UMHLANGA: SUNSHINE AND NATURAL BEAUTY ALL YEAR ROUND
Umhlanga is a coastal resort town that is located north of Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province of South Africa. Umhlanga means “place of reeds” in isiZulu – the most widely spoken home language in South Africa. Not only is it one of the fastest growing cities in South Africa, but it’s also home to the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere: Gateway Theatre of Shopping. One of the most popular holiday resort villages in the area is Umhlanga Rocks, known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful coastline. Umhlanga faces the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and offers you some of the best beachfront accommodation in South Africa. It is a place where the whole family can relax and enjoy its natural beauty all year round.
Umhlanga is also perfectly positioned for any leg of your South African adventure. It’s just a ten-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport and 16 kilometres from Durban’s city centre. From Umhlanga, it’s an easy three-hour drive north to many game reserves – or you can go south to other popular destinations like Port Shepstone, like Margate and the like Wild Coast. Explore the surrounding mountains or head inland to the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park (a world heritage site). Or just stay on the beach and enjoy the sun!
WHAT TO DO
Umhlanga has many activities on offer for the adventure enthusiast. Because of its warm waters and subtropical climate, the area is a great destination if you enjoy fishing, diving, skiing, surfing, or just basking in the sun. Other activities like air flips, sky diving and microlighting are also popular in and around Umhlanga. If you really have a big love for water sports and fishing, be sure to pay a visit to Hazelmere Dam and Resort. Pack yourself a basket and enjoy a shady picnic spot on the water’s edge. You might even spot some zebra and wildebeest!
Umhlanga has a lot to offer for the whole family. There is more than enough entertainment for young and old. If you are a nature lover, then this is the perfect place for dolphin and whale viewing. You can experience the thrill of the ocean, while visiting dolphins in the warm waters just off the coast. Spotting whales, whale sharks and other marine life is also not uncommon.
Don’t enjoy being out at sea? Then how about a walk on the wild side? Explore a heritage trail or take to the forests and celebrate in a nature that’s as old as the mountains. Umhlanga is known for its abundance of reeds on the banks of the Ohlange River, and was once part of a coastal dune forest system. This is a sanctuary for a multitude of small wildlife. The Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Trail is a fun walk of about 1.5 hours. You can wander along a well-marked path that takes you through a beautiful coastal forest and over the Ohlange River. The area is home to vervet monkeys, small buck and many butterflies and birds. Benches and picnic spots are provided along the way.
For a wonderful cultural experience, be sure to pay a visit to Shakaland to learn about the rich Zulu history and traditions. Take a step back in time and enter the world of Shaka, King of the Zulus, who lived from 1787 to 1828 and was one of the most influential monarchs of the Zulu Kingdom. Enjoy a guided tour through Shakaland Cultural Village as you follow the life of the great Shaka Zulu. Listen to ancient tales and folklore, watch and learn about traditional basket weaving, beer brewing, pottery and other arts and crafts. Discover the secrets of the sangomas (traditional healers), drink Zulu beer with the chief and his wives and enjoy a spectacular dance show. You can even arrange an overnight stay in a traditional Zulu hut!
UMHLANGA CUISINE
Your holiday in Umhlanga Rocks will give you the perfect opportunity to relax and savour the wonderful atmosphere of a coastal town in South Africa. You’ll find a unique blend of cultures and cuisines – here Mediterranean-style establishments rub shoulders with Asian, Middle Eastern and exotic African restaurants. Allow your taste buds to be tantalised by all the delicious smells, colours and textures, while enjoying a panoramic view over the ocean. Whatever your taste in food, Umhlanga has it all – from cheap and cheerful street food to luxurious 5 star dining.
WHERE TO STAY
Umhlanga has superb hotels and beachfront accommodation. Many of them have great views of the ocean or the landmark lighthouse on Umhlanga Rocks. Whether you’re looking for a boutique hotel or spa, a 5 star establishment, or an affordable and cheap hotel like the City Lodge Umhlanga Ridge, you will definitely find a great selection of options in the area. This coastal resort town has some of the best accommodation South Africa has to offer.
