Umhlanga’s beaches happen to be one of the favorite holiday destinations that the country of South Africans at large happens to be blessed with, one which is famous and made popular for its water bodies safe to swim in at moderately warm temperatures, making it ideal for the kids to splash about all day.
There are plenty of exciting activities to try out here, such as taking a stroll along its long stretch of Sandy Beach and dining at the wide variety of restaurants it has presented for you to choose from.
From surfing, fishing, and bodyboarding down to leisurely soaking up the sun and enjoying the cool breeze of nature, below are some of the fun things to do in Umhlanga.
Fun Things To Do In Umhlanga
1. Visit the Umhlanga Lighthouse
A distinctive landmark that its residents hold in high esteem and regard, the Umhlanga Lighthouse, situated on the rocky coastline, has a light range of 24 sea miles at a focal plane as well as a height of 25 meters above sea level.
Existing for decades now, it was erected in 1954 to replace the Bluff lighthouse, which initially guided ships safely to the Durban harbor. It not only doubles as a tourist attraction and popular local landmark but also a mountainous edifice that safely guides ships to shore.
Why you should visit?
Visiting the Umhlanga lighthouse isn’t one to come to explore from within, but rather to enjoy its beautiful views from the outside, snapping a picture of it as well should it please you.
Address: East Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga, KZN.
2. Catch a tan at Umhlanga Main Beach
The Umhlanga Main Beach is yet another favorite spot for tourists visiting this coastal town, a popular beach offering a wide range of activities to keep you thrilled, as not only do its guests get to tan and surf, but they also get to swim deep inside of its grandmother’s pool.
Just like every other beach you might have once visited in previous times, you might have gotten some amazing hangout spots as well, Visitors showing up here are also opportunely renting beach chairs and umbrellas and enjoying the calm and cool breeze of nature
Why should you hang out here?
The Umhlanga Main Beach is a full package Itself, that is known for its clean and nicely maintained walkway, with provisions also made for toilet facilities found while being surrounded around by Ice- cream shops.
Address: Umhlanga Main Beach, Umhlanga, KZN.
3. Go on a shopping spree at Gateway Theater of Shopping
The Gateway Theatre of Shopping, just as its name implies, is a tourist attraction in Umhlanga designed specifically for both visitors and tourists alike to come to enjoy the sweet combo of shopping for items of interest to them while being entertained while doing so.
It is popular and famous for being one of South Africa’s most elite retail shopping stores, which is evident in the fact that it houses over 390 stores and 70 eateries, offering an ultimate retail, dining, and entertainment experience. There are more than enough reasons why you should visit this tourist destination.
What to expect?
Aside from offering an amazing shopping items as it concerns mostly fashionable wears, the Gateway theater of shopping also does hosts world-class events, competitions and entertainment.
Address: 1 Palm Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga, KZN.
4. Enjoy a beach day at La Lucia Beach
Though it is not located at the heart of Umhlanga but rather at its outskirts, regardless, La Lucia Beach remains that very tourist attraction you should prioritize visiting, one that does offer plenty of tropical elements.
Often mistaken for a paradise by visitors who have previously visited, the beauty that La Lucia Beach embodies is comparable to that known, especially with the presence of coral reefs and colorful fish.
Why should I visit?
La Lucia Beach is ideal for snorkeling, diving, surfing, and swimming, so if any of these exciting activities interest you, then you should consider visiting as well.
Address: La Lucia, Umhlanga Coast, KZN.
5. Enjoy strolling the Umhlanga Lagoon Hiking Trail
Stretching across the periphery of this coastal town right inside of the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, this location is one set to perfection for nature lovers and enthusiasts generally, with plenty of items to come across matching their interest.
This walking experience is one which should see you strolling past a picnic area, journeying through its wooden boardwalk into its coastal forest housing a vast number of its local wildlife.
What should I expect?
Stopping over at the Umhlanga Lagoon Hiking Trail, you get to behold and explore the area’s local wildlife, which is made up of ferrets, bucks, birds, butterflies, and even its plant life, which is made up of plenty of trees.
Address: Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, Umhlanga, KZN.
6. Get thrilled with the movies at IMAX Theatre Gateway
What better location to come to be treated to a memorable movie experience than one known for its pretty epic effects, good audio, comfy interiors, and a prime location within the Gateway Theatre of Shopping?
This description is exactly what defines the tourist attraction of IMAX Theatre Gateway, a favorite go-to movie spot for both its residents and visitors at large, to come to be part of its bubbling cinematic experience that goes for a little token, which should be affordable.
Why should I visit?
Visiting the IMAX theatre gateway, you get to enjoy a cinematic movie experience like never before, catching up with blockbuster movies in ultra high definition 3D on a very big screen.
