Nestled in the heart of Durban, South Africa, lies the 76 hectare Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve, home to the largest population of mangrove trees in the area. This natural oasis serves as a Nature Conservation Education Centre, where visitors can explore the diverse ecosystem of the black, red, and white mangrove trees.
One of the standout features of the reserve is the elevated boardwalk, laid out as a trail around Beachwood, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the reserve even when the tide is in. As you walk along the boardwalk, you’ll come across sand dunes on the shoreline where creeping plants and pioneer scrub can be found. The reserve is also home to a variety of birdlife, including the Mangrove Kingfisher, Curlew, and Water Dikkop. On occasion, you may even hear the Natal Nightjar calling out. With the help of Lions International, a boardwalk has been built over the channels to gain access.
Another unique aspect of the reserve is the presence of mudskippers, fish that use their pectoral fins to either skim over the water or to propel themselves across the mud. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see thousands of fiddler crabs with their single large claw and an assortment of molluscs. There are three trails in the reserve, taking visitors to the bird hide and to the swamp, where waders come to feed.
Popular activities and tourist destinations at Beachwood Mangrove Resort
In addition to the natural beauty and diverse ecosystem of the mangrove trees, the Beachwood Mangroves Reserve offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
One popular activity is birdwatching, as the reserve is home to a variety of bird species, including the Mangrove Kingfisher, Curlew, and Water Dikkop. Visitors can take one of the three trails in the reserve, leading to the bird hide where they can observe the birds in their natural habitat.
Nature lovers will also enjoy the guided tours of the reserve, led by experienced guides who can provide insights into the unique ecosystem of the mangroves and the various species that call it home. Visitors can learn about the different types of mangrove trees, as well as the mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and molluscs that are found in the reserve.
The reserve also offers a range of educational programs for schools and community groups, providing an opportunity for young people to learn about the importance of conservation and the role of mangrove ecosystems in the environment.
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the reserve offers kayaking and canoeing on the channels, providing a unique perspective of the mangroves and the opportunity to see the diverse wildlife in the area.
Brainstorm Escape Rooms
In addition to the natural beauty and diverse ecosystem of the mangroves, the Beachwood Mangroves Reserve also offers visitors the opportunity to experience the thrill of an escape room at Brainstorm Escape Rooms. This is a perfect activity for date nights, team building, or something a little different to enjoy with friends and family.
Brainstorm Escape Rooms offers two themed rooms, “Saving Sherlock” and “Cabin in the Woods”, each providing players with a number of puzzles, clues and problems that need to be figured out in order to solve the mystery and escape the room before time runs out. In “Saving Sherlock”, players will need to go back in time to rewrite history and help the private investigator, Sherlock Holmes, escape from the death-grip of The Ripper. In “Cabin in the Woods”, players will need to break into a deserted cabin in the woods and steal ancient artefacts, but nothing is as it seems and they will risk being trapped in the isolated cabin forever. These adventures are ideal for adults, as well as for children over 10 years of age (with a guardian present) Each adventure is 60 minutes long, and every second counts.
Located in the picturesque Island Office Park in Riverhorse Valley (Durban), Brainstorm Escape Rooms has a restaurant that boasts lovely views, which are complemented by tasty lunches and dinners. After a thrilling escape room experience, visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the views of the gorgeous water feature. Durban is one of the largest and busiest metropolises in KwaZulu-Natal, and the proud home of the King Shaka International Airport, it’s a hub of commercial and retail activity, and a hotspot for all sorts of exciting watersports.
Overall, the Beachwood Mangroves Reserve offers visitors a unique and exciting combination of natural beauty, educational opportunities and the thrill of an escape room experience at Brainstorm Escape Rooms, making it a perfect destination for a fun and adventurous day trip or weekend getaway.
Golden Hours Family Market
The Golden Hours Family Market is a popular destination for visitors to the Beachwood Mangroves Reserve area. Held on Sundays in Durban North, the market offers a unique shopping experience in a veritable forest of mango trees. The market is perfect for families looking for a fun Sunday outing, with a variety of stalls selling home produce, fresh food, fresh vegetables and fruit, crafts, pottery and clothing.
Visitors can browse through an array of hand-made soaps, crafts, clothing and ceramics, as well as plants and fresh vegetables. The market is also a great place for kids, with a jumping castle providing hours of bouncing fun and a little playground where they can run wild. Tractor rides are also available for transport around the market, which is a highlight for the younger members of the family. Light meals and refreshments are available in a shaded tea garden, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
The Golden Hours Family Market is located in Uitsig Road with ample parking available nearby. The proceeds from the market go to the Golden Hours School, a worthy recipient of this endeavor, making it a great way to support the local community while enjoying a fun-filled day with the family.
