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Umhlanga River and Lagoon
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Categories: roadside attraction; picnic; guide
Umhlanga Lagoon is a relatively unspoilt estuary at the northern end of Umhlanga Rocks. From the parking area a trail leads through the Typha beds towards the staff quarters where it divides. The right hand path goes up the primary dune and follows its crest along toward the mouth and trough a magnificent dune forest of Milkwoods . Near the end a path leads down to the beach where one walks to the lagoon.
The left hand path passes through a large grove of lagoon hibiscus before entering the climax dune forest which is home to a number of interesting birds. The path comes out at a wooden bridge, which crosses the reed filled lagoon habitat. The bridge allows one to cross the lagoon and climb the primary dune to join the other path along the crest. This enables one to cover many different habitats on an easy and pleasant walk.
Specials to look out for are Crested Guineafowl, Green Malkoha, Spotted Ground-Thrush, Southern Brown-throated Weaver, White-eared Barbet, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Grey Sunbird and Grey Waxbill.
Directions
From the M4 North take the Portland Drive exit. Turn right at the T-junction and then immediately right again. Turn left into Newlands Drive immediately after driving under the M4 bridge. Turn left at the Stop sign, into Lagoon Drive. The entrance to the reserve is at the cul-de-sac at the end of the road.
GPS Coordinates (decimals)
Lat: 29°42.78' S
Lon: 31°05.53' E
Additional Info
The site is accessible by day visitors and there are marked trails.
There is safe parking for up to 10 cars, a picnic site and toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.
Contact
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
- Tel: +27 (0)31 274 1150
For anyone who wishes to speak to a keep local birder at this site please contact:
- Jon Cilliers
- Mobile: +27 (0)83 784 5688