Beachwood Mangroves Reserve

About Beachwood Mangroves Reserve

Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve is a 76 hectare reserve with the largest population of mangrove trees in the Durban area. The area is used as a Nature Conservation Education Centre. The black mangrove, the red mangrove, and the white mangrove may be seen.

Did you know? An elevated boardwalk has been laid out as a trail around Beachwood, so even when the tide is in, it is possible to explore the reserve.

On the shoreline, there are sand dunes where creeping plants and pioneer scrub are to be found. There is some birdlife, including the Mangrove Kingfisher, Curlew and Water Dikkop. The Natal Nightjar may sometimes be heard. With the help of Lions International, a boardwalk has been built over the channels to gain access

You can also expect to encounter the strange mudskippers - fish that use their pectoral fins to either skim over the water or to propel themselves across the mud. There are also thousands of fiddler crabs with their single large claw and an assortment of molluscs. There are three trails in the reserve, taking the visitors to the bird hide and to the swamp, where waders come to feed.

The Beachwood Mangroves Reserve is only open to the public every 3rd Saturday of every month from 08h00 to 13h00. Outside these dates, it is by appointment only. The Reserve is just off Riverside Road in Durban North.