Food, Fun and Adventure: Hike in Mpenjati Nature Reserve
Animals to spot are the grey duiker, bushbuck, forest antelope and a host of birds.
Ideal for the day visitor, the Mpenjati Nature Reserve is a 66ha coastal reserve on the lower South Coast between San Lameer and Port Edward.
Read more: Food, Fun and Adventure
Consisting of wetland, grasslands and dune forests, Mpenjati’s most popular activities include birding, fishing, swimming and hiking. The lagoon also lends itself to canoeing and windsurfing.
On the south bank, find the 1.2km Ipithi Trail, named after the blue duiker. Other animals to spot are the grey duiker and bushbuck. On the north bank, find the 1,8km Yengele Trail routed through one of the largest local dune forests. Look out for forest antelope, a host of birds including a breeding pair of fish eagles. Both trails feature viewing platforms.
It also has 2 picnic sites on each bank of the Mpenjati River with ablution blocks and a popular children’s playground.
The Trafalgar Marine Protected Area (MPA) stretches from Mpenjati Nature Reserve for 4.5km to San Lameer and was proclaimed to protect the marine fossil beds. The fossils are from the cretalious age some 60 million years ago.
An entrance fee is charged to all visitors and collected by roving field rangers. Marine angling permits are required, should you wish to fish. Please note collection or disturbance of invertebrates, plants, animals, archaeological or geological material is not allowed in the estuary or MPA.
This reserve is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
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