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Umhlanga is a popular resort town in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province of South Africa. It is known for its attractive beaches and low-key atmosphere, making it the ideal destination for a relaxing holiday. Umhlanga also offers easy access to nature and plenty of fun attractions to keep you entertained. Let’s take a look at 16 of Umhlanga’s must-see attractions to help you plan your sightseeing itinerary.
1. The Oyster Box
- Address: 2 Lighthouse Rd, Umhlanga
- Opening hours: Various for restaurants and bars
The Oyster Box is a luxury hotel with an international reputation for providing unforgettable experiences. It has been in operation since 1947, although its roots date back to 1869 when a beach cottage called Oyster Lodge was built here in the heart of Umhlanga Rocks. Drop by one of its high-end restaurants to enjoy a gourmet dining experience — the hotel is renowned for its lavish high tea and delicious fresh oysters.
2. Umhlanga Lighthouse
- Address: Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga
- Opening hours: 24 hours
The Umhlanga Lighthouse is a 21-meter-high tower that serves as a navigation aid for ships sailing on the Indian Ocean. The waters along the coastline of South Africa can be treacherous, and the lighthouses in this region play an important role in guiding ships safely into Durban Harbour. You can’t go inside the lighthouse, but you can admire the red-and-white structure from the outside. It makes for a fantastic photo opportunity.
3. Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve
- Address: Hawaan, Blackburn
- Opening hours: 6 am – 5 pm daily
Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve covers just 64 acres but crams a large variety of wildlife into its limited boundaries. Two hundred eight bird species can be spotted here, including herons, warblers, fish eagles, and African rails.
You also have the chance to spot a range of small mammals such as duiker and bushbuck antelope. Trails wind through dune forests and wetlands, and you can explore them at your own pace or take a guided walk to learn about the reserve’s wildlife from a knowledgeable guide.
4. The Hawaan Forest
- Address: Hawaan, Umhlanga
- Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily
Contained by the Ohlanga River and the sea, the Hawaan is an ancient dry coastal dune forest that dates back some 18,000 years. This unspoiled haven for animals and birds must remain protected due to its rarity — this is why its trails aren’t open to the public. Instead, join a guided tour to learn about the unique dune forest ecosystem and have the opportunity to spot the likes of duikers, bushpigs, genets, and pythons.
5. Gateway Theatre of Shopping
- Website: gatewayworld.co.za
- Address: 1 Palm Blvd, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga, 4021, South Africa
- Opening hours: 9 am – 7 pm Monday to Thursday / 9 am – 9 pm Friday & Saturday / 9 am – 6 pm Sunday
Gateway Shopping Centre is one of the southern hemisphere’s largest malls, and it’s easy to spend a full day here enjoying some retail therapy and entertainment. It has a huge variety of stores and restaurants, as well as a cinema and a wave park.
6. Moses Mabhida Stadium
- Website: mmstadium.com
- Address: 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Rd, Stamford Hill, Durban
- Opening hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily for tours
Durban city lies just 10 miles south of Umhlanga and is the third-largest city in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town. It’s home to many bustling attractions, including the huge Moses Mabhida Stadium, characterized by its impressive arch.
Take the SkyCar up to the arch’s highest point for incredible city views, or get the adrenaline pumping when you walk the steep stairs up to the peak instead. You can also take a tour of the stadium to get a behind-the-scenes insight into the sporting and cultural events that take place here.
7. KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board
- Website: shark.co.za
- Address: 1a Herrwood Dr, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga
- Opening hours: 8 am – 4 pm Monday to Friday for tours
The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB) is a global leader in the protection against sharks along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. It strives to minimize environmental damage and boost tourism by guarding beaches against sharks. It also drives research and educates people about sharks and the importance of protecting local habitats.
The KZNSB has a museum and a curio shop to explore and also offers boat tours, shark dissection presentations, and other educational events.
8. Umhlanga Promenade
Umhlanga Promenade is a scenic 1.5-mile walkway along the Umhlanga beachfront that offers lovely ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere. There are benches, cafes, and restaurants dotted along the promenade, so you can enjoy a break and a bite to eat. Don’t miss the impressive Whalebone Pier, which delivers amazing sunrise and sunset views.
