Umhlanga, Durban

/ About Umhlanga - Attractions, Destinations and Places of Interest in Umhlanga, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
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Umhlanga, Durban

Umhlanga
Umhlanga, Durban

Hard to believe that Umhlanga, the buzzing residential, commercial and resort suburb just outside of Durban, was once a seaside resort town called Umhlanga Rocks. During the early seventies it merged with La Lucia to become what it is today - Umhlanga - pronounced Umshlanga and meaning “place of reeds” in Zulu.

Things have changed rather radically since the town acquired its suburban status. It remains a highly popular seaside resort, its wide, sandy beaches lined with exclusive hotels and apartment blocks, the beaches filled with umbrellas and sun worshippers, whilst locals enthusiastically walk the promenade at sundown. However, business has relocated here from central Durban, in a similar fashion to Sandton in Johannesburg, and Durban International Airport is set to move to La Mercy nearby.

Umhlanga Lighthouse, Umhlanga Rocks
The residential aspect of Umhlanga too has grown incredibly. Gated communities and luxury estates have sprawled their way across the suburb, and in particular, Umhlanga Ridge, which used to be largely sugarcane, is now a much sought-after retail, office and residential area due in no small part to the incredible views over the Indian Ocean.

Gateway Shopping Centre, one of the biggest shopping centres in the country, means that, whilst staying in Umhlanga, one has little reason to venture elsewhere. The O’Connor promenade that stretches from Durban View Park all the way to Breakers and the start of the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, provides a wonderful way to stretch one’s legs right at the sea, past the famous Umhlanga Lighthouse, and numerous excellent restaurants pose only the dilemma of which to choose for dinner.

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Featured Attractions in (or near) Umhlanga

Beachwood Mangoves Nature Reserve

Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve is a 76 hectrare reserve with the largest population of mangrove trees in the Durban area. The area is used as a Nature Conservation Education Centre. The black mangrove, the red mangrove, and the white mangrove may be seen. On the shoreline, there are sand dunes ... more information

Gateway Theatre of Shopping

Gateway Theatre of Shopping is one of Africa's largest super regional retail destinations. Features: Barnyard Theatre, Ster Kinekor cinema, Cinema Nouveau, IMAX, rock climbing wall, artificial waves, skateboard park, Woolworths, Edgars, Truworths, Game, Exclusive Books, Musica, over 30 ... more information

Mount Edgecombe Country Club One

Mount Edgecombe Country Club consists of two championship courses - Mount Edgecombe One and Mount Edgecombe Two. Both these courses have their own clubhouses. The Mount Edgecombe’s Course One, formerly the Hullets Country Club, was redesigned by Hugh Baiocchi and incorporates a ... more information

Mount Edgecombe Country Club Two

Mount Edgecombe Country Club consists of two championship courses - Mount Edgecombe One and Mount Edgecombe Two. Both these courses have their own clubhouses. Mount Edgecombe Two's Club House overlooks the Pani Dam where, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the resident fish eagles ... more information

Natal Sharks Board

The only organisation of its kind in the world, the Natal Sharks Board protects beach users in KwaZulu Natal against shark attack with an extensive and effective network of shark nets that extend along 320 kilometres of coastline. The Natal Sharks Board is not only involved in preventing shark attacks, it also plays a ... more information

Umhlanga Coast Beaches

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. Those who crave seclusion can find many remote beaches along the coast.

uShaka Marine World

uShaka Marine World in Durban is a world-class entertainment and tourism destination. At the end of Durban's Golden Mile is the beginning of uShaka Marine World - spanning over 15 hectares of prime beach front, uShaka Marine World is Africa's largest Marine Theme park. uShaka incorporates fresh and sea ... more information

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Things To Do in Umhlanga

Sip Strawberry Daiquiris at Elements

Where: Umhlanga
How much (per person): R1 to R100

This chic and relaxed restaurant situated on the lower terrace of the Beverley Hills Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks offers an eclectic mix of alumi ... more information

Family Fun at Fantasy Forest

Where: Umhlanga
How much (per person): On Request

Great fun and entertainment for the whole family (Kids of all ages!) at Fantasy Forest at Gateway Theatre of Shopping. Here you can enjoy Te ... more information

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Events and/or Festivals in Umhlanga

Umhlanga Summer Carnival

Location: Umhlanga
Duration: 10 days

More Information

event starts: 15 December 2009
December
TBC

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On Holiday in Umhlanga

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Also see Things To Do in Durban or check out Things To Do in KwaZulu Natal to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.

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