The uMlazi River rises south-west of Pietermaritzburg and flows east past Shongweni Dam, Chatsworth and Umlazi to the Indian Ocean south of Durban, where its last stretch runs through a concrete canal. The township of Umlazi takes its name from the river.
Where Is Umlazi River?
The uMlazi (also spelt Umlazi or Mlazi) River starts at about 1,500 m above sea level south-west of Pietermaritzburg. It flows through the Baynesfield and Mapstone dams, the farming area of the Tala Valley, Thornlea Dam and the Mpumalanga settlement before reaching Shongweni Dam, where the Sterkspruit and Wekeweke tributaries join it.
Below Shongweni the river passes through steep valleys and rural areas near Dassenhoek, then through Chatsworth, Umlazi and the industrial zone near the old Durban airport. It forms the northern edge of Umlazi township, which lies between the uMlazi River and the eZimbokodweni River to the south.
Route and river facts from the Department of Water and Sanitation’s State of Rivers Report: uMlazi Resource Unit and Wikipedia (Umlazi), checked 13 September 2026.
Map and Boundaries
Near the coast the river no longer has a natural estuary. The lower uMlazi was canalised, and it reaches the sea through the concrete-lined uMlazi Canal near Merebank and Merewent in South Durban. The area around the canal was historically a large swamp.
To see the river’s path, open the Umlazi Map and follow the river along the northern side of the township towards the coast. The Department of Water and Sanitation report put the population of the whole uMlazi catchment at about 690,800 at the time it was compiled.
If you are looking for a “buffer zone” map for building near the river, ask eThekwini Municipality’s Development Planning or Coastal, Stormwater and Catchment Management departments. Building close to rivers and in flood lines needs municipal approval.
Schools, Clinics and Public Services
River health: the Department of Water and Sanitation rated water quality as good in the upper uMlazi but poor in the lower reaches. Its report lists pressures such as industrial effluent, farm fertilisers, wastewater works, overflowing sewers, sand mining, invasive alien plants and contaminated runoff from dense settlements.
Floods: during the April 2022 KwaZulu-Natal floods, extreme rainfall caused safety releases from Shongweni Dam. The surge downstream flooded parts of Prospecton, where factories and depots near the lower uMlazi were badly damaged. The Department of Water and Sanitation confirmed the dam wall itself did not collapse.
- Do not swim in or drink untreated water from the lower river.
- Report sewage spills, dumping or blocked stormwater drains to eThekwini Municipality.
- During heavy rain warnings, stay away from the river banks and low bridges.
For local services, see Public Services in Umlazi and Healthcare in Umlazi.
Shopping, Food and Local Services
The river has no visitor facilities in Umlazi itself. Upstream, the Shongweni Dam and Nature Reserve offers game viewing, canoeing and picnic spots. For shops and food near the township, see Shopping in Umlazi and Umlazi Restaurants.
Transport and Directions
Main roads near the lower uMlazi include the N2, the M4 and the R102 South Coast Road around Reunion and Prospecton. Metrorail’s KwaMashu-Umlazi line also passes through this area. See the Umlazi transport guide and Umlazi to Durban.
Property and Housing
If you are buying near the river, ask a conveyancer and the municipality whether the property is in a flood line, and check its history during the 2019 and 2022 floods. Compare listings in Property in Umlazi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Umlazi River start?
The uMlazi River rises south-west of Pietermaritzburg at about 1,500 m above sea level, according to the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Where does the Umlazi River reach the sea?
It flows into the Indian Ocean south of Durban through a concrete canal near Merebank. Its original estuary was lost when the lower river was canalised.
Which dam is on the Umlazi River?
Shongweni Dam is the main dam on the river near Durban. Upstream there are also the Baynesfield, Mapstone and Thornlea dams.
Is the Umlazi River polluted?
Water quality is good upstream but poor in the lower reaches, mainly from industrial and sewage pollution and runoff, according to the Department of Water and Sanitation.