Area / Umhlanga Rocks

Umhlanga began earning its modern reputation as a 'home of fine hospitality' in 1869, when tea and scones were first served at a cottage named Oyster Lodge. Built on a site overlooking the Indian ocean, it has over the years become one of Umhlanga's landmarks. While it took another half century for the hotel industry to arrive, the 'Place of Reeds' has since flourished without falter...and is today a prime, up-market beach resort boasting a fine array of luxury hotels, B&Bs and self-catering holiday apartments.

For a compelling taste of Umhlanga's safe, protected beaches and seafront accommodation, restaurants and attractions, the shore- hugging O'Conner Promenade has no equal. Contrary to appearances - including distance-markers - it's not strictly de rigueur to proceed at jogging pace...a leisurely stroll with occasional viewing- bench stops is quite acceptable! You'll not be able to miss the red and white lighthouse...a landmark that's kept shipping at a safe distance for almost half a century.

A little further north is Granny's Pool, a sheltered bathing area between two rock formations that abound in miniature sea-life. From its humble beginnings, Umhlanga has now become one of the prime holiday destinations in the country and features some of the best hotels, resorts, and timeshare complexes to be found anywhere on the African continent. Every year millions of tourists and South Africans embark on a mini exodus from all over the country to come and relax on some of the best beaches to be found anywhere. With close to 300 days of sunshine per year and with Shark nets maintained by the Sharks Board it is not surprising why.

Umhlanga is also blessed in that it is close enough to the City of Durban some 20Km to the south to have access to the consumer variety and convenience of a big city, whilst still being far enough from the city to have a uniquely rustic "Village" atmosphere.

Boats can be launched from the Ski Boat Club and numerous Deep Sea Fishing Trips, Scuba Diving Trips and Day Trips are available for individuals or groups.

If this is not enough for the demanding visitor there are also chartered flights available from Virginia Airport as well as Micro-light flights over the Coastline.

For the less adventurous there are also many options to choose from: Umhlanga has a Promenade that stretches all the way from the Breakers Resort on the Northern edge of Umhlanga, down to Durban View Park in the South. Umhlanga lagoon nature trails are delightful and there are lovely braai and picnic spots along a well-marked path. Well trained professional life guards are also stationed at all the swimming beaches along the Umhlanga Coastline.

Umdloti -The Mdloti River takes its name from a species of wild tobacco which grows on its banks. At the river mouth is a spacious lagoon and the holiday resort of Umdloti, with bungalows and Bed and Breakfast establishments, overlooking a beach and a rock-enclosed tidal pool.

Sunny skies, warm Indian Ocean waves, beautiful beaches, tantalising cuisine, pristine nature, captivating culture, vibrant nightlife, shopping extravaganzas, luxury lodgings - all waiting for your arrival...along with a friendly and heartfelt greeting. Welcome to our Sugar Coast...and the Sweet Life!

Come sundowner time, Umhlanga comes alive with the sounds of fine dining, music and assorted revelry. Stylish restaurants, funky taverns and chic nightclubs dot the resort's Mediterranean- style layout...we guarantee you'll be spoiled for choice!

Adding to your 'dilemma' are the 26 gaming tables, 800 slot machines, eateries and pubs waiting a few kilometres away at the Sugar Mill Casino in Mt Edgecombe.
Umhlanga is dotted with numerous roadside café's, coffee shops, 24hour Take-Aways, pubs, shops, convenience stores and restaurants, all within walking distance of the Umhlanga "Village" situated around the Hillcon and Granada Centers.

The recently-built Gateway centre is a mere 5 minute drive from the "Village". Known as the "Theatre of Shopping", Gateway combines leisure, shopping and entertainment including a wide range of retail shops, restaurants, extreme sports facilities and entertainment venues.