The distinctive name 'a place in the shade' was given to the village by the indigenous Zulu people close to the turn of the last century. Mtunzini is known as the gem of the Tuzi Gazi Coast. It has a natural tidal lagoon. The tidal lagoon foms part of a beautiful coastal wetland area with all its unique plants and creatures. Sun drenched beaches, a fisherman's paradise, fringed by tranquil dune forest. A 1000 ha nature reserve makes this area a veritable haven to those wishing to "get away'"from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the outdoor experience.
Image source: Degree Confluence
Click on image to enlarge.
Mtunzini's diverse ecological systems are home to a bountiful variety of flora and fauna. There are around 300 species of birds including the Palmnut Vulture and African Fish Eagle, 250 species of trees, numerous mammals and a variety of fish. Annually a spectacular migration of butterflies brings the bush to life.
(The following content has been sourced from uMlalazi Municipality)
The name Mtunzini is derived from the Zulu word Emthunzini meaning “at the umthunzi (milkwood) tree” or “in the shade of the umthunzi tree”. The form mthunzini means “in the shade” of any tree. In the case of the town of Mtunzini it refers specifically to John Dunn’s Indaba Tree, a large milkwood (Mimusops caffra, Tree No. 583).John Dunn, regarded as the founder of Mtunzini, was born in 1834, the third son among six children. He lived a nomadic life as a hunting guide and transport rider until 1854, when he became assistant to the British Border Agent at Nonoti, Lower Tugela. After the civil war between two Zulu factions in 1856, Dunn got to know Cetshwayo, one of the sons of the Zulu King Mpande, and resigned his post to become Cetshwayo’s diplomatic adviser. In return he received 10 oxen and an extensive stretch of land over which he was a headman.
Dunn’s land was roughly the present magisterial district of Mtunzini. He established his authority over it by dividing it into areas, each under the control of a favourite induna or headman. He had married Catherine Pierce, but also married a further 48/49 Zulu women, as was the custom of his adoptive people. This was a way of ensuring strong political and economic bonds between clans. After the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879 the British appointed Dunn as one of 13 chiefs to rule the defeated Zulu Kingdom. As Chief he was responsible, with advice from his izinduna, for settling disputes and imposing sentences on transgressors. Dunn died on 5 August 1895 after a short illness, and as there was no successor, a power vacuum existed in the area. On 1 October 1895 a temporary magistrate’s post was created at Mtunzini. This date represents the “official” birth of the town and it therefore celebrated its centenary in 1995.
At present Mtunzini is home to approximately 600 families who enjoy the natural beauty of this popular coastal town. The climate is sub-tropical with an average annual rainfall of over 1 000mm. with most rain falling in the summer months. Summers are hot (17° - 40°C) and can be rather humid. Winters are cool with the temperature seldom falling below 17°C.Mtunzini’s firm policy of focusing on the natural beauty of the area and promoting conservation is what makes it so special. The town was declared a Conservancy in November 1995 and in 1999 received a Conservation Award from the then KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Services in recognition of its outstanding commitment and contribution to preserving the natural environment of KwaZulu-Natal.
A network of trails has been established to offer residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the natural attractions of the area. One may be fortunate enough to encounter some wild animals on these trails. Bushbuck, bushpig, red, blue and grey duiker, otters and water mongoose – all are resident in Mtunzini’s natural bush and in the uMlalazi Reserve. The area, with its diverse vegetation, is a bird-watchers’ paradise. Swamp and coastal dune forest, estuarine mud flats, mangroves and open grassland provide the different habitats for over 300 recorded species, the best known being the Palmnut Vulture, now almost synonymous with Mtunzini. It is South Africa’s rarest breeding bird of prey, found only here and at Kosi Bay.
uMlalazi Nature Reserve, controlled by Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, covers 1 028 hectares on the seaward side of town and is open to the public between 05h00 and 22h00. The long stretch of unspoilt beach is ideal for swimming, surfing and angling but, being a dolphin-friendly area, no shark nets are in place. All water sports can be enjoyed at the lagoon and there are ample picnic facilities along the river banks. You will probably see the resident herd of zebra that graze here.
The uMlalazi Reserve and the Amatikulu Reserve together form the Siyayi Coastal Reserve, which stretches from the uMlalazi River in the north, in a narrow band along the coast southwards almost to the Thukela (Tugela) River. Amatikulu Reserve is open between 07h00 and 17h00. Access is via the N2 approximately 30 km south of Mtunzini. Once there, one can undertake self-guided game drives and walks through 5 different ecosystems, namely estuarine, dune scrub, dune forest, coastal riverine and coastal forest. Because of this diversity, the reserve attracts a variety of bird species that will satisfy the keen birder. There is a thriving population of giraffe as well as waterbuck and a number of smaller antelope.
