The Beachwood Mangroves nature reserve is situated in Durban, and is a National Monument covering an area of seventy six hectares, and was proclaimed in 1977. The reserve consists of mangrove swamp forest, and important estuarine habitat at the mouth of the Umgeni River. Plant and animal life in the mangrove forest can be viewed on a trail through this ecosystem.

Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve houses the largest population of mangrove trees in the Durban area, and the three varieties of mangrove species can be seen there, include the red mangrove, the white mangrove and the black mangrove.

The southern area of the reserve, near the Umgeni estuary, features a nature conservation education centre and separate thatched gazebo which are available to educational groups and other interested parties. A rustic bird hide is also situated along one of the trails in the mangrove swamp. Flanking the shoreline, there are numerous sand dunes which feature a variety of creeping plants and pioneer scrub. Birdlife in the Beachwood Mangroves Nature reserve includes Water Dikkop, Curlew and the Mangrove Kingfisher. The Natal Nightjar also frequents the rea occasionally.

There is also a boardwalk incorporated into the mangrove forest, which was constructed with the assistance of Lion's Club International. A footbridge crosses over the river along the path to the sea shore. There are three trails in the reserve, which lead visitors to the bird hide and to the swamp.

Address : Off Riverside Road, Durban North, Durban
Opening Hours : Saturday/ Sunday only 08:00 - sunset
Contact : +27 (0) 563 3184