Umdloti Beach Coastal Conservancy

About Umdloti Beach Coastal Conservancy

The Umdloti Beach Coastal Conservancy occupies the balmy South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, on its eastern shoreline, only about thirty minutes drive from Durban on a scenic road. This part of the country is known for its warm waters, thanks to the Indian Ocean, and remains a very popular spot for beach-lovers from all over the world.

Did you know? The beaches are clean and vast, making for breath-taking spots in which to tan, play sports or enjoy picnics with family or friends.

The Umdloti Coastal Conservancy is made up of three separate beaches. These are 1) Selection, 2) Newsel and 3) Umdloti.

Umdloti Beach is popular as it has a natural tidal pool that is watched by lifeguards throughout the day. This makes it ideal for families with young ones. It is also frequented by snorkelers, as these waters are productive and rewarding to explore. Surfing, diving, kiteboarding and swimming are also popular here. For those wanting to go rock fishing or surf fishing, a licence is required. Permits for mussels and crayfish can be obtained from the local post office.

Thanks to the area's fabulous natural variety, it is an outdoor enthusiast's ideal holiday destination. In addition to the various water sports, there are also quad biking, hiking and cycling trails around the conservancy, as well as excellent horse riding routes. Enjoying the local fauna and flora from atop a responsive horse makes for a restful experience at a comfortable pace, while still being able to feel the warm sunshine on your back and breathe in the fresh air. The more adventurous may want to experience Umdloti Coastal Conservancy from a microlight, or go parasailing above the warm blue waters.

The Natal Sharks Board is an important entity in terms of its efforts to keep both bathers and sharks safe. Visiting the institution is fascinating for young and old alike, and may be coupled with a boat trip to see the staff conducting their early morning routine and the opportunity to see some awesome marine life within their natural habitat.

The area in which the Umdloti Coastal Conservancy is situated is brimming with bird life, and hundreds of species have been recorded here. These include blue cranes, the crowned guinea fowl, fish eagles, storks, yellow-billed kites, herons and loeries. Avid bird watchers are invited to bring along their identification books as well as a good pair of binoculars.

The conservancy is also occupied by several species of small game, insects and other land creatures, which add to its biodiversity and contribute positively to the ecology.

While there are in excess of 800 dolphins that skirt the coastline on a regular basis, this number rockets up to about 15 000 during the sardine run that takes place every year in July and August. Onlookers often delight in their antics and playfulness while they hunt sardines just metres off the coastline.

Conveniently, the Umdloti Coastal Conservancy is only about 10 kilometres from the King Shaka International Airport, which is the starting point for many of the international tourists that visit South Africa. Other attractions that are nearby include the buzzing hub of Durban, the Sibaya Casino, Umhlanga Lighthouse, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, and the King Shaka Heritage Route.