Umhlanga

Umhlanga, Durban

Hard to believe that Umhlanga, the buzzing residential, commercial and resort suburb just outside of Durban, was once a seaside resort town called Umhlanga Rocks. During the early seventies it merged with La Lucia to become what it is today - Umhlanga - pronounced Umshlanga and meaning “place of reeds” in Zulu.

Things have changed rather radically since the town acquired its suburban status. It remains a highly popular seaside resort, its wide, sandy beaches lined with exclusive hotels in Umhlanga and apartment blocks, the beaches filled with umbrellas and sun worshippers, whilst locals enthusiastically walk the promenade at sundown.

However, business has relocated here from central Durban, in a similar fashion to Sandton in Johannesburg, and Durban International Airport is set to move to La Mercy nearby.

The residential aspect of Umhlanga too has grown incredibly. Gated communities and luxury estates have sprawled their way across the suburb, and in particular, Umhlanga Ridge, which used to be largely sugarcane, is now a much sought-after retail, office and residential area due in no small part to the incredible views over the Indian Ocean.

Gateway Shopping Centre, one of the biggest shopping centres in the country, means that, whilst staying in Umhlanga, one has little reason to venture elsewhere. The O'Connor promenade that stretches from Durban View Park all the way to Breakers and the start of the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, provides a wonderful way to stretch one's legs right at the sea, past the famous Umhlanga Lighthouse, and numerous excellent restaurants pose only the dilemma of which to choose for dinner.

Travellers' Reviews

6 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.

Verified reviewexcellent

Always love going to Umhlanga. It has a fantastic holiday vibe about it with lots of excellent restaurants, beautiful beaches and you get to meet people from all over the world and all over South Africa. I met my now Fiance in Umhlanga on holiday in 2016 and we are getting married in Umhlanga NEXT YEAR!! So Umhlanga has a very special place in our hearts, now and always. ❤️ 💛 💚 💙 💜 ❤️ 💛 💚 💙 💜 ❤️

shannica (east london)

Verified reviewexcellent

I love Umhlanga! The promenade is fabulous for walks along the beachfront, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and coffee places to choose from and the beaches are just beautiful.

Helen (Kearsney)

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