A Family Weekend At Umlalazi
Since we were unable to make it to Cape Town, my dad and Cassia decided to head up to Durban and pay us a visit (ok, it was probably to pay Emma a visit). So rather than sitting bored around the house we opted to take the Friday off and headed to Umlalazi for a little relaxation in the bush.
Sharon, Emma and I got off to a lazy start and were on the road at 9am after a quick breakfast and various nappy changes.
We arrived at Umtunzini at 11am hoping we’d be allowed into our chalet a little early. Sadly they were having none of this and so we took a drive to the lagoon where we watched the fisherman, gave Emma and bottle and waited to hear from my dad.
Amazingly Grumps and Granny G arrived shortly after us and were also denied entry to the chalet. We therefore decided to head back into Umtunzini for a relaxed, early lunch at the Fat Cat Coffee Shop.
Having had a large breakfast Sharon opted for the kiddies ribs while I had a small pizza. Cassia and my dad meanwhile ordered the special of the day, chicken pies. All of the food was fantastic; the quality was excellent, the portions were sizable, and the pricing was right. I’d highly recommend it to anyone in the area.
Back at Umlalazi they finally allowed us into our chalet. The chalets are small with 2 bedrooms, a lounge with a TV (and DSTV), a bathroom and a kitchenette. They also have a small deck with a braai, and tables and chairs. But despite their smaller than average size they are more than adequate, well maintained and comfortable.
That afternoon Sharon and I strapped Emma into her hiking pack and we headed out for a walk around the mangroves. Kzn Wildlife are in the process of building a raised walkway and have finished the first loop. It’s a beautiful walk through the trees, over the water and along the river’s edge. We enjoyed the sights of various crab species and birds, as well as spectacular views and an ice cold beers.
When we got back to the chalet the fire was lit and we braaied under the canopy of trees of the Umlalazi forest.
The next morning we decided to head to the Raffia Palm forests in hope of seeing the rare Palm-nut vultures. We started the walk at the Raffia Palm monument which is situated just outside the reserve and consists of a 500 meter walk along board walks. Being a bit short we extended the walk using the various trails in the area and spent an hour or so exploring the forests.
The palms are truly majestic and tower over you, while others lie dead on their sides. Their age and vast size left me with the eerie feeling that I was walking through Jurassic Park. Sadly however no vultures we found.
Back at the chalet we fueled up on left over meat and rolls before heading out on an afternoon walk. The beach was windy with chocolate brown waves so our stay there was short lived. We then ventured through the forests which were beautiful with the odd duiker hiding sheepishly in the thickets. Amazingly, much to our disappointment, there were very few birds around. Finally we headed back through the mangroves and then returned to our chalet.
Again the evening was passed with a few beers, watching the rugby, and tanning some meat. I did get a little cabin fever despite the two earlier walks so I also took Emma on a third to watch the sun set over the lagoon and enjoy some more of the forests.
The next morning we relaxed around the unit as we needed to be out until 10am. Again this was a little too lazy for me so Emma and I went for a walk to the lagoon and another exploration of the mangroves.
A fantastic trip to a great destination! Sadly no Palm-nut vultures, but a beautiful part of the coast none the less, and one that I’ll definitely visit again.
