Mtunzini is as small, unique, Zululand coastal town whose charming residential area graciously overlooks the Indian Ocean. The distinctive name, which means "a place in the shade", was given to the village by the indigenous Zulu people, close to the turn of the century.
Mtunzini is endowed with a depth of character and a wonderful heritage of ecological favours which are monitored by a fascinating cross-section of people.
Mtunzini has an infrastucture to cater for all needs. It is ideally situated, allowing easy access to world renowned game parks and historical sites, as well as to some of the best fishing waters in South Africa. Accommodation is available at a hotel, caravan and camping sites and in beautiful log cabins situated in the 1 000 hectare nature reserve.
Tranquil dune forests fringe sun-drenched beaches - a fishermans's paradise and nature lover's retreat. A tidal logoon forms part of a beautiful coastal wetland area with all its unique plants and creatures.
Mtunizini's diverse ecological systems are home to a bountiful variety of flora and fauna. There are around 300 species of birds, 250 species of trees, numerous mammals, a great variety of fish and many other undocumented wonders of Africa's bounty. Annually, a spectacular migration of butterflies brings the bush to life.
Activities
Moyeni
Moyeni is one of several settlements established by John Dunn. It became his headquarters and means 'The Windy Place'. Dunn's grave is on the property, and his descendents are now settled thereabouts.
Raffia Palms
The grove was planted by Mr C.C. Foxon when magistrate of the District, possibly in 1903. The original seeds came from Maputaland, where they had been introduced from further North by Portuguese Missionaries. The grove is a national monument.
Indaba Tree
This tree is located in the Umlalazi Nature Reesrve. The site is marked with a plaque. It was here under the biggest milkwood tree in the area that John Dunn held court sittings and celebratory gatherings like weddings. He built a pole fence around the tree about 10ft from it and filled the enclosure with anthill sand, which was carried from 5 or 6 miles away by ox-wagon. The sand was stamped to provide a very hard floor, and seats were placed around the tree.
John Dunn's Pool
The pool, the remains of which can still be seen if one follows the Mangrove Trail, was dug in order to provide a safe swimming area for Dunn's wives, as there were many crocodile and hippo in the vicinity at the time.
Moyeni, Mtunzini
Moyeni is one of several settlements established by John Dunn. It became his headquarters and means 'The Windy Place'. Dunn's grave is on the property, and his descendents are now settled thereabouts.
Port Durnford, Mtunzini Area
This 'Port' was established during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 by the men of H.M.S. Forester, and used for disembarking troops and supplies. Cetshwayo was brought through here and banished to the Cape after his capture in 1879.