Other recreational activities catered for include golf, tennis and squash at the Country Club, bowling at the Bowling Club and riding at the Pony Club. All clubs, including the Ski Boat Club, offer special short-term membership for visitors.
uMlalazi Municipality
Birding in Mtunzini
(The following information on birding in Mtunzini has been sourced from the Zululand Birding Route.)
Mtunzini, "place of shade," is a coastal town with a wealth of treasures for the birding or wildlife enthusiast. The town, situated on a hill overlooking the coastline, has pristine dune forest and an estuary lined with mangrove swamp forest.Avenues of indigenous trees lining the streets of the village create corridors for wildlife movement and provide an excellent food source for birds. A striking feature of this area are the stands of Raphia palm (Raphia australis). Their fruits form an essential part of the diet of the Palmnut Vulture of which 3 to 5 pairs breed in Mtunzini. The best spot to see this species is at the Raphia palm monument, along the beach, or in the strips of forest along the drainage lines around the town.
The birding spots are:
- 13.1 Mtunzini
Siyaya Area - Wilderness Drive, WESSA (Mick’s Park) Educational Centre, Twinstreams Indigenous Tree Nursery
Umlalazi Nature Reserve
- 13.2 Ongoye Forest Reserve
- Theunissen's Dam & St Kitts Dam
- 13.4 Amatigulu Nature Reserve
A walk along the edge of the estuary, which also includes the mangrove forest, is good for African Finfoot, which may be flushed out into open water. During the winter months this is the best place to try and track down the elusive Mangrove Kingfisher. Walks in the coastal dune forest can be very productive and it is here that the Spotted Thrush can be located during the winter months. Mtunzini's warm climate and "holiday style" appearance make it an excellent place for some productive self-guided birding.
Author: Gareth Chittenden
Source: Zululand Birding Route
Places Of Interest
1. Mtunzini Estuary
Click on the image to enlarge image of the Mtunzini Estuary.
Image Source: Degree Confluence
1. Moyeni
Meaning 'the windy place', this is one of several settlements established by Legendary White Zulu Chief John Dunn. It became his headquarters and his grave is on of the property. Many of his descendants are now settled in the area.
2. Raphia Palms
The Grove, a national monument, was planted by Mr CC Foxon when he was magistrate of the District in around 1903. The original seeds came from Kosi Bay in Maputaland.
This is a short trail of about 500m along a winding boardwalk over ground favoured by the raphia palm grove. It was built by Mtunzini Town Board and is suitable for wheelchairs.
3. Indaba Tree
This tree is situated in the Umlalazia Nature Reserve and is marked by a plaque. It was in this area, under the biggest milkwood tree, that John Dunn held court sittings and celebratory gatherings such as weddings. He built a pole fence around the tree, about 10 foot from it and filled this with ant hill sand that was carried from 5 or 6 miles away by ox-wagon. The sand was stamped providing a very hard floor and seating was placed around the tree.
4. John Dunn's Pool
The remains of this pool can be seen if one takes the Mangrove Trail. As there were many crocodiles and hippos in the Umlalazi River at the time, the pool was dug to provide a safe swimming area for Dunn's wives.
5. Umlalazi Nature Reserve
The Umlalazi Nature Reserve is home to the Palmnut Vulture, one of the rarest birds of prey in South Africa.
Limited water skiing and good fishing are enjoyed on the lagoon, but visitors are warned to be on the lookout for crocodiles and sharks, which have been known to frequent the lagoon at times.
There are lovely walking trails to explore, one trail passes several species of mangrove, another walk leads through the dune forest, lucky walkers may occasionally spot bushpig, bushbuck and red, grey and blue duiker.
Click on image to enlare.
Image Source: Degree Confluence
There are 3 trails. The shortest one is a trail of about 15 minutes and the longest one is 4km long. There is a wide variety of wildflowers and birdlife and the rare palm nut vulture may be seen.
6. Mtunzini Prawn Farm
An Annual Prawn Festival is held at the end of July each year. Apart from the plates of highly-aromatic prawns there is entertainment, music, a craft fair, big-screen Tv (to watch the cricket and rugby match), a fun- fair and frozen praws to buy by the kilogram. In 2002, 20 000 people streamed through the gates and snapped up more than a ton of prawns!
7. Twinstreams Farm Trails
Various well maintained trails through dune forests and along a river up a rehabilibated catchment. Facilities include an education centre and dormitories made from natural material by Mondi Forests. Near Mtunzini.
8. Other Attractions
An 18 hole golf course is at the Mtunzini Country Club.
Zululand Unwrapped- KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
Click here to view a map of the Mtunzini area.
Source of map: Degree Confluence
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