Maphelana Nature Reserve is located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was previously known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, on the banks of the Umfolozi River. The bay near the river mouth is sheltered by an offshore reef, providing a safe launch site for deep sea fishing boats, surf fishing and spear fishing are also popular in the area. Mussels, oysters and crayfish can be found in the rocky intertidal pools, however a permit is required to extract them. The bay also provides a decent spot for swimming, although visitors should be aware that there are no shark nets. It is also recommended that visitors only swim and snorkell at low tide.

There are two self-guided trails in the Maphelana Nature reserve, of which one makes its way along the estuary bank, and the other to the top of the dune which allows for magnificent views of the ocean and the Umfolozi river mouth. The reserve also contains a dune forest which provides birdwatchers with a long list of almost two hundred recorded species to spot. Wildlife inhabiting the forest include various small buck, mongoose, monkey and red squirrel, while hippo and crocodile can be seen along the edge of the estuary.