Address: IMAX Theatre Gateway, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga, KZN.
7. Visit the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board
For those in search of an adventure less crazy and energetic, there is the option of enjoying something educational and insightful upon visiting the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (also known as KZNSB).
This is a tour agency that also happens to be a global leader in shark protection, maintaining the 37 beaches found along the KZN coastline and known for its guided tours on shark biological research and fascinating public education programs.
What should I expect?
Showing up here is to come enjoy its boat trips, audio-visuals, and shark dissections. There is also the opportunity to visit its nearby museum, curio shop, and conference facilities.
Address: 1a Herrwood Drive, Umhlanga, KZN.
8. Go bowling on the greens at Umhlanga Bowling Club
The Umhlanga Bowling Club is a popular spot among the top recommendations in the area. Come be thrilled with its exciting activities that concern bowling inside of its facility, which has been labeled free and grants access to all.
To enjoy this exciting activity of bowling to the fullest, guests turning up at this tourist attraction are kept under the care of its registered coaches and officials who has taken upon themselves to ensuring the rules of the game are best understood and help offered where needed.
What other things happen here?
Aside from being a designated location to come enjoy bowling, it is also a spacious venue that is open to hire for corporate and function days.
Address: 75 Twilight Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, KZN.
9. Enjoy the shopping experience of The Pearls Mall
The Presence of the Pearls Mall in Umhlanga has spiced up the shopping experience in the area, Having come into existence less than a decade ago in the year 2016, this shopping mall offering a little retail therapy is an ideal location to come shop for your daily wants and desires
Surrounded by not only retail outlets of different brands, but also plenty of coffee shops and eateries as well such as the African Roots Coffee, Casa Bella and Doppio Zero, the Pearls mall is indeed the full package offering an wholesome experience.
Why should I visit?
Visiting this classy and high-end boutique mall, you get to enjoy the sweet combo of an excellent shopping experience as well as top notch dining I’m anyone of its delightful coffee shops and eateries.
Address: The Pearls Mall, The Pearls, Umhlanga Rocks, KZN.
10. Sip some good java at African Roots Coffee
African Roots Coffee is a newly-opened coffee shop rooted inside of the aforementioned Pearls Mall, one that, within a short period, has turned out to be a favorite spot in the area, specifically for coffee lovers who want to be treated to a wholesome coffee tasting experience.
Coffee lovers showing up at this destination are guaranteed to enjoy the finest African-origin Arabica coffees, and they are also at liberty to shop for different blends on their site to take back home.
What do they offer?
African Routes Coffee does offer artisanal light meals for breakfast, such as Danish-style open sandwiches, veggie quiches, and locally baked cakes, to complement its flavorful coffee and specialty teas.
Address: Pearls Mall, The Pearls, 6 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, KZN.
11. Grab a bite of something delicious at Village Table
The Village Table is another top-notch performing eatery in the outdoor space of Umhlanga, one that you should prioritize visiting as a foodie, as not only do you get to relax and enjoy the cool breeze of nature, but you can also enjoy some delicious food in a very attractive setting.
What are they known for?
The Village Table Eatery brings life experiences from pantry to plate, in which guests get to enjoy its aesthetically appealing food in a relaxing atmosphere.
Address: 6 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga, KZN Village.
12. Get thrilled at the WavePark Gateway
The tourist attraction of Wavepark Gateway is entirely different from the rest in the sense that it not only allows you to enjoy some great fun but also ensures it is enjoyed in its family-friendly location, which is affordable and clean.
With not so many water parks to be found in the area, visiting this particular one should be worth it, one where you get to enjoy every single one of the water-based activities it has to offer, particularly surfing with a super tube
What other things happen here?
The Wavepark Gateway tourist attraction has also got provisions made for a pump track to come to enjoy biking, scooting, or skating should you prefer to stay dry as well.
Address: G240, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga KZN.
13. Explore Hawaan Forest
The tourist destination of Hawaan Forest is an embodiment of all things that interest nature lovers and enthusiasts generally, one that allows them to immerse themselves in its beautiful forest of birdlife and plant life.
Talking of its beautiful forest, it is one made up of a woodland enclosed by the Ohlanga River and the ocean, serving as a natural habitat to a large number of birds and animals, and stands unique for remaining unspoiled even to this day.
What other things happen here?
Visitors can also choose to be part of its guided tours that revolves around its preserving conservation efforts, while also choosing to learn more about its unique ecosystem, which is home to creatures of all kinds.
Address: Hawaan Forest, Umhlanga, KZN.
14. Dine over at the Olive & Oil
Looking for a location to enjoy great food upon visiting Umhlanga? Well, look no further than the Olive & Oil eatery, which is known for treating its guests to a prince and princess-like treatment with its comfort food and its cheerful eatery.
