Umhlanga obtained its name from the Nguni-language tribes who referred to this seaside playground as “The Place of Reeds”. The Nguni-language tribes later become united as the proud Zulu nation. Umhlanga is a popular holiday destination that welcomes visitors to their shores with true hospitality.
Adventure And Sport
Angling: There are many beautiful angling spots along the coast.
Beaches: The beaches offer superb swimming and sunbathing opportunities. Granny’s Pool, a natural sheltered bathing area, is particularly pretty. There is also a ski boat launching pad in the vicinity.
Golf: Mount Edgecombe has an 18-hole golf course.
Maidstone Country Club: The Maidstone Country Club offers tennis, squash and golf facilities.
Art And Crafts
Africa Museum: The Africa Museum exhibits an impressive selection of original paintings and drawings, bronze sculptures, hand-blown glass, porcelain, woodcarvings and ceramics.
Art Exhibitions: Art exhibitions are regularly held in the area, organised by the Village Green and North Coast Art Groups.
The Gallery Shop: The Gallery Shop sells original works of art.
Sugar Coast Arts and Crafts Festival: The Sugar Coast Arts and Crafts Festival is held at the Umhlanga Festival Grounds every Sunday.
Entertainment And Shopping
Gateway Theatre of Shopping: Billed as a “Theatre of Shopping”, Gateway offers much more than the average mall. The entire family can spend hours at Gateway, which houses a vast variety of stores, cinemas and restaurants. Other facilities include a mega-size skating rink designed by international expert Tony Hawk, a standing wave known as DRex, a climbing wall, go-kart track, Putt-Putt course and 4×4 track.
O’Connor Promenade: Take a relaxing stroll along the 2,7-km paved shoreline promenade named after hotelier and one-time mayor, the late Councillor Ken O’Connor.
Sugar Mill Casino: One of Durban Metro’s first casinos, the Sugar Mill Casino has 26 tables and some 800 slot machines. All machines are operated by state-of-the-art smart card technology.
Fauna And Flora
Hawaan Nature Reserve: The unique indigenous woodland area of the Hawaan Nature Reserve is populated by rare trees. Marine birds, bush pig, red, blue and grey duiker, banded and slender mongoose and vervet monkeys make up the animal and bird population of the reserve. Visitors are advised to exercise caution as both mambas and pythons are also found here.
Natal Sharks Board: The Natal Sharks Board, the only organisation of its type in the world, offers daily tours to explain the habits of these ocean prowlers. Tours of the premises include video shows and live presentations.
Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve: A visit to the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve is a must for bird and nature lovers.
Umhlanga Ponds: Umhlanga Ponds is the ideal venue for bird watching.
History And Architecture
Lighthouse: This landmark has warned ships of potentially dangerous rocks for almost half a century.
