Mpenjati Nature Reserve
This lush little coastal reserve is 20 km south of Margate on the lower south coast. At present Mpenjati caters essentially for the day visitor. The 60 hectare reserve comprises a system of interlinking wetlands, grasslands and dune forests. The most popular activities are birding, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Two picnic sites on each bank of the Mpenjati River have barbecue facilities, ablution blocks, and a chidren's playground.
The Ipithi trail on the south bank is 1,2 km long and offers visitors the opportunity of sighting blue, red and grey duiker and bushbuck. The Yengele trail on the north bank is 1,8 km long and is routed through one of the largest dune forests on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The forest is home to forest antelope and a host of bird species, as well as a breeding pair of Fish Eagle. Observation platforms on both trails provide breathtaking views of the lagoon, wetland system and the coast. The lagoon is ideal for canoeing, windsufing, fishing and swimming.
Did you know?
The red duiker is listed on the IUCN red list as a threatened species.
Mpenjati Nature Reserve is a large protected reserve of indigenous
coastal bush flanking the Mpenjati River and extending to the shores of KwaZulu-Natal's south coast.
Mpenjati Nature Reserve, which lies about 20km south of the holiday town of Margate, is made up of a series of interlinking wetlands, grasslands and dune forests that sustain a variety of flora and fauna.
Activities on offer at this nature reserve include hiking, bird watching, fishing and swimming. Picnic and braai (barbecue) facilities, along with ablution blocks, have been provided on both the north and south banks of the river.
The 1.2km-long Ipithi trail on the south bank holds the promise of sighting the indigenous blue duiker, red duiker and grey duiker, as well as larger forest antelope species and the resident troop of vervet monkeys.
The Yengele trail on the north bank is 1.8km long and takes hikers through one of the largest dune forests on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast. Look out for forest antelope and a breeding pair of fish eagles, the main attractions on this trail.
If you’re keen on birds, look out for a variety of coastal and forest species. You might see the half-collared kingfisher, Kittlitz’s plover, and osprey. In the dune forest, keep an eye out for the forest canary, orange-breasted bush-shrike, black-bellied starling and green twinspot.
Ideally situated observation platforms on each trail provide excellent vantage points from which to view the lagoon, wetlands and the beach. The lagoon is a popular spot for canoeists, windsurfers and fishermen, and is safe for swimming.
In the interests of wildlife protection, pets are not permitted in the reserve, and there are no facilities for the disabled. While there are no shops at Mpenjati Nature Reserve, the proximity of Port Edward, just 12km away, makes stocking up for your picnic as easy as pie.
Mpenjati Nature Reserve, which lies about 20km south of the holiday town of Margate, is made up of a series of interlinking wetlands, grasslands and dune forests that sustain a variety of flora and fauna.
Activities on offer at this nature reserve include hiking, bird watching, fishing and swimming. Picnic and braai (barbecue) facilities, along with ablution blocks, have been provided on both the north and south banks of the river.
The 1.2km-long Ipithi trail on the south bank holds the promise of sighting the indigenous blue duiker, red duiker and grey duiker, as well as larger forest antelope species and the resident troop of vervet monkeys.
The Yengele trail on the north bank is 1.8km long and takes hikers through one of the largest dune forests on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast. Look out for forest antelope and a breeding pair of fish eagles, the main attractions on this trail.
If you’re keen on birds, look out for a variety of coastal and forest species. You might see the half-collared kingfisher, Kittlitz’s plover, and osprey. In the dune forest, keep an eye out for the forest canary, orange-breasted bush-shrike, black-bellied starling and green twinspot.
Ideally situated observation platforms on each trail provide excellent vantage points from which to view the lagoon, wetlands and the beach. The lagoon is a popular spot for canoeists, windsurfers and fishermen, and is safe for swimming.
In the interests of wildlife protection, pets are not permitted in the reserve, and there are no facilities for the disabled. While there are no shops at Mpenjati Nature Reserve, the proximity of Port Edward, just 12km away, makes stocking up for your picnic as easy as pie.
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