Visitors to Mtwalume today come in search of, and find golden beaches and warm tropical waters to relax the body and soothe the mind but in 1868, visitors swarmed to the area in anticipation of more lucrative pickings.

One George Robert Parsons had discovered gold in the river and in the next two years some 20 ounces of gold were recovered. But the source of the name Mtwalume is far more pedestrian than the excitement caused by the gold find. This resort is named for the Mtwalume tree, the bark of which was traditionally used by the Zulus as a remedy for dysentery.

The gold rush is long past but in today's restless world, perhaps this little stretch of sub-tropical paradise provides rarer benefits. For this out-of-the-way coastal village nestled on the northern side of the Mtwalume lagoon has affordable holiday cottages and a caravan park with easy access to the beach and tidal pool.

Once again the fisherman is king in this area and excellent fishing is possible from the rocks. If deep sea fishing is your forte, ski-boats can be launched from the beach.

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