Umtamvuna Nature Reserve

Afrikaans name: Umtamvuna Natuurreservaat

Umtamvuna Nature Reserve

Photo © Steven Herbert

KwaZulu-Natal

The Umtamvuna Nature Reserve lies along the northern bank of the Umtamvuna River which marks the boundary between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Many visitors to the reserve stay at nearby Port Edward.

The reserve is administered by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife who describe the reserve as a "botanical paradise". Certainly the lush vegetation and flowers are the lasting memories of a visit to the reserve.

A number of trails lead through the 3,247 hectare reserve. The hikes last from a few hours to a full day in duration. There is no accommodation in the reserve but there is plenty of accommodation available in the nearby coastal towns.

On the trails you may encounter mammals such as Baboon, Samango Monkey, Bushbuck, Blue Duiker and Reedbuck. Birders will also find plenty to look for.

Above - The reserve is covered in dense coastal forest

Photo © Steven Herbert

Why did you visit Umtamvuna? Birding? Hiking?

References and further reading

Where to see Birds in KwaZulu-Natal - Author: Bennett and Herbert - Published: 1995 - Page: 57

Wild Places of Natal - Author: Olive Shepherd - Published: 1989 - Page: 101

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 143

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 210

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 214

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 115

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 175

Country Life - Issue 241 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 24

go! - Issue 151 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 120

Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2018 - Page: 163

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 163

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1989 - Page: 144

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 198

Birding in Southern KwaZulu-Natal - Author: David Allan - Published: 0 - Page: 38

Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Published: 2006 - Page: 86

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

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