Art by Marian Mattinson.
Just an hour and a half north of Durban is a small coastal town called Mtunzini. This charming, old fashioned “Place in The Shade” is unspoiled with nature reserves, miles of stunning beach and a meandering river lined with natural bush. The town and entire area has been made a conservancy to preserve its eco systems. There are no high rises and the pace is very relaxed. The town has corridors of natural bush for wildlife. So even in town, you find good birdlife, especially the Trumpeter Hornbills which fly in groups calling to each other like crying babies.
There is lots to do when sauntering here so while it makes a good day out, we suggest you stay to imbibe this little place’s atmosphere and explore the area. A gallery with 3 talented family members who are painters, is the first stop. Artist Marian Mattinson and her 2 daughters, Shelley Mattinson and Theresa van der Vyver, display their lovely and varied paintings and photographs in the gallery. Your welcome will be typical of the hospitality in the town … warm!
Pop in to Twigs for a lovely selection of gifts, decor and art, plus good coffee and cake heaven.
The Umlalazi Nature Reserve has a number of trails for great hiking. Get to see the mangrove forest which is an easy, short walk, and the tall, cathedral like raffia palm forest which is also very easy to reach. The longer trails are really rewarding. The area is a birders paradise, so binoculars are a good idea to get good visibility of some of those birds that are rare such as the African finfoot or the palm nut vulture.
Mtunzini Mangrove Forest
The Raffia Palm Forest
Time to check into one of our highly recommended bed and breakfasts. The first is One- on- Hely which has sea views over the low landscape from your balcony, very comfortable rooms and great hospitality. If you prefer a rustic option, the Umlalazi Nature reserve has cabins and a camp site.
One-on Hely**** B*B Hunters B&B **** Ngoye Lodge and Nguni Cottage****
Hunter’s Bed and Breakfast also has excellent accommodation and warm hosts who could not be more helpful. There is a lovely entertainment area around the pool.
Ngoye Lodge is a lovely spot in an established indigenous garden. All suites are either on a BnB basis or self-catering. Nguni Cottage is a gorgeous self-catering for 4.
Mtunzini River Cruises Nook Bistro
The afternoon treat is a trip on a river barge with Mtunzini River Cruises to see the magnificent fish eagles feeding, the odd basking crocodile and lots of birdlife. For those keen on fishing you are bound to get lucky. We suggest you take some drinks and snacks so that you can watch the sunset from the boat.
Back in town, stay as you are for a relaxed supper at family spot, Nook Bistro (formerly, The Clay Oven) which offers a wide choice. They offer the best of the family get together braai… but an elegant version of each dish. The young Chef is creating some very good food.
Start the day with a lagoon walk or enjoy the long unspoilt beach and inviting surf. Then take an 11 km drive to a sugar cane farm, where you can indulge in an award winning rum tasting at their distillery. Tapanga Rum is made right there from the sugar cane. Their cocktails are divine. Around the corner on the farm is an amazing large area with organic herb and flower cultivation. This is for the production of Soil, a range of aroma therapy oils, room infusers and essential oils … the only fully organic producers in South Africa. These 2 make a great combined stop.
Back in Mtunzini, or Zini, have supper at a casual seafood and grill eatery, The Tipsy Bush Baby with a choice of seating in a boma under forest trees or indoors. Enjoy a cocktail as you watch a delightful bush baby family visit.
The Tipsy Bush Baby has a visitor The Tipsy Bush Baby Vukani Basketry Museum
The history of the area is really interesting. 40 kms away, visit Eshowe and the historical Fort Nongqayi where you can learn how Mtunzini got its name and about the larger than life white Zulu chief, John Dunn. Next door is a display of superb Zulu basketry, the quality of which we do not often see.
One of the area’s natural treasures is the Dlinza Forest with its areal boardwalk through magnificent and biodiverse forest, abundant birdlife and stunning views over the canopy.
You will find links to all accommodation, restaurants and activities, under Itineraries-KwaZulu Natal.
Have fun sauntering in Mtunzini… a great family holiday spot!
