Five reasons to visit uMlalazi Nature Reserve

As a whole, Mtunzini is known as a jewel of KwaZulu-Natal, and when residents want a fun day out, they can head to the uMlalazi Nature Reserve, which is virtually on their doorsteps. As a real estate agency with its finger on the pulse of Mtunzini and all that it has to offer, Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty has put together a list of five great reasons to spend time at uMlalazi.

1. Catch a glimpse of the Palm-nut Vulture

The Palm-nut Vulture is one of South Africa's rarest birds of prey and the uMlalazi Nature Reserve is one of the few places where - if you're lucky - you can see one. Adults can be recognised by their bold black and white patterns, while youngsters are brown. They can be told apart from African Fish-Eagles by their red facial skin and unique black and white patterns. An interesting fact about the Palm-nut Vulture is that it is an unusual raptor because more than half its diet is made up of plants. Unlike other vultures, these special raptors also have feathers on their heads.

2. A great opportunity to go boating and enjoy water activities

uMlalazi provides a great opportunity to enjoy some time on the lagoon. Visitors should be aware that power boat users will need to have their skipper's licences with them and that all boats used in the reserve need to be registered with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife before launch. Life jackets must be worn at all times for safety reasons. Visitors can also enjoy fantastic water skiing and fishing opportunities.

3. Go walking on self-guided trails

The reserve offers three laid-out walking trails, including an easy walk through an Insta-worthy mangrove swamp forest. If you know a thing or two about mangroves, you'll be able to detect various mangrove species along the walk. On the second trail, which takes you through the coastal dune forest, you may catch a glimpse of bushpig, bushbuck or red, grey or blue duiker if you're lucky. If you choose the third trail, you'll traverse the mangrove swamp forest along the edge of the uMlalazi River. Whichever trail you choose, you'll enjoy beautiful flora and fauna. Keep your eyes open and enjoy the abundant birdlife in the region.

4. Go camping or have a holiday in a four-bedroom log cabin

If you're keen to make a holiday out of your visit to uMlalazi Nature Reserve, you're spoilt for choice. For starters, you can choose to camp either in a tent or a caravan. All campsites have plug points and most can accommodate either tents or a caravan. The communal ablution blocks have hot and cold water to ensure that you have a comfortable stay. Those looking to camp can choose between the Inkwazi Campsite and the Indaba Campsite. If camping is not your style, you can stay in one of uMlalazi's 12 four-bed log cabins, each fully equipped and self-contained. These cabins have an open-plan kitchen and lounge area, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

5. Enjoy a great day out with the kids

Over and above fostering a love of wild life and the great outdoors in your children, a visit to uMlalazi Nature Reserve will give them a chance to play on trampolines, swings and other playground equipment found within the Inkwazi campgrounds. You can make a trip to the reserve extra fun for the younger members of your family by creating a checklist that they can tick off as they see various animals and sights.

Proximity to the uMlalazi Nature Reserve is just one of the reasons that people are choosing to move to Mtunzini. View the amazing array of properties for sale and to rent and get in touch with Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty if you'd like more information about making this stunning town your home.