Umhlanga, which means “place of reeds” in Zulu, is known for its coastal-lying beauty, classy shopping malls and, perhaps above all else, as Durban’s popular resort town, so it’s only natural to find some epic adventures lying in store here.
Umhlanga, located in KwaZulu-Natal province, is a place of beauty, shopping joys and fun activities for the whole family.
Here are some of the best activities to enjoy in Umhlanga (and nearby areas):
#1 See the Light with Umhlanga Lighthouse
This rather iconic, 21-metre high lighthouse is white with a topside red stripe and offers a light range of 24 sea miles.
It not only doubles as a tourist attraction and popular local landmark, but it also, naturally, safely guides ships to shore.
And although this isn’t a lighthouse that you can explore from within, it’s definitely one you need to snap a picture of or pass by when visiting Umhlanga.
Contact: n/a
Website: n/a
Address: East Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga, KZN
#2 Catch a tan at Umhlanga Main Beach
This popular beach offers a few fun things to enjoy. Not only can you tan and surf, but you can also swim in the granny’s pool, with the knowledge that there are life guards on duty.
Visitors can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas and enjoy taking in the sights from nearby benches.
Parking is minimal so, if you can, it’s best to get there early to secure a spot. The beach is clean (and thus most perfect for beach walks!) and there are toilet facilities found , as well as a nicely maintained walkway. Ice-cream shops nearby will delight children and adults alike.
Contact: (031) 561 4257
Website: www.umhlangatourism.co.za
Address: Umhlanga Main Beach, Umhlanga, KZN
#3 Get your shopping fix at Gateway
Gateway Theatre of Shopping is the ultimate retail and entertainment experience, offering everything from fashion to dining and movies.
It’s considered to be one of SA’s most elite retail shopping stores, with over +390 stores and 70 eateries, and frequently brings world-class events, competitions and entertainment to town. What’s more, it offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Contact: (031) 514 0500
Website: www.gatewayworld.co.za
Address: 1 Palm Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga, KZN
#4 Enjoy a beach day at La Lucia Beach
While not strictly within Umhlanga, it’s close enough to warrant a mention… and it certainly deserves one! Offering a tropical element, La Lucia is close to paradise, with its coral reef and colourful fish. It’s ideal for snorkelling, diving, surfing and swimming.
It offers wonderful tranquility, despite being relatively close to the city centre… so if you’re in Umhlanga, you will definitely want to take a drive to enjoy some time at La Lucia Beach.
Contact: n/a
Website: www.sa-venues.com
Address: La Lucia, Umhlanga Coast, KZN
#5 Lace up for Umhlanga Lagoon Hiking Trail
Located on the periphery of this resort town, Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve is nevertheless a popular nature lovers’ haunt.
The trail winds by past a picnic area, crossing over a wooden boardwalk into a coastal forest, inhabited by all manner of local wildlife, including veret moneys, buck, birds and even butterflies. Some of the trees have labels so you can learn while you ramble.
Contact: (031) 561 4257
Website: n/a
Address: Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, Umhlanga, KZN
#6 Catch a movie at IMAX Theatre Gateway
With pretty epic effects, good audio, comfy interiors and prime location within Gateway Theatre of Shopping, this will definitely be your go-to movie spot for all the major flicks, provided you can afford to splash out a little…
It’ll blow your socks off as you experience your favourite film in ultra high definition 3D on a very big screen indeed!
Contact: (031) 566 4415
Website: movies.sterkinekor.co.za
Address: IMAX Theatre Gateway, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga, KZN
#7 Visit KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board
Enjoy an educational and insightful visit to the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (also known as KZNSB), a global leader in shark protection, as well as in key environmental and tourism efforts.
Not only does the KZNSB maintain the 37 beaches found along the KZN coastline, but it also conducts shark biological research and offers fascinating public education programmes.
Activities visitor can enjoy, both at and with KZNSB, run as follows: boat trips, audio-visual and shark dissections, a museum, a curio shop and conference facilities. Be sure to visit them and learn more about these misunderstood ocean predators.
