08/02/2020
“Umhlanga” means "Place of Reeds" in the Zulu
The history of Umhlanga Rocks is interesting. Umhlanga Rocks was initially home to San hunter-gatherers and was later occupied by Nguni-speaking people who were united under King Shaka in the early 1800s into the proud Zulu nation. The Umhlanga area came under British control soon after, becoming part of the large estate belonging to the great sugar magnate, Sir Marshall Campbell.
In 1869, Umhlanga’s first beach cottage, the Oyster Lodge was built overlooking the sea and tea and scones were served to passers-by in the true spirit of Umhlanga hospitality.
The beach cottage had a reflective roof which was also used as a beacon by passing ships captains to navigate safely around Umhlanga’s rocky headland. In 1954 Umhlanga's red and white lighthouse was built to warn ships away from the dangers of the rocks. The first hotel, The Umhlanga Rocks Hotel, was built in the 1920’s and The Oysterbox Hotel was built on the site next to the lighthouse in 1947. Umhlanga Rocks bloomed and other hotels soon followed. Umhlanga became the most sought-after area for locals to go on holiday as well as to set up residence.
Visitors from around the world flock to Umhlanga Rocks to relax and have fun on one of the most stunning coastlines in the world. Situated on the east coast of South Africa just north of Durban, Umhlanga Rocks has the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Umhlanga Rocks’ beaches stretch on for more than 200 kilometres, all the way to the incredible Greater St Lucia Wetland area.
Umhlanga Rocks is a prime holiday resort town, a tourist’s haven, and a renowned sportsman’s paradise. Surfing, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, sailing and running are just a hand full of sporting activities within the area. Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers will be in their element…..deep-sea fishing, whale watching, dolphin viewing, surfing, scuba diving, kite boarding and microlight trips are just some of the many activities available in Umhlanga rocks and that’s not even talking about the many world-class sports’ clubs in the greater Umhlanga area.
Umhlanga Rocks offers beautiful up-market accommodation, with exclusive apartments, B&B accommodation, Hotels, Guest House accommodation, Lodges ... the best South African tour operators, a wealth of entertainment, shops, restaurants and nature trails, all in a safe environment.
The Umhlanga Rocks coastline enjoys a warm sub-tropical climate. Summer ranges from Nov - Feb and temperatures are hot and humid, from 24 - 33 degrees Celsius, and Winter which ranges from June – August is between 12 and 22 degrees Celsius.
Umhlanga's Sea temperatures vary from 25 degrees in Summer to 18 degrees in Winter, which allows for all year-round swimming. The average rainfall for the year is in the order of 900mm which occurs mainly during Spring and early Summer.
Umhlanga also has the incredible Gateway shopping centre and Sibaya Casino which are some of the major attractions that Umhlanga Rocks has to offer.
For the serious golfers there are many beautiful golf courses all within a 15-minute drive of Umhlanga.
Umhlanga Rocks is just a 15-minute drive on the N2 north from King Shaka International Airport, and just 16 km from the centre of Durban. Whether you choose Umhlanga Rocks to start your holiday, or to relax at the end of your South African adventure, Umhlanga is the place where your holiday can begin or end. As a holiday destination it is superb!
