On the northern side of the city of Durban is the Umgeni River Mouth and the up-market areas of Durban North and Umhlanga. Umhlanga means "Place of Reeds" in the Zulu language, referring to the beds of reeds that accumulate on the banks of the Ohlanga river a few kilometres North of present day Umhlanga Rocks.  

The area used to be part of a coastal dune forest system many years ago and provided sanctuary to a multitude of bird and wildlife species of which many can still be found in bird, marine, and wildlife reserves in and around the area today.

Also known as the Sugar Coast this seaside resort of Umhlanga was originally part of the sugar estate of Sir Marshall Campbell, who introduced the colourful rickshaws to Durban's beachfront. When a track was made from Mount Edgecombe to Umhlanga Rocks, the area became popular with the local farmers who leased small plots on the shoreline of the ocean and built vacation cottages. In 1931, Umhlanga Rocks became a village and additional cottages, hotels, guest houses and stores were built.

UMHLANGA ATTRACTIONS

Mt Edgecombe

Neatly tucked away in the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, inland of Umhlanga Rocks, is Mount Edgecombe Country Club, boasting two unique championship golf courses, designed around the natural lie and habitat of the land.

Midlands Meander

About an hour and a half drive from Ballito, you can enjoy a scenic tour of the Midland's Meander. It offers a great variety of activities, good value and excellent service at one of the many delightful places to eat. It specialises in a diverse range of crafts as well as environmental and historical sights.

Durban Country Club

Situated only 1 kilometre north of Durban's "golden mile" beachfront and in the heart of Durban's thriving sporting precinct - opposite the iconic Moses Mabhida stadium and ABSA Stadium - the Durban Country Club is the place to meet and have fun.

Virginia Airshow

The SAAF and Durban participate in the annual air show at Virginia Airport.The Air Show takes place at the height of the July holiday season.

Beaches & Bathing

Umhlanga and the North Coast have excellent swimming and bathing conditions making it a popular destination even for Durban.

Natal Sharks Board

The only organisation of its kind in the world, offering many excellent day trips for visitors and expert video and live presentation.

Hawaan Nature Reserve

A unique indigenous woodland area containing rare tree species and marine bird life.

Granny's Pool

A natural sheltered bathing area in Umhlanga caused by two rocky outcrops. The ski boat launching site is used by local fisherman.

Lighthouse

The Umhlanga Lighthouse, which was completed in 1954, is a landmark on the Umhlanga Coastline, and the subject of many works of art. The 21 meter circular concrete tower white with a red top and fully automatic. An interesting fact about this lighthouse is that there has never been a keeper, as the Oyster Box Hotel, which was built in 1869 and was originally the first beach cottage in the area, and has been the official warden. To this day the lighthouse controls are in the hotel office where staff monitor the controls and report to Portnets Lighthouse Service.

The Barnyard Theatre

This is where it all comes together - friendship, good food, wine and brillaint entertainment.

Tel: 031 566 3045 Email: gateway@barnyardtheatre.co.za