Just an hour and a half north of Durban is a small charming and old fashioned coastal town called Mtunzini. There are nature reserves, miles of stunning beach and a meandering river lined with natural bush. The town and entire area is a conservancy to preserve its eco systems.
Stay over to imbibe this little place’s atmosphere and explore. Visit a gallery/ studio with artists Marian Mattinson and her daughters, Shelley Mattinson and Theresa van der Vyver.
The Umlalazi Nature Reserve has a number of trails for great hiking. Get to see the mangrove forest and the tall, cathedral like raffia palm forest. Take the Mtunzini River Cruises to see the magnificent fish eagles feeding, the odd basking crocodile and lots of birdlife.
See our highly recommended accommodation choices and food stops below.
Visit a sugar cane farm, where you can indulge in an award winning rum tasting at their distillery. Tapanga Rum is made from the sugar cane. Around the corner is Soil, a range of aroma therapy oils, room infusers and essential oils … the only fully organic producers in South Africa.
The history of the area is really interesting. 40 kms away, visit Eshowe and the historical Fort Nongqayi and next door see the display of superb Zulu basketry.
Dlinza Forest with its areal boardwalk through magnificent and bio-diverse forest, abundant bird life and over the canopy, is a must visit.
