Umhlanga, Umhlanga Coastline, KwaZulu Natal | Arguably the gem of the entire Natal North Coast is Umhlanga with its relaxing ...

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UMHLANGA - UMHLANGA COASTLINE

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KwaZulu Natal ť Destinations ť Umhlanga Coastline ť Umhlanga

Umhlanga, Umhlanga Coast: Central to the Umhlanga coastline region is the holiday village of Umhlanga Rocks which was originally part of the sugar estate of Sir Marshall Campbell. From being a small, quiet village, it has now expanded into a thriving area that offers all the amenities of a well established town, whilst still retaining the feel of a friendly seaside community.

A breathtaking diversity of tropical fish and coral reefs wrap along the Umhlanga coastline, making it a perfect scuba diving and snorkelling destination. Surfers flock to Umhlanga’s warm waters to make the most of some incredible surf spots. If you fancy a trip down memory lane, you’ll be glad to know that Umhlanga is home to one of the last drive-ins in South Africa. Relive the good times as you cuddle on the back seat and enjoy a good movie at Umhlanga’s Drive In.

Just far enough away so as not to disturb the scenic and tranquil air, Umhlanga also houses the largest shopping centre in the Southern hemisphere known as "Gateway". This is more than just a shopping centre. It is an actual experience. Within its boundaries is a selection of both indoor and outdoor activities, including movie theatres, an iMax theatre, a wave pool, a skatepark (designed by Tony Hawk), climbing wall, amusement arcade, night clubs, restaurants, adventure drives and so much more! So don’t let the quiet coastal village fool you. There is plenty of exciting activity going on!

Attractions of Umhlanga:
Amongst the amazing shopping, surf, diving and swimming experiences, Umhlanga is also known for numerous other attractions. These include:

The Lighthouse: The Umhlanga Lighthouse was completed in 1954 and has since become a landmark attracting thousands of people yearly. The looming tower stands 21m high and has a focal plane height of 25m. So pack that picnic basket full of scrumptious snacks and go exploring around Umhlanga’s Lighthouse.

The Sharks Board: The Sharks Board staff gives many the opportunity to watch a spectacular 30 minute audio-visual presentation which captures the drama of the ocean as they carry out their daily servicing of shark nets, or watch a shark dissection. You can also visit the display hall and view a large variety of lifelike replicas of sharks, fish and rays.

The Hawaan Forest: The Hawaan Forest is a unique indigenous woodland area that has remained in its natural state for centuries. This magnificent forest is characterised by a diverse notable species of trees with tropical attributes. It is also home to a surprising number of animals and a great wealth of birds. It is definitely an idyllic picnic spot for family outings.

Granny’s Pool: Granny’s Pool was originally a sheltered bathing area formed by two natural rock outcrops. Today it is used by local fishermen and the Natal Sharks Board. The gorgeous marine life surrounding Granny's Pool is fairly prolific making it a superb snorkelling and diving location.

Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Trails: These trails are absolutely charming and offer beautiful scenery and pleasant experiences. There are also cozy braai and picnic spots available so bring family and friends and enjoy a lazy afternoon on the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Trails.

Shell Midden: Shell Midden is thought to have either an Arabic or Bushman Heritage and appears to have been occupied between the 6th and 10th centuries by African iron workers who cultivated sorghum behind the sand dunes. Evidence of old discarded shells, pottery and iron work can be seen proving that the African iron workers occupied the region. These fragile and precious artefacts are a treasure for any history lover and definitely not to be missed.

O’Connor Promenade: This promenade was named after the late ken O’ Connor who was mayor of Umhlanga. It stretches from the Durban View Park in the south to Breakers Resort in the north. The promenade is utilised by hundreds of keen joggers and walkers everyday and has strategically placed benches giving an opportunity to admire the uninterrupted views of the shimmering sea.

The combination of Umhlanga’s wide array of activities and the gorgeous landscapes is what makes Umhlanga a popular tourist attraction. Whether wanting to just sit back and enjoy the tranquillity of the area or wanting to enjoy a variety of exciting activities, Umhlanga has something to offer everyone.

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GATEWAY THEATRE OF SHOPPING

Umhlanga Accommodation

Gateway, the largest shopping and entertainment centre in the Southern Hemisphere, provides an array of shops, cinemas, restaurants and a mega skate park, and if you’re still running out of things to do, then the Sibaya Casino is 20 minutes’ drive north of Umhlanga ... Gateway Theatre of Shopping