Mtunzini Hiking Trails get A Facelift

Councillor Keith Powell and Barbara Chedzey step out onto the new boardwalks through Mtunzini's swamp forest.

The boardwalk through the Raphia Palm Monument and Mtunzini’s beautiful Swamp Forest have been completely rebuilt!

The Raphia Palm Monument is one of the few declared natural monuments in the country and it is the best place to spot the rare Palmnut Vulture which nests near the top of these particular palms. The palms were introduced to Mtunzini about 100 years ago from the swamp forests of the Kosi Bay and it's one of only six palm species indigenous to South Africa. The raphia palm can grow to a height of 25m in 25 years and its leaves are amongst the largest in the plant kingdom. The Raphia Palm Monument also interlinks via a series of trails with the uMlalazi Nature Reserve which also boasts some impressive Mangrove Forests, These forests are inhabited by a number of strange creatures of which the fiddler crabs are perhaps the best known. Male fiddler crabs have an enlarged claw, which is used both for displaying to attract females as well as in combat with other males. During mating season the mangrove forest is alive with gaiety as the little males beckon to females with their enlarged claws. Also worth looking out for is the mudskipper - a little amphibious fish - which can often be seen skittering over the mud surface searching for insects and small crustaceans to eat.

This project which replaces the original boardwalk established more than 25 years ago, has restored Mtunzini's trail system linking the swamp forest in the municipal area with the dune forest in the Umlalazi Nature Reserve. There is a range of hiking trails in and around the Umlalazi Nature Reserve. A short trail of about 15 minutes through one of the best examples of Mangrove Forest to be seen in South Africa, starts at the parking area at the lagoon and takes the visitor past John Dunn's Pool. In the winter months this is the place to spot the Mangrove Kingfisher. Energetic hikers can continue on the trail which connects with the road to the mudflats which is often an excellent birding area.

Residents and visitors now have several kilometres of beautiful boardwalk and trails on which to explore the various habitats that Mtunzini has to offer. The project has cost R400 000 and has been financed by the National Department of Environmental Affairs and channeled through uThungulu District Municipality’s Coastal Working Group which is chaired by Ward 19 Councillor Keith Powell. Barbara Chedzey and Mtunzini Residents Association chairperson Wendy Forse are members of the Coastal Working Group. The project manager has been Blessing Sikakhani who has supervised the contractors on behalf of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife who implemented the project.

Councillor Powell, long-time resident and champion of Mtunzini’s natural areas, is very impressed with the rebuilt boardwalk and is sure that they will last at least another 25 years. There is new signage at the entrance to the boardwalk and you will be delighted with your expedition through this special piece of paradise. For more information, contact the uMlalalazi Tourism association on 035 473 3359 or email ronel@umlalazi.org.za