Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve
Proclaimed on the 12 May 1977, is 76 ha in extent.
The Reserve, which is a National Monument, consists of mangrove swamp forests and mud flats, and is an important estuarine habitat. It is situated at the mouth of the Umgeni River in Durban, and is also the home base for the North Durban Honorary Officers. (Volunteers)
Reservations
Reserve bookings can be made with the officer in charge
Please contact +27 82 559 2839, or via e-mail, info@ndho.co.za during office hours.
Accommodation is not available
Facilities available
There is a trail through the Reserve, which offers exciting opportunities to explore the animal, plant and bird life in a mangrove forest.
An Education Centre and thatched Lapa are also available to educational groups and for corporate functions. Bookings are essential.
Dates and times
The Reserve is open to the public on the 3rd Saturday morning of every month from 08h00 to 13h00. Honorary Officers are on hand to assist in walks and general information. Bird spotting walks are done at 08h00 sharp.
On the first Thursday evening of each month is a monthly meeting at the Reserve's Lapa at 19h00. Visitors are welcome to attend the discussions of activities planned for the month ahead.
There is also an annual Open Day, held on the 1st of May, with various nature-related displays, stalls and demonstrations for both adults and children.
General Rules
Failure to adhere to these rules will result in heavy fines and prosecution.
- Entry is by appointment only. Members of the public may not enter the Reserve unless prior arrangements have been made with management, or a publicly advertised event is in progress.
- Nobody may capture, injure or kill any animals on the reserve, not pick or remove any plant, flower, rock or archaeological material.
- Littering is an offence.
- Loud music and undue noise is not allowed.
- No pets are allowed on the Reserve. This includes dogs.
- Fishing or hunting on the Reserve is an offence, as is the collection of bait.
- Visitors are requested to stay on the marked trail of the boardwalk at all times.
- Bicycles are not allowed on the boardwalk and must be left at the Lapa when visiting.