Hotels in Umhlanga

Umhlanga Introduction

The crashing rollers of the Indian Ocean buffet the rocky shoreline of Umhlanga, making this suburban enclave, just north of Durban, one of the top seaside spots in KwaZulu-Natal. There are oodles of luxury hotels in Umhlanga, with chic resorts cascading down the coast in a medley of pools and manicured gardens. Meanwhile, casinos bustle on the shoreline, fashionistas strut the promenades along Umdloti Beach and surfers carve the whitecaps of the sea.

Hotels in Umhlanga

Umhlanga is awash with more 4 and 5-star hotels than you can shake a freshly waxed longboard at. These stand up all the way along the shore, from Umhlanga Rocks in the south to Umdloti in the north, offering shimmering infinity pools perched above the Indian Ocean, regal suites with views of Umhlanga Lighthouse, fully-fledged spa facilities and opulent oyster and champagne bars to boot. There are also some cheaper discount hotels in Umhlanga, like the motel-style digs on the Ridge, or the small bed and breakfasts with family-sized pools in the town centre.

Where to stay

The clutch of luxurious hotels along Lighthouse Road is one of the top choices. For those in search of the classic Umhlanga cocktail of sand, surf, sea and casinos, the options here are situated close to the sun-kissed beachfront of Umhlanga Rocks, the lively evening bistros that line the shore and the resorts of Bronze Beach to the north. Alternatively, a stay in central Umhlanga will put you within easy reach of the Gateway Theatre shopping centre, while the smattering of hotels in Umdloti Beach offer easy access to more secluded sands and some excellent seafood restaurants.

Things to see

There's no question about it, Umhlanga is a beach town. Lined with golden-hued sands and washed over by the ceaseless waves of the Indian Ocean, there's really no substitute to long and lazy days spent by the seaside. La Lucia Beach is one of the best, with its crashing swells and fringing of coral gardens. Alternatively, Umdloti Beach is protected by walls of rock pools, and comes hidden in a swathe of a verdant sugar plantations just to the north of town. You could also opt to stroll the promenade along Umhlanga Rocks, to see the red-and-white lighthouse standing above the shore, hit the casinos and flit between the coffeehouses and cocktail bars there. And for more intrepid and adventurous types, there's the wetlands and riparian habitats of the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve to explore – expect winding boardwalks, dune forests and rare birds.

How to get to Umhlanga

Thanks to its place on the northern fringes of Durban, Umhlanga is well situated for travellers arriving by air. Arrivals into the King Shaka International Airport come from all over South Africa and the greater continent. Alternatively, it's possible to arrive by car on the N2 highway north out of Durban, or by following the M4 coastal road from the city centre. A number of private taxi firms and buses also connect the area with the main stations and transport hubs in the city of Durban.