Umhlanga Rocks
Description
Umhlanga Rocks is a holiday resort village that is central to the Umhlanga coastal region, just north of Durban. With warm Indian Ocean waters, golden beaches, the exciting Gateway shopping mall, and easy access to a number of outdoor activities and tourist hotspots, Umhlanga Rocks is a perfect seaside holiday destination. From romantic hideaways to family friendly resorts, you’ll find top-notch accommodation in Umhlanga Rocks.
Umhlanga Rocks is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in South Africa, often referred to as “Joburg by the sea” because of the sheer amount of holidaymakers who flock to the beaches from Gauteng. With subtropical daytime temperatures that seldom drop below 19°C in the winter, Umhlanga is an ideal holiday destination all year round. While the beaches are perfect for long lazy days on the sand, the coral reefs that wrap along the coastline are home to an incredible diversity of tropical fish and are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. The warm ocean is also great for surfing, kite-surfing, dolphin and whale watching, deep sea fishing, and ski boat fishing.
While Umhlanga Rocks maintains a small seaside village atmosphere, you’ll find one of South Africa’s most exciting shopping destinations a mere 2,5km from the beach. Gateway Theatre of Shopping offers more than retail therapy – it’s a holistic experience that is fun for all ages. Little ones will love the rides at Mr. Funtubbles Fabulous Family Fun Fair, while kids of all ages can enjoy ten pin bowling, arcade games, and go kart racing at Eclectic Avenue. Test your climbing skills on “The Rock” - the world’s highest free-standing indoor climbing wall; get active at the Action Sports Arena; enjoy 4D simulation rides at the XD Theatre; and discover a love for science at the interactive ScienCentre. The Wave House boasts the biggest man-made stationary wave in the world - The D-Rex (Durbanicus Rex), as well as the Wave House Tube Ride, FlowRiders, and a skate park designed by skating legend, Tony Hawk.
Amble along Umhlanga’s beachfront Promenade and visit the many restaurants, bars, cafés, beauty spas, and art galleries. Golfers will find several excellent courses nearby, including Mount Edgecombe, Durban Country Club, and Zimbali Country Club. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy river rafting, quad biking, air flips, sky diving, micro lighting, and horse riding in the near vicinity. Nature lovers can enjoy various animal encounters, nature trails, picnics, and more at Crocodile Creek, Croc Valley, and Umgeni River Bird Park.
Nearby attractions include the educational and entertaining Natal Sharks Board; uShaka Marine World aquarium and waterpark; the Sibaya and Suncoast Casinos; and the cultural villages at Shakaland. Don’t leave Umhlanga without exploring the iconic Umhlanga Lighthouse! Inland from Umhlanga Rocks are vast fields of sugarcane that give way to the undulating Valley Of 1000 Hills, Inanda Dam, and greater Zululand region where Shaka’s legacy is still prevalent.
Umhlanga Rocks is only 10 minutes from the King Shaka Airport, so book your next summer holiday in this charming seaside town.