Mtwalume beach offers a huge variety of activities which include surf fishing, windsurfing, surfing, bodyboarding, rock pools, a tidal swimming pool and picnic areas. Further out, deep sea fishing, spear fishing and scuba diving are also popular. There are three caravan parks and a resort situated very close to the beach. The village has its own shopping mall with shops consisting of a butchery, liquor store, post office, supermarkets and a hardware store, providing most of the basic necessities.

The main feature of the village, other than the beach is the Mtwalume River which forms a beautiful lagoon as it makes its way seawards. The lagoon offers an excellent venue for canoeing. The river covers a length of 85 km, and at one location, Highflats, visitors will find the spectacular Mtwalume Falls. The area is ideal for bird watching, with many species being recorded there.

Just a few kilometers to the north of Mtwalume and just off the road to Ixopo lies the Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve. This 2200 hectare nature reserve comprises upland grassland and three densely wooded valleys. The reserve carries several species of buck and antelope as well as porcupine and zebra. Here you will find four species of mongoose and the black backed jackal. The reserve is a blaze of colour in Spring, the wildflowers rivaling those of Namaqualand.