Umhlanga, Durban

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

Umhlanga, Durban

Umhlanga
Umhlanga, Durban

Once you've booked your Umhlanga accommodation explore our pages for info on attractions and what to do in Umhlanga.

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 Umhlanga 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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Umhlanga Reviews

average visitor rating: 4/5"I love Umhlanga! The promenade is fabulous for walks along the beachfront, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and coffee places to choose from and the ..." - Helen, Kearsney

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Visitorials: We Love South Africa

Umhlanga Rocks Visitorial

I Love Umhlanga Rocks because ...

Featured in: Visitorials: We Love South Africa

We’ve asked those in the know to share their favourites things about Umhlanga Rocks. Find out where locals go for the best cup of coffee, lunch suggestions and much more. We’re letting you in on all of their secrets ... I Love Umhlanga Rocks because ...

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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

Kizo Art Gallery at Gateway

Where: Umhlanga
How much (per person): Free to Browse

Kizo is the founder and coordinator of The Heritage Arts Festival, the premier arts festival in KwaZulu Natal. This festival provides public ... more information

Umhlanga Lighthouse

Where: Umhlanga
How much (per person): Free

The place of light in the 'Place of Reeds' (Zulu translation of the word Umhlanga) shines from the white lighthouse with a topside red strip ... more information

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Restaurants in Umhlanga

Adega Restaurant

Where: Umhlanga

The group of Adega Restaurants is acclaimed for its excellent Portuguese-inspired cuisine and its upmarket, but unpretentious style. The Umhlanga branch is no exception. It has an inviting, comfortabl ... more information

Angelo's Trattoria

Where: Umhlanga

Angelo’s Trattoria is Umhlanga’s retreat for those that favour authentic Italian food, complemented by traditional hospitality. Angelo’s is situated in the centre of the newly renovated Granada Square ... more information

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Events and/or Festivals in Umhlanga

Gateway to Fame

Location: Umhlanga
Duration: 2 days

More Information

event starts: 23 September 2013
September
TBC
Umhlanga Summer Carnival

Location: Umhlanga
Duration: 16 days

More Information

event starts: 08 December 2013
December
TBC

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