Umhlanga

The famous Whalebone pier in Umhlanga. Photo: Andrew Harvard / Pexels

A relatively new suburb, only created in the year 2000, Umhlanga combines the commercial and residential Umhlanga Ridge, with beachy, trendy Umhlanga Rocks. The suburb has long since been a resort hub in KwaZulu-Natal, but with recent commercial and residential developments in the area, it has come to be the main economic heart of Durban.

The name Umhlanga is derived from the Zulu language and means “place of reeds”, aptly described by the beds of reeds growing along the Ohlanga River just north of Umhlanga Rocks.

With Durban’s King Shaka International airport just 20 minutes away, it’s no wonder why the suburb is so popular with tourists looking for a beach vacation. You can find some of South Africa’s most famous hotels along the coast, including the acclaimed Beverly Hills hotel, as well as, the Oyster Box hotel.

Activities in the area range from outdoor and indoor fun. Take a hike through the Lagoon Nature Reserve or catch some man-made waves at the Gateway WavePark – which proves to be fun for the young and the old. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping also serves as a superb shopping destination, with stores ranging from the basic, right up to the luxury.

Once you’ve taken your pick from the accommodation options, visit the glorious beaches, or get lost in the restaurant and bar scene and mingle with local Durbanites.

What to do in Umhlanga

With a vibey, beachy atmosphere, Umhlanga sings with a high-class yet welcoming appeal. If you’re not at the beach, visit outdoor locations like the Hawaan Forest and the Lagoon Nature Reserve to really take advantage of the beautiful Durban weather.

Where to stay in Umhlanga

Where to eat in Umhlanga

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