Excursion Umlazi nature reserve hike tour at Richards Bay

Enjoy the Umlazi Nature Reserve and its beautiful landscape on a hike on this half-day nature tour.

Umlazi Nature Reserve

An approx. 1-hour transfer takes you to the Umlazi Nature Reserve. The coastal reserve is situated on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Umlalazi was established as a protected area in 1948 and is 1028 hectares in extent. Home of the Palmnut Vulture, one of the rarest birds of prey in South Africa.

Siyaya Coastal Dune Forest Trail & Bird Spieces

The Siyaya Coastal Dune Forest Trail is circular and begins in the south beach parking area, following the coastal forest next to the Siyaya stream. You may catch a glimpse of various buck. The hike is approximately 4km and Bushbuck, red, grey and blue duiker can be seen on this trail. The trail is well maintained ad clearly marked, so navigating the route is very easy. The first part of the loop takes you through the forested dunes from the car park towards the Siyaya River. This section is gently undulating and relatively easy. Once at the end of this part the route splits and you take the beach route that crosses a footbridge over the Siyaya River and onto the coast where one can then walk back along the sand.

Just outside the reserve is a boardwalk that takes you through a swamp forest and which provides easy access to the heart of the colony of palms where the prime specimens create an awesome cathedral-like effect. The Palm Nut vulture is often seen nesting near the top of the raphia palms.

At the conclusion of your hike, re-board the coach and return to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Umlazi Nature Reserve, Bird and Plant Species, Nature

Note

Please Note: this tour involves an extensive amount of walking approx 2.5 Miles (4km) at times over uneven surface with a few steps to negotiate and to get on/off the coach. This tour is not recommended for guests who have walking limitations or those who utilize a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes, sun hats, sun block, sunglasses a& binoculars (optional). We recommend keeping hydrated during the hike. No restroom facilities available on the site, a comfort stop will be made on the way to and back from the reserve.