Inkosi Mtubatuba Municipality forms an integral part of both KwaZulu-Natal Province and Umkhanyakude District. Accordingly, the Municipality is enevitably highly influenced by provincial and district development trends and development within its area of jurisdiction which has significant implications for both the province and the district. Fundamentally, therefore, spatial planning for the future development of Mtubatuba Municipality takes into account development trends and patterns that are taking place at both provincial and district level.

Inkosi Mtubatuba Municipality enjoys a relatively good access and connectivity at a regional level. One of the national trade routes and major links to the SADC region – the N2 runs through the area linking it to the city of Durban with major urban centres further north. The major challenge is to capitalise on the opportunities presented by this and optimise benefits thereof for the local people.

The development of the R618 (P237-1) as part of the Renaissance Program of the Department of Transport linking the coast (St Lucia) with the Cultural Heritage Corridor areas of Nongoma and Ulundi through Hlabisa also improves regional connectivity and has the potential to unlock development potential (tourism, commerce, etc.) in Mtubatuba, particularly the town and other incipient nodes along the corridor.

The Municipality area has a railway line. There is, however, no air transport infrastructure, instead there are small landing strips at Hluhluwe Town and inside Hluhluwe/Mfolozi Game Reserve.