Umhlanga

Umhlanga the gem of the KwaZulu Natal north coast

Umhlanga on the KwaZulu Natal north coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. Safe swimming in the warm Indian Ocean.

Umhlanga is one of the most popular beach resort destinations on the east coast of South Africa. The bathing is safe and the warm Indian Ocean waters wash one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.

Situated just north of Durban with the golden sandy beaches that stretch northwards for more than 200 kilometres, all the way to the spectacular Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Inland endless fields of sugarcane give way to the tumbling area of the 1000 Hills.

Attractions & Activities in Umhlanga

Umhlanga's excellent swimming and bathing conditions make it a popular destination even for Durban. Umhlanga's main beach is one of the Zulu Kingdom's seven Blue Flag beaches.

Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve is a  small, scenic reserve preserving coastal forest. The remains of a Stone Age sea shell midden can be seen at the lagoon mouth. The Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Trail is a delightful hour-and-a-half trail on a well marked path. Wander through stunning coastal forest on boardwalks that cross the Ohlange River on its way to the lagoon, buttressed by dunes.

The Umhlanga Lighthouse was completed on November 24, 1954 and has since become an area landmark. The circular concrete tower, painted white with a red band at the top, stands 21m above the beach and has a focal plane height of 25m. The fixed red light enable a ship waiting to anchor in the outer anchorage to monitor its position if the red light can be seen, it suggests the ships anchors have probably dragged and is too close to shore.

The Sharks Board. watch a spectatcular half hour audio-visual presentation, capturing, the drama of the ocean and the energy of the Sharks Board staff as they carry out their daily servicing of shark nets, or watch a shark dissection. Visit the display hall and view a large variety of lifelike replicas of sharks, fish and rays.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping. This impressive structure, situated alongside the N2 highway in Umhlanga Rocks, houses a vast array of shops, cinemas and restaurants plus a huge standing wave known as DRex, a mega skate park designed by an international expert, the highest climbing wall imaginable and a go-kart track, putt-putt course and a challenging 4x4 track.

Sibaya Casino is only 20 minutes drive away North of Umhlanga. They offer gaming, live entertainment, conferencing, accommodation and food. There is also a cultural village.

Umhlanga Tourism Information Centre is situated in Lighthouse Mall, Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga.