Mpenjati Nature Reserve
Palm Beach, South Coast - KwaZulu Natal © Mpenjati Nature Reserve
The Mpenjati Nature Reserve is situated on the KwaZulu Natal South Coast 20
km south of the popular holiday destination of Margate. The
beautiful reserve lies situated around the Mpenjati River Lagoon, and extends
seawards 500m, serving to protect the unique fossils found there.
The 66 hectare reserve is managed by KwaZulu Natal Wildlife, and consists
of a system of interconnecting riverine and floodplain marsh habitats, extensive
areas of coastal forest, coastal grasslands and open coastline, as well as river
estuary. The Mpenjati River Lagoon has also gained reputation as a popular venue
for a variety of water-based activities which include fishing, board sailing,
boating, canoeing and swimming. Mpenjati features two picnic sites situated on
each bank of the Mpenjati River, as well as barbecue facilities, ablution
blocks, and a children's playground.
The Mpenjati Reserve is a prime birding destination , as well as providing
decent opportunities for hiking. Along the beach and river estuary a number of
less common bird species may be spotted including Water Thick-knee, Osprey,
Swift Tern, Half-collared Kingfisher, Kittlitz's Plover, African Black
Oystercatcher, and Giant Kingfisher. Birds inhabiting the coastal dune forest
include, Black-bellied Starling, Red-capped Robin-chat, White-browed
Scrub-robin, Brown Scrub-robin, Black-backed Puffback, Forest Canary, Green
Twinspot, Orange-breasted Bush-shrike and Grey-headed Bush-shrike.
The Ipithi Trail which is just over a kilometer in length travels along the south bank of the river, and allows visitors the occasional opportunity to sight blue, red and grey duiker as well as bushbuck. The Yengele trail on the northern back is a short distance under two kilometers, and leads hikers through one of the KZN South Coast's largest dune forests. Observation platforms ideally placed along both trails, provide magnificent views of the lagoon, as well as the wetland system and the coast.
Accommodation Near Mpenjati Nature Reserve
The Beach House - Forest Homes Unit 24
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Palm Beach
1.4km from Mpenjati Nature ReserveSome 30 km south of Port Shepstone, on the lush Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast is the tiny hamlet of Palm Beach. Nestled in the un-spoilt indigenous forest of this area is Forest Homes. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Shack
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Palm Beach
1.8km from Mpenjati Nature ReserveThe Shack is nestled in the heart of a southern KZN nature conservation area in the quaint little village of Palm Beach. We are 1 km from the beach. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Port o' Call Caravan Park
Caravan or Camping Accommodation in Trafalgar
2.5km from Mpenjati Nature ReserveThe park is well maintained with spotless ablutions providing ample hot water. Our sites are grassed, level and shady, all with electricity. Some of the sites have sea views which provide amazing vantage points during the dolphin and whale seasons... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Dolphin Bay Beach House
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Glenmore Beach
3km from Mpenjati Nature ReserveThe house is fully equipped with all the necessary amenities and home comforts for a well organised holiday. These include a large flat screen TV with full bouquet DSTV Explorer equipment. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Summer Villa at San Lameer
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in San Lameer
3.2km from Mpenjati Nature ReserveOur Summer Villa is a beautiful Spanish style 3-bedroom Villa that sleeps 6, with a spacious open plan kitchen, lounge and dining room modernly furnished and with facilities such as DStv and air-conditioning standard. The emphasis in the interior ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Villa 2409 @ San Lameer Estates
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in San Lameer
3.3km from Mpenjati Nature ReserveVilla 2409 is privately owned and situated in Plot 24 at the dream family resort - San Lameer Estate, South Africa’s own tropical paradise. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sanlameer Villa 3010
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in San Lameer
3.3km from Mpenjati Nature ReserveSanlameer villas is situated inside the beautiful well known Parklands 18 hole golf course estate with a Club House and Viewing Deck, on the Lower South Coast road in KwaZulu-Natal. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
