Mpenjati Nature Reserve Verified listing

The Mpenjati Nature Reserve reserve occupies 60 hectares (or 149 acres) of the KwaZulu Natal countryside. Thanks to its ideal locale, on the Mpenjati River and stretching to the coast, the reserve is able to boast a number of different ecological habitats and biomes. It includes wetlands, dune forests and grasslands that all meet up within its borders. This variety means far greater biodiversity, and visitors can look forward to the opportunity to spot so many different kinds of birds, land animals, marine species, and plants.

Location & Layout
Nestled along the lower KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, about 20 km south of Margate between Palm Beach (south) and Trafalgar (north), the 66 ha Mpenjati Nature Reserve straddles both sides of the Mpenjati River estuary youtube.com+15visitkznsouthcoast.co.za+15wheretostay.co.za+15.

South Bank (Palm Beach side)
Features the 1.2 km Ipithi Trail, a gentle walk through coastal forest and estuary, ideal for spotting blue and grey duiker, bushbuck, and a host of birdlife sa-venues.com+2visitkznsouthcoast.co.za+2wheretostay.co.za+2.
Picnic site, ablution block, children’s playground, and braai facilities offer perfect family-day amenities en.wikipedia.org+4visitkznsouthcoast.co.za+4thenorflexguide.co.za+4.
Great access to the lagoon for fishing, canoeing, swimming, and birdwatching visitkznsouthcoast.co.za+1dumelamargate.co.za+1.

North Bank (Trafalgar side)
Home to the 1.8 km Yengele Trail, a route through one of South Coast’s largest dune forests, with several viewing platforms for scenic lagoon and forest views facebook.com+4visitkznsouthcoast.co.za+4wheretostay.co.za+4.
Similar picnic and braai spots with ablution blocks and playgrounds ensure comfort and convenience for day visitors thenorflexguide.co.za+2visitkznsouthcoast.co.za+2citizen.co.za+2.
Fishing permitted in designated areas with permit in the lagoon and river

What You’ll Love
Trails: 1.2 km & 1.8 km forest walks, all paths easy and well marked
Wildlife: Coastal forest antelope (duiker, bushbuck), rich birdlife (kingfishers, plovers, oystercatchers) app.advcollective.com+1visitkznsouthcoast.co.za+1
Amenities: Picnic areas, playgrounds, ablutions, braai facilities on both riverbanks
Activities: Fishing, canoeing, swimming, birdwatching, and fossil spotting on the estuary shoreline

Highlights

Family-friendly reserve perfect for day trips near Palm Beach or Trafalgar
Relaxed forest and lagoon trails with wildlife and scenic viewpoints
Great spot for waterside picnics, casual hikes, and angling in the estuary
Whether you're after a peaceful picnic, a gentle hike, or a quiet spot by the water for casting a line—Mpenjati offers it all in a serene coastal setting.