Mtunzini Area Information

Mtunzini, meaning place in the shade, is Zululand's best keep secret. The name is derived from the Zulu word for the Milkwood tree and specifically after the tree that the white Zulu chief, John Dunn, used to hold council under. Located half an hour's drive from the fast growing industrial and commercial hub of Richards Bay, Empangeni and Ballito, this small town is a natural hideaway for holidaymakers and commuters alike.

 

The primary attraction of Mtunzini is its natural beauty with extensive indigenous forests, a pristine estuary and long beaches. The high environmental standards of the town are maintained through the Siyayi Coastal Park managed by KZN Wildlife and an active conservancy movement which helped get the whole town declared a conservancy. Numerous nature trails and hiking routes have been mapped out.

 

Mtunzini has a well regarded pre-primary school and there are also two private schools with a bus service close by. Boasting five restaurants, coffee shops, chemists, hardware stores, a large Spar and other shops, the town caters for all everyday shopping needs as well as dining out options. In addition to Richards Bay shopping centres, the Ballito Junction is 45 minutes away and Umhlanga's Gateway Theatre of Shopping is an hour away on the N2 toll road for more extensive shopping and eating.

 

A well patronised country club caters for golf, tennis and squash, while there are facilities for bowls, horse-riding and motocross in the town. A visitor friendly ski-boat club provides support for estuary and offshore fishing. Mtunzini is highly rated by birdwatchers with over 300 species recorded in the area. Amongst these is the rare Palm Nut Vulture which feeds on the fruit of abundant Raphia palm.

 

Mtunzini being less than one hour from the new King Shaka International Airport is thus an ideal gateway to Zululand's game reserves, world heritage sites and areas of historical interest. The town's combination of a tranquil lifestyle, access to a major port and commercial centre’s, and good transport infrastructure make it unique in South Africa.

 

To find out more about Mtunzini, please visit these websites: