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People walking along the sand past rocks at low tide

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The beach walk to the uMhlali river mouth

From the village, south along the sand to the river mouth, and on to Christmas Bay if you have the legs for it.

The basics

Start
Tinley Manor beach
To the river
A short, easy walk south
To Christmas Bay
About two hours one way
Best time
Low tide, early morning

The walk

Tinley Manor sits on the north bank of the uMhlali River. Walk south along the beach and you reach the river mouth, where the estuary is good for birds: herons, egrets and kingfishers along the edges.

Keep going across the mouth and down the beach and you reach Christmas Bay at Sheffield Beach, about two hours from the village.

Crossing the river mouth

The mouth is usually shallow and easy to wade. But the uMhlali opens and closes with the river, so after heavy rain it can run deep and fast. If the water is flowing strongly, don’t cross. Turn around and walk back.

Tips

  • Go at low tide, when there’s more firm sand.
  • Start early in summer and take water and a hat.
  • Walk with someone and keep valuables to a minimum.
  • Arrange a lift back from Sheffield Beach, or plan for four hours there and back.

Questions people ask

How long is the walk from Tinley Manor to Christmas Bay?

About two hours one way along the beach, crossing the uMhlali river mouth.

Is it safe to cross the uMhlali river mouth?

Usually it is shallow and easy to wade, but don’t cross after heavy rain or when the water is running strongly.

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