A Guide to Accommodation, Activities, Restaurants & Businesses in Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa

General Information

Situated on the east coast of South Africa just north of the vibrant Durban city is one of the greatest coastlines in the world, Umhlanga Rocks. People from around the world flock to the holiday resort village of Umhlanga to relax and have fun.

Umhlanga is perfectly positioned for any part of your South African journey. It is just a ten-minute drive on the N2 (southbound) from King Shaka Airport and situated on the northern beaches of KwaZulu-Natal.

Umhlanga's first beach cottage was built on a rocky site overlooking the sea in 1869. The reflective roof of the cottage was also used as a beacon by passing ships' captains to navigate safely around Umhlanga's rocky headland. Then in the 1930s, the cottage was transformed into the Oyster Box hotel and in 1953 Umhlanga's distinctive red and white lighthouse was built to warn seafarers away from the hazards of the rocks. The first hotel in Umhlanga was built in the 1920s by the daughter of Sir Marshall Campbell, Virginia. Other hotels soon popped up after these two and the village of 'Umhlanga Rocks' became the most preferred area for locals to visit during their holidays.

Accommodation in Umhlanga Rocks

There is a large variety of places to stay in and around this area from the many hotels, self-catering units, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and lodges. Please see the accommodation directory for more information.

Activities in Umhlanga Rocks

Umhlanga offers some of the best South African tour operators, an abundance of entertainment, restaurants and nature trails. Some attractions that Umhlanga Rocks has to offer is the impressive Gateway shopping centre and Sibaya Casino.

Surfing, deep-sea fishing, whale watching and dolphin viewing, scuba diving, kite boarding and micro light flips are just some of the many activities offered on this wonderful stretch of coastline. For the golf enthusiasts there are many fabulous golf courses all within a 15 minute drive of Umhlanga.

The amazing variety of tropical fish and coral reefs is found along the Umhlanga coastline, making it an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkelling.