Umhlali, Dolphin Coast
The quaint little sugar farming village of Umhlali is found on the banks of the river of the same name, where in times gone by settlers and locals would sit a while before venturing across - hence it's name which means ‘the place of waiting'.
Umhlali lies just inland from Salt Rock and Sheffield Beach, some 50 kilometres from Durban and neighbours on trendy Ballito Bay.
Umhlali's name is derived from the Monkey Orange tree - a small semi-deciduous tree that grows up to six metres in height, the fruit of which is a firm favourite with baboons - that is prolific along the banks of the Umhlali River. The town with its beautiful buildings and distinctly colonial atmosphere provides every reason for a visit, not least for its museum, which houses an old locomotive used to carry sugar cane to the local mill.
The sugar mill offers tours that include first-hand experience of the crushing of sugar cane and a variety of shops easily afford a morning's worth of browsing. Umhlali's golf course at the Umhlali country club, with sweeping fairways, exotic palm trees and seven water holes that attract antelope and zebra, gives new definition to the art of golf; and the internationally designed golf course at Zimbali provides further playing pleasure for those who avidly pursue the sport.
Other attractions include horse riding at the Horse Valley Stable Yard in Ballito, Flag Animal Farm at Salt Rock and the glorious beaches of the coast.
Travellers' Reviews
2 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
We spent the weekend at Umhlali beach recently and drove through to the 'original' Umhlali village. Its a quaint place with a handful of interesting shops (make sure you buy a jar of lemon curd and a bag of chilli bites from Cindy's!). Also pop into Burnedale for a bite to eat or a wander around their pottery gallery. Across the highway is the 'newer' part of Umhlali - I recommend lunch at Sage or perhaps if you are there on either the 1st or 3rd Saturday of the month visit the Litchi Orchard Market.
Helen (Kearsney)
Verified review
We found that there wasn't a huge "tourist" vibe in Umhlali, but it was sweet and appealing in its own way.
Julia (Scarborough)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Canelands Beach Club & Spa
Canelands Beach Club & Spa is a luxurious and exclusive property situated just metres from Tiffany's Beach in the upmarket region of Salt Rock. G...
Tinley Manor Beach House
Tinley Manor Beach House is only a 2-minute walking distance from the secluded beautiful beach with a lovely tidal pool which is a 10-minute sea ...
Things to do in the area
The Litchi Orchard
The Litchi Orchid takes place on the first and third Saturday of each month between 8am and 1pm. Currently boasting 30 stallholders with products...
The Orchard Nursery
The Orchard Nursery is located on the premises of The Litchi Orchard and offers visitors a true nursery experience! Expect to see a blend of top...
Al Pescatore
As one of the Dolphin Coast's favourite eateries, Al Pescatore continues after generations of success, earning its status as one of the area's ol...
Burnedale Centre & Pottery Gallery
This farm was transformed into a space where you can get creative, find inspiration, shop for wonderful gifts and items, let your little ones pla...
Mangwanani Spa Umhlali
This is the ultimate African Day Spa Experience cradled in various tranquil African settings throughout South Africa. Community development and t...
The Quarter Boutique Shopping Centre
The Quarter Boutique Shopping Centre is a multi-level shopping complex located in Ballito, offering an extensive retail experience to the discern...
The Pottery Gallery
The Pottery Gallery in Umhlali is an arts and crafts centre that showcases some of KwaZulu-Natal's finest creative talent. The shop is located on...
Flag Animal Farm
Take the Kids to Flag Farm Animal Farm where they can enjoy learning how to milk a cow and feed or cuddle other tame farm animals. All activities...
Inanda Heritage Trail
If you are looking for something to do in Durban that takes you away from the beach to a valley with a mesmerising history, then take the guided ...
Noteworthy attractions
Princes Grant Golf Club
With panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, this development has been designed to capture the gracious colonial life-style of early Natal. Set out ...
Umhlali Country Club
Neighbouring on Ballito Bay, only 15 minutes North of Umhlanga Rocks, Umhlali, just 20 minutes drive north of Durban is a scenic undulating cours...
Zimbali Country Club
Zimbali is well known for its stunning 18-hole golf course. It offers a challenging round of golf of world-class standards and stunning views. Th...
Dolphin Coast Beaches
Dolphin Coast offers visitors a combination of modern facilities at it's sun drenched seaside resorts in a lush, subtropical environment. The Dol...
Harold Johnson Nature Reserve
The Harold Johnson Nature Reserve is situated north of Ballito on the banks of the Tugela River and north of Zinkwazi. Fort Pearson and the Ultim...
Mount Moreland Conservancy
Part of the focus of the Mount Moreland Conservancy is to preserve and improve the condition of the Mdloti River and the state of its surrounding...
Hazelmere Dam
Hazelmere Dam may have been constructed for practical purposes, but it has since become a favoured retreat for holidaymakers and those needing to...
King Shaka International Airport
King Shaka International Airport is modern and well-equipped, boasting world-class facilities and amenities to cater to South African and foreign...
Sardine Run
The Sardine Run is an annual migration of sardines along South Africa's east coast, between May and July. These tiny fish migrate from the cold w...
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