The Umtamvuna Nature Reserve is the southernmost of KwaZulu-Natal's nature reserves, and encompasses the northern bank of the Umtamvuna River, which forms the provincial boundary between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. The name 'Umtamvuna' means 'the waters that reap or consume' and refers to the massive flash floods which have been known to sweep downstream during the summer months. The reserve covers an area of three thousand two hundred and forty seven hectares. The Umtamvuna reserve extends from just three kilometers away from the coast to overtwenty kilometers inland.

The reserve caters well for hikers, with a number of trails available. The Lourie trail is a circular trail covering a distance of two kilometers, starting and ending at the southern entrance to the reserve, while the Fish Eagle trail also starts and ends athe the southern entrance, but covers a distance of eight kilometers. Other trails include the Ingungumbane Trail, a four kilometer three hour long circular trail, the Impunzi Trail, which is an eight kilometer four hour open-ended trail. Shorter five hundred meter walks are also possible for less energetic visitors.

The Umtamvuna Nature Reserve is the best example of the eastern coastal sandstone region in South Africa, and the only example of Pondoland coastal highland sour veld under coastal management. One of the main attractions featured in the reserve is a steep sided forested gorge richly blanketed with over one hundred endemic species of plant life. A number of rare and protected plant species can also be found within the Umtamvuna reserve, which include the wild rubber fig, the iron wood, the Natal cycad, waterberry; and the Natal flame bush.

Visitors will also find clear streams, awe inspiring panaramic views and magnificent fortress like sandstone koppies and cliffs located within the reserve.The reserve also serve as a paradise for birdwatchers boating over 250 bird species, which include Gurney's sugar birds, Brown Scrub-Robin, Forest Canary, Barratt's Warbler, Southern Tchagra, and breeding colonies of Cape vultures and fish eagles.

A wide variety of wildlife can also be found in the reserve, and includes leopard, thick tailed bushbaby, baboon, both samango and vervet monkey, Natal red rock rabbit, serval, black- backed jackal,porcupine, Cape clawless otter, large-spotted genet,four species of mongoose, rock hyrax, Oribi, bushbuck, reedbuck, blue duiker and common duiker.