Learn How To Kitesurf
Beachwood Mangroves Resort offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, including the exciting sport of kitesurfing. Learn to Kitesurf is an activity that provides visitors with the opportunity to harness the powers of the wind and take to the water in a unique and thrilling way. The resort works with International Kite Board Organisation (IKO) certified instructors who provide lessons on the best beaches in Durban for kitesurfing. Ocean 2 Air, a kitesurfing school, will guide visitors through all the techniques and safety procedures needed to make the most of this action sport.
The activity is suitable for all levels, from beginners who have never flown a kite before, to advanced kitesurfers looking to improve their skills. The instructors will teach visitors the orientation of wind, power zones, and kite flying, as well as assist with set-up, launching, and landing. Safety systems and emergency procedures will also be covered, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the sport safely.
Kitesurfing equipment, including kites, kiteboards, harnesses and safety gear, are available for purchase or hire. Visitors can choose how much kiting advancement they want to experience in a day and decide on the level of adrenaline they want to release. With warm water, ideal wind conditions and expert instruction available at the resort, visitors can go fly a kite and make unforgettable memories.
Natal Maritime Museum
For those interested in seafaring traditions, the Natal Maritime Museum is a must-see attraction. Located on the coast of Durban’s bustling harbor, the museum offers a glimpse into the city’s rich maritime history. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean, visitors can explore the decks of three large multi-ton vessels, including the naval SAS Durban minesweeper, the JR Moore tugboat, and the Ulundi with its 1927 coal-fired engine. Guests can wander through the engine rooms, galleys, and living quarters to get a sense of what life was like on these ships.
The Britannia Exhibition Hall is also a highlight, featuring maritime collectables and secrets from the deep. Perfect for little “pirate” enthusiasts, the museum offers interactive displays and educational programs that explore shipwrecked treasure and ancient navigation methods. Visitors can also learn about the history of the British traders and hunters who established a permanent outpost in Durban in 1824. The Natal Maritime Museum is a great destination for families, offering something for everyone to discover and enjoy.
Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens in Durban offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can find inner peace as they stroll through the oriental landscape, which features a variety of walking paths, bamboo, reeds, and Japanese blossoms. The gardens are home to traditional ponds with Japanese Koi Carp, water lilies, clipped hedges, and arching bridges. The temples within the garden serve as viewing points and provide a nature’s perspective on life. The 8 Hectares of flora is a haven for water birds and weavers and it is a perfect spot for passive recreation and family gatherings. Visitors can enjoy picnics, meals and braai in this peaceful environment, which is especially popular on weekends and public holidays. The Japanese Gardens is one of the many popular activities, attractions and tourist destinations that Beachwood Mangroves Resort has to offer.
Target Archery
At Beachwood Mangroves Resort, visitors can try their hand at the ancient sport of archery at the nearby Kings Park Archery Club. With a rich history dating back to 50,000 BC in Africa, archery is a unique way to experience the thrill of hunting and target practice. Guests can take introductory courses to learn the basics of archery, and even train for Olympic events with the help of experienced instructors.
The club is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including carbon/aluminum and carbon-fibre/titanium composite bows, which are perfect for archers of all skill levels. Guests can take aim at five-ring targets that are placed at distances of 50-70m for seniors and 15-40m for juniors. The open-air setting of the club allows visitors to experience the feeling of being a member of an ancient cavalry, with the grass beneath their feet and the open sky above.
Whether you are looking to improve your aim, or simply want to experience the thrill of archery, the Kings Park Archery Club is the perfect destination for visitors staying at Beachwood Mangroves Resort. With a variety of activities and attractions on offer, the resort is the perfect place to experience the best of Durban’s recreational options.
Helicopter Picnic
At Beachwood Mangroves Resort, visitors can experience the natural beauty of the KwaZulu Natal region from a different perspective with a helicopter picnic tour. Take a flight over the picturesque Valley of 1000 Hills, known for its rolling hills and unspoiled countryside. The helicopter’s maneuverability allows for a unique view of the landscape as you fly over the hills and valleys, taking in the stunning views from above.
Experience the thrill of flying low over the Umhlanga coast and the Indian Ocean, before moving inland to spot cattle and the meandering Umdloti River. The tour also includes a flyover of Hazlemere and Inanda Dams, Durban’s Golden Mile, and the harbour entrance, before returning to the landing field.
For a truly unique and unforgettable experience, take a private prepared picnic on a magnificent mountain slope and make memories with your loved ones. Bring your camera and capture the picturesque views and scenic smiles. Sky Adventures flights offer a chance to see Durban from a whole new angle.
Finally, the reserve is also home to a research center where scientists and conservationists conduct research on the mangrove ecosystem and its inhabitants. Visitors can learn about ongoing research projects and the importance of conservation efforts in protecting this unique ecosystem.
The Beachwood Mangroves Reserve offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests, providing an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and unique ecosystem of the mangroves in Durban.
The Beachwood Mangroves Reserve is open to the public every 3rd Saturday of every month from 08h00 to 13h00. Outside of these dates, visits are by appointment only. The Reserve is located just off Riverside Road in Durban North and is a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts visiting the area.