9. Beautiful Beaches
The South African coastline is home to some beautiful beaches with views across the Indian Ocean. Be sure to check out these three beaches when you visit Umhlanga:
Umhlanga Beach
- Address: 10 McCausland Cres, Umhlanga
- Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
The waters at the Blue Flag Umhlanga beach are incredibly clean and safe, which makes it a great option for families with small children. Sunbathing and surfing are popular pastimes here, and lifeguards mean you can swim confidently. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available, and there are toilets and snack shops nearby, so you can make a day of it.
La Lucia Beach
- Address: The Promenade, La Lucia, Durban
- Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
La Lucia lies just three miles south of Umhlanga but its tranquil position outside the town gives it a charming, rural feel. If you want total peace and quiet, this is the beach for you. There are coral reefs just offshore, so give snorkeling or scuba diving a try to see colorful fish and marine life. Swimming and surfing are also popular here.
Ballito
- Address: Ballito, 4399
- Opening hours: 24 hours
Ballito lies around 18 miles north of Umhlanga and is well worth the drive for its impressive ocean views and beautiful beaches. This area is known as the Dolphin Coast because bottlenose dolphins can be spotted all year round in the waters here.
There are several beaches within Ballito to choose from, but the most popular is Willard Beach. Swimming is safe here thanks to lifeguards and shark nets, and there’s a first-aid station and lots of great facilities.
11. uShaka Marine World
- Website: ushakamarine.com
- Address: 1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
UShaka Marine World is a fun beachfront theme park with an aquarium, thrilling water slides, and a lively atmosphere. Explore the Sea World aquarium to see a variety of marine species, including turtles, seals, and dolphins, then head to Wet ‘n Wild to get the adrenaline pumping. This is the perfect place to spend a day with the kids because it offers a great mix of fun and education.
12. Multi-Day Tours
If you want to venture out of the Umhlanga area to see more of South Africa, consider arranging a multi-day tour to one of these two popular locations:
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city, lying some 360 miles inland from Umhlanga. The best way to reach it is by plane, which takes just two hours, but the train is also a convenient option. Known as the City of Gold, it’s a diverse metropolis with a host of historical and cultural attractions, such as Constitution Hill, the Apartheid Museum, and the Wits Art Museum.
Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg Mountain Region is one of the most beautiful places in the world and is well worth the 200-mile journey from Umhlanga. There are seemingly endless trails to explore if you’re a fan of hiking, but it’s usually safest to go with a guide. Many tour operators provide trips from Umhlanga that cover the best Drakensberg sights in a short visit.
13. Mindgame Escape
- Website: mindgame.co.za
- Address: Unit 205, Granada Square, 16 Chartwell Dr, Umhlanga
- Opening hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily
Mindgame Escape is a fun way to challenge your mind… and test your relationships! Your team will collect clues, tackle puzzles, and trigger hidden mechanisms against the clock to solve a mystery and escape the room. This is a great option for families or groups of friends who are visiting Durban and looking to escape the South African heat for a short while.
14. Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom
- Website: suninternational.com/sibaya
- Address: 1 Sibaya Dr Umhlanga Rocks, Durban
- Opening hours: 24 hours
Sibaya Casino is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s premier nightlife destinations. The 24-hour casino provides world-class gaming and entertainment, and its i-Zulu Theatre regularly hosts musicians, comedians, and other popular performers.
There are also several restaurants and bars on the complex and even a spa for when you want to relax and recharge. Families can rest assured that kids will be entertained thanks to the bumper cars, Nerf shooting, and mini bowling on offer.
15. Mount Edgecombe Country Club Golf Course
- Address: Golf Course Dr, Mount Edgecombe, Durban
- Opening hours: 6 am – 9 pm daily
Golf is an incredibly popular sport in South Africa, and with its rugged, rolling landscape, KwaZulu-Natal is the perfect region to host scenic golf courses. Mount Edgecomb Country Club boasts two championship courses that offer challenging play in tranquil surroundings. It’s considered one of the best golfing destinations in the country and shouldn’t be missed by visiting golfers.
16. Umhlanga Village
The Village is a hub of restaurants and bars at the heart of Umhlanga and is the place to experience the town’s nightlife. It’s incredibly welcoming to tourists, and relaxed eateries offer a great variety of cuisines. Once you’ve had dinner you can hop between the stylish pubs and bars to take in Umhlanga’s after-dark buzz.
Plan Your Umhlanga Adventure
There’s plenty to see and do in Umhlanga and the surrounding region, but the hardest part is deciding which activities and sights to prioritize on a short trip. What will you get up to on your visit to this scenic stretch of South African coastline?
