Translating from Zulu as “Place of Reeds”, Umhlanga is a coastal resort town north of Durban. It was founded in 1895 by the sugar pioneer Sir Marshall Campbell and its first hotel opened in 1920. Today, Umhlanga is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Africa, home to beautiful beaches and the largest shopping mall in the Southern Hemisphere.
Things to do in Umhlanga
Stretching the length of the town is Umhlanga Main Beach, where you can swim in the refreshing waters of the Indian Ocean. A waterfront promenade backs the sand while the red-and-white Umhlanga Lighthouse has watched over the rocky coastline since 1954. Don’t miss the striking Whalebone Pier with its cantilevered viewing platform.
For a retail fix, head to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, a modern mall that houses more than 450 retail stores representing both local and international brands. It sprawls across more than 180,000 square metres, with 18 movie theatres and 90 restaurants under its roof, as well as indoor amusement rides and a skate park designed by Tony Hawk. In the summer months, kids can cool off at the WavePark Gateway or walk through South Africa’s first vortex tunnel.
Extending to the north of the town centre is the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, which surrounds the mouth of the Ohlanga River. Walking trails and boardwalks lead through its forested wetlands and access a prehistoric shell midden. Drinks and light meals are served at the mural-adorned Forest Cafe.
Getting around Umhlanga
Umhlanga is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Durban and the same distance from King Shaka International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Africa and the Middle East. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Umhlanga and exploring the region.