Exploring Umhlanga
Umhlanga, Zulu for ‘Place of the Reeds’…
Umhlanga is a residential, commercial and resort town north of Durban on the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, created in 2000, which includes the greater Durban area – Wikipedia
Umhlanga was named after the Ohlanga River, which reaches the Indian Ocean north of the town. The town was founded in 1895 by Sir Marshall Campbell, who introduced rickshaws to Durban’s beachfront.
Today, Umhlanga is better known for it’s awesome weather, beautiful beach, long walks along its promenade, its many restaurants and beautiful views.
It is a favourite holiday destination; the property sometimes a bit out of the price range of locals. For those locals who know where to find parking and the walkways to the beaches, it is a good spot to soak up the summer sun.
Umhlanga Lighthouse
The lighthouse is a popular subject of photographers and an area landmark. The lighthouse is a 21 metre circular concrete tower painted white with a red top, installed in 1954 and is fully automated.
Umhlanga’s O’Connor Promenade
The Umhlanga Rocks Promenade is paved and stretches for about 3km. This is perfect for a leisurely stroll to enjoy the view or a nice jog to get into shape for summer. The promenade ends at the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, by Breakers Resort.
Umhlanga Pier
The Pier, another firm favourite with photographers, stretches for 80m, was built in 2007 and represents a whale’s skeleton. In 2006 unusually high waves battered the Umhlanga shoreline, resulting in extensive repair work and new features.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Gateway is one of the biggest shopping centres in Africa. Here you will find many restaurants, the Barnyard Theatre, clothing shops, movies…well, just about any shop you need and a great entertainment area for the kids,’Fantasy Forest’.
Kwa-Zulu Natal Sharks Board
The Sharks Board provides a great educational experience with every audio-visual presentation concluding with a 20 minute dissection. You will learn about the important role that sharks play in the marine ecosystem. There are many lifelike replicas of sharks to be seen.
Umhlanga Nature Reserve
When entering Umhlanga from Gateway or the M4, turn left into Lagoon Drive. At the end of this road, at Breakers Resort, is where you’ll find the Umhlanga Nature Reserve.
There are two trails through the coastal forest, the reed beds and boardwalks that cross the Ohlange River. You don’t have to be fit to enjoy the walk through nature. The guides are well trained and can you tell you a lot of interesting facts about the trees and wildlife in the reserve.
The Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve is open 7 days a week (but rarely it is closed for training), from 7am to 6pm. There are guided walks at 9am, 11am and 3pm everyday except for Sundays when there’s only two walks, at 9am and 11am.
Directions
Traveling along the N2 towards Stanger / the airport, take exit 182 for M41 toward Umhlanga. Turn right onto the M41. You’ll notice Gateway coming up on your left and you can take the 1st or the 2nd left turn to get to Gateway.
The Sharks Board is at 1a Herrwood Drive. When you leave Gateway, head towards the sea and turn left onto M12, behind Gateway. At the roundabout towards the end of the road, take the second exit onto Herrwood Drive.
When you’re finished at the Sharks Board, continue into Umhlanga – it’s the sea side town that you’ll see at the bottom of the hill. Turn left into Lagoon Drive and at the end of this road you’ll get to the Nature Reserve. Park your car along the road.
When you’ve finished your stroll in the reserve, leave your car where it is. Walk along Lagoon Drive and keep your eye on the spaces between the buildings. Occasionally you’ll notice walkways between the buildings towards the sea, that meet up with the Promenade.
Photos
Click here to view photos of the beach, promenade, pier and lighthouse.
Click here for photos of an event at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping’s Wavehouse.
Click here for more photos of Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
Click here for photos of the Umhlanga Nature Reserve.
Click here to view photos of what’s to see at the Sharks Board.
Useful Links
The Gateway Theatre of Shopping