Umdloti

Umdloti is a small resort village about 8 km north of Umhlanga on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Unlike its southern neighbour and Ballito, about 20 km to the north, the village has remained relatively undeveloped. It has therefore retained its holiday resort feel and escapes the hustle and bustle of its neighbours. If you enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere, then this is the place for you on the North Coast.

The 5 km North and South Beaches are the main reason people holiday in Umdloti. There is a natural tidal pool on the North Beach and both beaches offer safe swimming and great snorkelling in the many rock pools. The beaches are shark protected and lifeguards are on duty daily.

Umdloti is a coastal conservancy so the rules for collecting the plentiful mussles and oysters must be obeyed and fishermen must ensure that they have the right permits which can be obtained from KZN Nature Conservation Services, Marine Permit Office in Congella, tel : 0312055278. This area of the coast seems to attract an extraordinary number of dolphins and during the annual sardine run numbers have been known to increase to as many as 15000. From July to November whales visit the area during their calving season.

If you need to do some serious shopping, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping is minutes away in Umhlanga. This huge mall has a cinema complex and numerous entertainment options. In addition the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom is a very short drive away.

If nature is your thing the Hluhluwe-Umfolosi Game Reserve is a few hours away. Municipal Bye Laws prohibit fishing in the tidal pool area and from First Avenue to the end of South Beach Road. You may fish from First Avenue to the Lifesavers complex on North Beach Road and to the north of the tidal pool area.

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