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Mpenjati Public Resort Nature Reserve
skznbs 13.5

Categories: roadside attraction; picnic; trails; guide

This reserve encompasses the Mpenjati River Estuary and adjacent areas on both the north and south banks of the river. Linking the coastal dune forest to the lagoon and beach, it is 66ha in extent. The source of the name of the reserve is unclear and refers either to the reedbeds lining the river ('mphenjati') or may mean 'place of warring buffalo'.

Specials to look out for are Half-collared Kingfisher, Water Thick-knee, Osprey, Swift Tern, African Black Oystercatcher, Kittlitz's Plover and Giant Kingfisher are possibilities on the beach and along the river estuary. Birds that may be encountered amongst the coastal dune forest include, Black-bellied Starling, Red-capped Robin-chat, Brown Scrub-robin, White-browed Scrub-robin, Black-backed Puffback, Forest Canary, Swee Waxbill, Green Twinspot, Black-crowned Tchagra , Orange-breasted Bush-shrike and Grey-headed Bush-shrike.

Directions

The reserve is between Margate and Port Edward. Take the N2 freeway from Durban . It lies directly adjacent to the main road on the seaward side and is well signposted. There are entrance roads on both the north and south sides of the river.

Additional Info

The area is administered by KZN Wildlife. It is not necessary to make bookings prior to visiting the reserve. A nominal entrance fee is payable at the reserve. Picnic sites and ablution facilities with toilets are situated on both sides of the river. There are also well laid out walking trails with boardwalk observation platforms giving outstanding views of the river lagoon and its associated wetlands, the surrounding forests and grassland, and the adjacent coastline.

Habitats: riverine and floodplain marsh habitats, extensive areas of coastal forest, coastal grassland and open coastline and river estuary.

Contact

KZN Wildlife Reservations
• Tel: +27 (0)33 845 1000
• Fax: +27 (0)33 845 1001