Contact: (031) 566 0400
Website: www.shark.co.za
Address: 1a Herrwood Drive, Umhlanga, KZN
#8 Take to the greens at Umhlanga Bowling Club
Have a bowl at this fun and free facility, which is also wheel-chair friendly and happily suitable for all ages. Registered coaches and officials are on-site to ensure that the rules are understood and that help is offered where needed.
The bowling green is not only a great place to enjoy some bowls but it’s also available to hire for corporate and function days.
Contact: (074) 639 4028
Website: n/a
Address: 75 Twilight Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, KZN
#9 Shop till you drop at The Pearls Mall
If you need a little retail therapy, look no further than the relatively new and exciting, The Pearls Mall, which opened in late 2016.
This classy, high-end boutique mall not only offers excellent shopping, but it also includes a host of delightful coffee shops and eateries, like African Roots Coffee, Casa Bella and Doppio Zero to name just a few.
Strut your stuff as you enjoy some fun shopping and eating out at the Pearls.
Contact: (031) 940 6840
Website: thepearls.co.za
Address: The Pearls Mall, The Pearls, Umhlanga Rocks, KZN
#10 Sip some good java at African Roots Coffee
The still newly-opened coffee shop, located within the glamorous Pearls Mall, is already taking the Umhlanga area by storm. The still newly-opened coffee shop, located within the glamorous Pearls Mall, is already taking the Umhlanga area by storm.
Coffee lovers will rejoice upon discovering this speciality coffee shop, which serves only the finest African origin Arabica coffees. If you really love their java and would love some to enjoy at home, you can also shop for different blends on their site.
You can also order artisanal light meals, such as breakfast (includes banting-friendly and health eats), Danish-style open sandwiches, veggie quiches and locally baked cakes, to complement the fine coffee and speciality teas on offer at African Roots Coffee.
Contact: (087) 941 4591
Website: www.africanrootscoffee.co.za
Address: Pearls Mall, The Pearls, 6 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, KZN
#11 Grab a bite to eat at Village Table
If you agree that eating is a great activity to partake in, then you are going to want to visit Village Table, where you can enjoy some delicious food in a very attractive setting.
Bringing life experiences from pantry to plate, Village Table is all about aesthetically appealing food and restaurant atmosphere both.
Contact: (087) 288 4235
Website: villagetable.co.za
Address: 6 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga, KZN
#12 Have some fun at WavePark Gateway
This fun, affordable and clean spot is a great, family-friendly location where visitors can enjoy a water park with a super tube and other water-based activities (making it a safe place to learn to surf), as well as a pump track for bikes, scooters or skates for those who prefer to stay dry.
It’s also offers a fun toddler area for the little ones – and generally makes for an enjoyable day out for all, whether young or old.
Contact: (031) 584 9400
Website: N/A
Address: G240, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, 1 Palm Boulevard, KZN
#13 Explore Hawaan Forest
Immerse yourself in this beautiful forest, which offers a woodland enclosed by the Ohlanga River and the ocean. It is home to large number of birds and animals, and remains wonderfully unspoiled even to this day.
The Hawaan Trails are not open to the public due to preserving conservation efforts but you can partake in a guided trail and learn more about this unique ecosystem, which is home to creatures of all kinds.
Contact: n/a
Website: n/a
Address: Hawaan Forest, Umhlanga, KZN
#14 Enjoy great food at Olive & Oil
Tuck into comfort food at this cheerful eatery, where fresh ingredients come together beautifully to supply guests with wholesome meals.
Friendly staff and unrivalled hospitality will ensure you feel right at home too.
Contact: (031) 561 2618
Website: oliveandoil.co.za
Address: Olive & Oil, 15 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga, KZN
#15 Walk along Umhlanga Promenade
Of course, one way to really take in some of the best sights Umhlanga has to offer is by simply enjoying a leisurely walk along the promenade.
Or, if you prefer, go for a 4.6km-odd jog and ensure you stay fit and healthy, while absorbing the gorgeous scenery and surrounding views.
Contact: n/a
Website: n/a
Address: Umhlanga, KZN
These are just some of the fun and varied activities you can enjoy when visiting the Fun-Shine Coast!