Dining over here brings some sort of heavenly feeling in the sense that its menu is made up of meals and delicacies that are beautifully served and prepared with the freshest of ingredients to supply guests with wholesome meals.
Why should you dine here?
Here, you get to enjoy very tasteful and flavorful meals under the ambiance of its ever-friendly staff, with unrivaled hospitality ensuring you feel right at home too.
Address: Olive & Oil, 15 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga, KZN.
15. Take a stroll along Umhlanga Promenade
There is no wrong in wanting to take a stroll and walk along the pathways of Umhlanga should you be in search of something to spend your leisure hours with while also enjoying and taking in some of the beautiful views and best sights Umhlanga has to offer.
Talking about simply enjoying a leisurely walk along the regional axis of Umhlanga, the Umhlanga promenade fits in well with that, one of which has 4.6 km of jog paths.
What should I expect?
This experience should see you staying fit and healthy while also absorbing the gorgeous scenery and surrounding views it is naturally endowed with.
Address: Umhlanga, KZN
16. Satisfy Your appetite, Angelo’s
As you go about checking out and enjoying every single beautiful memory this town has to offer, you should also take into consideration a nice place for yourself to settle down for a bite of something appetizing.
As regards having a bite of something appetizing, guests showing up here get to enjoy its delicious treats of meals and delicacies in Italian and Mediterranean flavors in an atmosphere and ambiance of great music.
Why should you dine here?
With the presence of its ever supportive and energetic staff, guests are treated to a fabulous time of great food and ambiance in an unforgettable evening for just a mere token of R25
Address: Shop 10, Granada Square, 16 Chartwell Drive, and Ocean Way, Umhlanga Rocks.
Also, Read 15 Fun things to do in George, South Africa
17. Enjoy the bakery treats of the Elements Café
Based on reviews and testimonies of those who had previously visited, the Elements cafe is one to come to relax over at its laid-back setting along Lighthouse Road while having a go biting through its scrumptious bakery treats.
Popular for its great atmosphere and stunning views of the Indian Ocean, this venue is one to come treat your taste buds right and satisfy your appetizing demands with its meal selection of great food and delicacies on its menu.
What do they offer?
Talking about its menu, it is made up of flavors of French, Indian, kk koand, and Mediterranean delicacies with a range of classy cocktails.
Address: 1 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga
18. Enjoy the beautifully prepared steaks of Butcher Boys
The Butcher Boys eatery is known for offering the very best steak in Umhlanga. It does occupy a space in the Lighthouse Mall and is perfect for you to come to enjoy an unforgettable 3-course meal for a budget-friendly token as low as R600 per person.
Highly rated among residents in the area for its friendly and efficient services, this can also turn out to be a perfect spot to come hang out, should you desire to enjoy the company of your family members or friends.
Why should I visit?
Here, you get to 6a delightful variety of well-prepared steaks and poultry under the ambiance of a friendly and efficient service
Address: Shop 1, Lighthouse Mall, Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks.
19. Relax and dine over at the Ocean Terrace
What better location to sit back and relax, enjoying dishes and delicacies that are mouthwatering while also enjoying the magnificent view of the Indian Ocean? Such a place, just as its name implies, is the Ocean Terrace, where guests are presented with the opportunity to book a table.
Just by merely booking a table at Ocean Terrace, guests are ushered in to enjoy a relaxed bistro dining experience of mostly local flavors and styles across Africa and India.
What do they offer?
The Ocean Terrace eatery, on its meal menu, offers classy salads, tasty sushi, scrumptious wood-fired pizzas, and delightful buffets.
Address: The Oyster Box, 2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks.
20. Explore the Lagoon Walking Trail of Great Eagle
The Great Egret, also known as Ardea alba, is found along the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, a small wildlife sanctuary with a habitat of wetland and coastal forest fauna. It is famous for its stunning walking and hiking trails that go through the dune forest, across the lagoon, and to the beach.
Enjoying sightseeing of over 280 bird species in the reserve is another experience that accompanies visiting this site, a destination that should be of huge interest to hikers who are birding enthusiasts generally.
Why should I visit?
This is an ideal location to spot wildlife such as bushbuck and duiker, and you can also choose to take a stroll off its sandy beach, flanked by the lagoon and ocean.
CONCLUSION
There are quite a few things to do in Umhlanga to create a memorable experience and a lasting impression. Hang out on its beautiful beaches and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere, which has been charming to both visitors and tourists alike for decades now.
With an incredible range of exciting shopping locations, a variety of trendy eateries, a charming coastline, beautiful green spaces and plenty of fun activities, few which has already been outlined above, there should be more than enough reasons as to why you should visit Umhlanga.
