Nature Reserves
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Amatikulu Nature Reserve Amatikulu Nature Reserve is perfect for a weekend getaway or for a day trip from Durban, Eshowe, Mtunzini or Richards Bay. The small reserve is situated on the coast between the Tugela and Amatikulu Rivers. It is one of the few places in Southern Africa where wildlife can be seen grazing on forested dunes overlooking the sea.
Explore the reserve in a canoe, 4X4 vehicle or on foot. The coastal forest grasslands and rivers attract numerous birds, including the rare African fin foot. Keen birders can hire trained bird guides from the local community. Giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and smaller antelope are frequently seen. The beach offers good surf angling.
Need to know?
Canoes are available for hire at R50 per day. An entrance fee is payable at the gates, open from 07:00 to 17:00.
Things to do near
Amatikulu Nature Reserve
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Nature Reserves
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Durban (22.3 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) Harold Johnson Nature Reserve is spread across the banks of the Tugela River on KwaZulu-Natal's North coast. The nature reserve protects KwaZulu-Natal's indigenous floral habitat and wildlife.
There are walking trails, picnic sites, and a variety of bird life and wildlife. There are also a number of self-guided trails to explore, some of which are lined with medicinal plants traditionally used by the Zulu people and the early white settlers.
Fort Pearson and Ultimatum Tree are both national monuments and lie within the nature reserve. Their historical roots date back to the Anglo-Zulu wars.
There is a small entrance fee of R10 for adults and R5 for children (subject to change without notice).
Nature Reserves
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Mtunzini (23.1 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) Home to the incredibly rare Palmnut Vulture, Umlalazi Nature Reserve provides restricted access to beautiful beaches and a river. Amazing birding life and small animals, numerous walks and picnic spots, beach fishing and swimming makes it a paradise for nature lovers. There is limited waterskiing and canoeing on the lagoon – keep a lookout for the occasional crocodile and sharks.
Beaches
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Zinkwazi Beach (24.9 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) With the warm Indian Ocean waves crashing upon these beautiful golden sands, Zinkwazi Beach offers so much for the beach lover.
Coupled with a nearby lagoon, Zinkwazi Beach is also a great location to indulge in some water sports.
Beaches
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Mtunzini (26.8 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) Mtunzini Beach is a unique destination for nature lovers. This hidden gem is perfect for anyone searching for simple beauty, quietness and relaxation. Mtunzini offers amazing walks and has abundant birdlife. The dunes and beach seemingly stretch forever, and the river meanders through the forest and pristine mangroves.
Golf Courses
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Princes Grant (35.1 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) Tee off on the spectacular Dolphin Coast at Prince’s Grant Golf Estate.
The acclaimed 18-hole course is rated as one of South Africa’s top twenty golf courses and is a winner of the 5 Star Golf Experience Award.
The course is a traditional links design, and offers a unique experience to golfers of all skill levels. There estate also boasts a well-equipped gym with professional instructors.
This magnificent estate is situated 20 km from Ballito and is just a 45-minute drive north of Durban.
Beaches
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Blythedale Beach (39.1 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) Blythedale Beach is a massive stretch of beautiful sand, perfect for long walks, and a haven for water activities such as swimming and surfing.
Popular Attractions
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Eshowe (46.1 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) Feel the pulsating rhythm of mysterious and magical Africa as you re-live the excitement and romance of the days of Shaka, King of the Zulus, in this authentic re-creation of the Great Kraal overlooking the Phobane Lake. Situated in the heart of Zululand between Eshowe andMelmoth, Shakaland nestles on the top of the Entombeni Hills, overlooking thePhobane Lake.A traditional Zulu Umuzi or homestead, divided into the home of theZulu's and hotel rooms, this unique resort was the original set forthe filming of the movies 'Shaka Zulu' and 'John Ross'. Experience the sight of assegaai-wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of the Sangomas and witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and the beer-drinking ceremonies.Why not sample the local brew or have the sangoma throw the bones for you?You can even spend the night in one of the traditional beehive huts with all mod-cons and en-suite bathrooms. Shakaland is more than just a tourist attraction - it is an enriching experience affording a better understanding of the Zulu nation, its people and their intriguing customs.
Galleries and Museums
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Groutville (49.5 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) Take a trip out to Groutville and discover one of South Africa’s national treasures. The Luthuli Museum comprises the former home of "Nobel Peace Prize
Beaches
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Tinley Manor (50.4 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) Tinley Manor Beach is a lovely swimming beach, complemented with rock pools on one side and a tidal pool at the other end of the bay.
Like many other beaches in this part of the north coast, Tinley Manor Beach boasts a beautiful offshore reef formation that offers scuba divers and snorkel enthusiasts an amazing underwater world to explore.
Popular Attractions
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Salt Rock (55.1 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) The Litchie Orchard adheres to a simple formula. Offering excellent food and drink, art and craft and fabulous live music all in the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone!
Saturday Markets: 1st & 3rd Saturdays each month, 09:00 – 14:00
Night Markets: Every 2 months
Beaches
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Sheffield Beach (55.4 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) Sheffield Beach is a rather small beach if you were to compare it to others in the area. It is well known as a good spot for scuba diving and spear fishing.
Shopping Malls
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Salt Rock (57.5 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) Tiffany Shopping Centre has a large Spar and numerous smaller shops including clothing boutiques, real estate offices and restaurants. It's a convenient one-stop for shoppers in the Sheffield, Salt Rock and Shaka's Rock areas.
Beaches
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Salt Rock (57.8 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) The palm-fringed Salt Rock Beach has great surf, beautiful off-shore reefs for diving and some good fishing spots. It's a popular family beach with picnic areas, showers and a massive tidal pool. Salt Rock Beach is protected by shark nets and fully trained lifeguards are on duty seven days a week from 6am until 5:30pm.
Beaches
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Shakas Rock (60.6 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) A popular beach for ski-boat launches, Shaka's Rock also has a reputation as great swimming and surfing beach.
Beaches
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Ballito (60.6 km from Amatikulu Nature Reserve) Located between Ballito and Chakas Rock along Ocean Drive, Thompson Bay Beach is a sheltered cove providing a great place for swimming and angling.
Shark nets and life guards on site will ensure you can bathe in safety.