Durban & Umhlanga - Everything you need to know before you go!
Recommended duration of stay:
Just 14 km north of Durban, Umhlanga is a stylish seaside escape often called the “Miami Beach of South Africa”—but on a more intimate scale. With golden beaches, vibrant energy, and easy access to the area’s highlights, it’s the perfect base for a short and memorable stay.
- Umhlanga and Durban: 2 nights minimum
Discover the Top Attractions in Umhlanga and Durban:
1. Umhlanga Main Beach & Whalebone Pier
The area enjoys a subtropical climate with warm, pleasant temperatures throughout the year. Its Blue Flag beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, or relaxing on the sand. Just nearby, the uniquely designed Whalebone Pier offers stunning coastal views, ideal for leisurely walks and capturing beautiful photos.
2. umhlanga Rocks Promenade (Ken O’Connor Promenade)
A scenic coastal walkway stretching from the Lagoon area past the lighthouse and Whalebone Pier—ideal for scenic walks, jogs, or cycling.
3. Beachside Cuisine with Indian Influence
The Durban area is known for having the largest Indian population outside India, which has greatly influenced its culture and cuisine. Umhlanga’s beachfront and village offer many restaurants serving bold, spicy Indian-inspired dishes like Durban-style curries, bunny chow, samoosas, and seafood biryani.
4. Nightlife in Umhlanga
Umhlanga Village and surroundings come alive after dark with stylish bars, pubs, and lounges.
5. uShaka Marine World (Durban)
About 20 min south, this massive marine theme park features Africa’s largest aquarium, Wet ’n Wild waterpark, beach access, and family‑friendly entertainment .
6. Diving with sharks at Aliwal Shoal:
Just an hour’s drive from Umhlanga, Aliwal Shoal is a premier scuba diving destination renowned for its thrilling shark encounters. Divers can expect to see the iconic ragged-tooth sharks, as well as a chance of seeing a variety of other sharks including the impressive tiger sharks, bull sharks, elusive hammerheads, blacktip reef sharks, and the rare copper sharks.
7. Moses Mabhida Stadium (Durban)
Famous for its thrill-seeking Big Rush Big Swing, the iconic arch offers panoramic city and ocean views with cable car rides atop the stadium.
Your stay in the Durban area:
For your visit to Durban, you will be based in Umhlanga, a vibrant and upmarket seaside town located just 14 kilometers north of Durban’s bustling city center. Known for its stylish atmosphere, pristine beaches, and excellent dining and shopping options, Umhlanga offers a more relaxed and upscale alternative to the main city. Accommodation options here range from budget-friendly to luxurious, ensuring something to suit every traveler’s preference.
For more details about the accommodation options, please refer to the accommodation tab.
Transportation and getting around:
You’ll have a private guide and vehicle available throughout your tour for all day trips and excursions. Additionally, Umhlanga and Durban offers affordable Uber and Bolt services for any short-distance travel requirements.
Best time of year to visit:
Durban and Umhlanga is an excellent year-round destination thanks to the subtropical climate, which means the region never gets very cold. Even in winter, daytime temperatures remain mild and pleasant, and the ocean stays warm enough for swimming and surfing.
- Summer (December to February) in the region is characterized by hot and humid conditions, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 25°C to 32°C. This season also marks the rainy period, bringing occasional afternoon thunderstorms. This makes it an ideal time for beach enthusiasts and swimming in the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. The season is lively and vibrant, with numerous events and festivals adding to the energetic atmosphere.
- Winter (June to August) is mild and dry, with temperatures between 11°C and 23°C. It’s the coolest season, yet still sunny and pleasant, with low humidity and fewer tourists. Ideal for hiking, golfing, and exploring the town. While the sea is cooler, beach walks and water sports remain enjoyable.
- Autumn & Spring (March – May & September – November) is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C. Humidity is lower than in summer, and rainfall tapers off, especially in autumn. Ideal for beaches, outdoor dining, golf, and sightseeing. Spring adds blooming flowers and lush greenery.
General Advice:
- Bank cards are widely accepted, so there’s no need to carry large amounts of cash. However, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for tipping or when visiting small cultural markets that may not accept cards.
- In the service industry—such as restaurants and taxis—a standard tip ranges between 10% and 20%.
- Be sure to bring insect and mosquito repellent. Peaceful Sleep and Tabard are effective brands commonly available in South African grocery stores.
- Be sure to protect your skin—sunscreen and a hat are essential on sunny days.
- Bring along a raincoat, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months.
