Travel Guides Southern Africa - Wildlife, Game Reserves, Safaris, Photographic Safaris, Birding Safaris, Hiking

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  INFORMATION:
  NORTH COAST

Nature Reserves
Amatigulu Nature Reserve
Province: Kwazulu Natal
Region: Northern Kwazulu Natal
Main Attractions: Birding, Whale watching, Fishing
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Amatigulu Nature Reserve is situated on the Indian Ocean coastline in Northern KwaZulu-Natal between the Tugela and Amatikulu River mouths. The Reserve is approximately 100 km from Durban and is one of the few places in Southern Africa where wildlife can be viewed feeding on forested dunes overlooking the sea. 

Visitors can indulge in a variety of game drives (4 X 4 required) and self-guided walks through the many vegetation types found in the reserve. The Coastal Forest grasslands and rivers attract much birdlife, including the rare african finfoot, and populations of giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and smaller antelope occur in the reserve. Other activities include canoeing on the Amatigulu Estuary and Nyoni River, boating (15 hp maximum), and easy access to the beach where surf angling is good. Fishing in the estuary is also extremely rewarding and a whale watching tower is situated quite close to the camp. Zangozolo Tented Camp is built on wooded platforms overlooking the Amatikulu River and has a panoramic view of the sea. This self catering bushcamp supports four comfortable and spacious 2-bedded tents furnished to rest camp standards and serviced daily. A communal ablution block, connected to the units by a boardwalk, has both hot and cold water with showers, toilets and handbasins. The Camp's kitchen is equipped with a gas stove, fridge and freezer as well as a good supply of crockery and cutlery. Visitors can prepare their food in the kitchen or they may cook it at the specially provided barbecue area. The dining area is furnished with tables and benches. 

GENERAL INFORMATION
VITAL INFORMATION
Gate Opening and Closing Times are:
Summer( October to March ): 05h00 to 21h00
Winter (April to September ): 05h30 to 21h00 
Office Hours: The office is open from 08h00 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 16h00 

Distance and Time from Gate to Camp: Ten minutes 

Camp Telephone Number: (032) 4530155
Camp Fax: (032) 4530058
Check Out Time: 10h00
Check In Time: 14h00 

Facilities: A communal freezer is available in the camp kitchen 

Shop: Nil 

Special Precautions:
As crocodiles and bilharzia are found in the rivers, visiters are advised not to swim in the rivers or drink the river water and do so at their own risk. 

The nearest town which has a full range of services is Gingingdlovu 
which is 15 kms away. 

How to get there:
Take the N2 north from Durban and take the Nyoni off-ramp, turn right over the highway and proceed 3kms to the reserve's gate 

Pets are not permitted into the reserve 

Concessions: Education groups are admitted free to the reserve 

Facilities for people with disabilities: Nil 

ACCOMMODATION
Amatigulu Nature Reserve is a beautiful and serene coastal haven one and a half hours drive north from Durban.
Tucked into lush coastal vegetation above the quiet estuary of the Matigulu River, this delightful little reserve has coastal forest, grassland and river frontage that attracts many interesting bird including the rare African Finfoot. 


Wildlife species include giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and other smaller antelope species.
All activities are self-guided, giving visitors the freedom to explore the area at their own leisure. Walks, 4x4 vehicle trails, small boating and surf angling are popular, while relaxed fishing in the estuary is excellent and provides great fun for the whole family.
Whales are often seen from the whale-watching tower built on the dunes in the reserve.
Visitors can canoe up the Nyoni River from the confluence with the Matigulu River and enjoy magnificent birding in the peace and tranquillity of the reserve.
Amatigulu Tented Camp, with six two-bed safari-style tents commands magnificent views over the estuary of the Matigulu River and coastal dunes to the sea. The camp is self-catering, and has a communal ablution facility, kitchen, and living/dining room together with barbecue facilities. Camping facilities are also available.