisher.
Just outside the reserve is the raffia palm monument where you will see the huge raffia palms and, with some luck, a Palm-nut Vulture.
The lagoon offers some opportunity for fishing and water-skiing but be aware that you may encounter a shark or Nile Crocodiles (that walk through the mangrove forest with the crabs is not sounding so scary anymore is it?).
There is both hutted accommodation and a camp site.
Photo © Steven Herbert
Above - Choose whichever of the following statements suits you:
a) I love crabs so Umlalazi Nature Reserve is the place for me!
or
b) I hate crabs which means you are never going to get me to visit Umlalazi Nature Reserve!
There are lots of crabs at Umlalazi but they are mainly in the mangroves so, even if you are scared of these little guys, it is worthwhile visiting this great nature reserve.
Photo © Steven Herbert
Above and below - There are some lovely picnic spots on the banks of the lagoon although you may have to chase away some of the wildlife to get to use them.
Photo © Steven Herbert
Top References
|