- The annual Sardine Run—a spectacular migration of billions of sardines up South Africa’s east coast—typically occurs in June. During this period shark nets are removed and popular beaches are closed for safety, including Umhlanga beach.
Brief History:
Durban, founded in 1835 on the South East coast of South Africa, began as a small colonial settlement named after Sir Benjamin D’Urban, then governor of the Cape Colony. It grew rapidly due to its natural harbor, becoming a key port and trade center. The arrival of Indian indentured laborers in 1860 to work on sugar plantations significantly shaped its cultural landscape. Umhlanga, just north of Durban, was originally a quiet coastal resort town established in the early 20th century. It gained prominence in the late 1900s as affluent suburbs, luxury hotels, and commercial developments which transformed it into a major upmarket destination within the greater Durban area.
Durban & Umhlanga - Everything you need to know before you go!
Recommended duration of stay:
Just 14 km north of Durban, Umhlanga is a stylish seaside escape often called the “Miami Beach of South Africa”—but on a more intimate scale. With golden beaches, vibrant energy, and easy access to the area’s highlights, it’s the perfect base for a short and memorable stay.
- Umhlanga and Durban: 2 nights minimum
Discover the Top Attractions in Umhlanga and Durban:
1. Umhlanga Main Beach & Whalebone Pier
The area enjoys a subtropical climate with warm, pleasant temperatures throughout the year. Its Blue Flag beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, or relaxing on the sand. Just nearby, the uniquely designed Whalebone Pier offers stunning coastal views, ideal for leisurely walks and capturing beautiful photos.
2. umhlanga Rocks Promenade (Ken O’Connor Promenade)
A scenic coastal walkway stretching from the Lagoon area past the lighthouse and Whalebone Pier—ideal for scenic walks, jogs, or cycling.
3. Beachside Cuisine with Indian Influence
The Durban area is known for having the largest Indian population outside India, which has greatly influenced its culture and cuisine. Umhlanga’s beachfront and village offer many restaurants serving bold, spicy Indian-inspired dishes like Durban-style curries, bunny chow, samoosas, and seafood biryani.
4. Nightlife in Umhlanga
Umhlanga Village and surroundings come alive after dark with stylish bars, pubs, and lounges.
5. uShaka Marine World (Durban)
About 20 min south, this massive marine theme park features Africa’s largest aquarium, Wet ’n Wild waterpark, beach access, and family‑friendly entertainment .
6. Diving with sharks at Aliwal Shoal:
Just an hour’s drive from Umhlanga, Aliwal Shoal is a premier scuba diving destination renowned for its thrilling shark encounters. Divers can expect to see the iconic ragged-tooth sharks, as well as a chance of seeing a variety of other sharks including the impressive tiger sharks, bull sharks, elusive hammerheads, blacktip reef sharks, and the rare copper sharks.
7. Moses Mabhida Stadium (Durban)
Famous for its thrill-seeking Big Rush Big Swing, the iconic arch offers panoramic city and ocean views with cable car rides atop the stadium.
Accommodation and Safety:
For your visit to Durban, you will be based in Umhlanga, a vibrant and upmarket seaside town located just 14 kilometers north of Durban’s bustling city center. Known for its stylish atmosphere, pristine beaches, and excellent dining and shopping options, Umhlanga offers a more relaxed and upscale alternative to the main city. Accommodation options here range from budget-friendly to luxurious, ensuring something to suit every traveler’s preference.
For more details about the accommodation options, please refer to the accommodation tab.
Transportation and getting around:
You’ll have a private guide and vehicle available throughout your tour for all day trips and excursions. Additionally, Umhlanga and Durban offers affordable Uber and Bolt services for any short-distance travel requirements.
Best time of year to visit:
Durban and Umhlanga is an excellent year-round destination thanks to the subtropical climate, which means the region never gets very cold. Even in winter, daytime temperatures remain mild and pleasant, and the ocean stays warm enough for swimming and surfing.
- Summer (December to February) in the region is characterized by hot and humid conditions, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 25°C to 32°C. This season also marks the rainy period, bringing occasional afternoon thunderstorms. This makes it an ideal time for beach enthusiasts and swimming in the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. The season is lively and vibrant, with numerous events and festivals adding to the energetic atmosphere.
- Winter (June to August) is mild and dry, with temperatures between 11°C and 23°C. It’s the coolest season, yet still sunny and pleasant, with low humidity and fewer tourists. Ideal for hiking, golfing, and exploring the town. While the sea is cooler, beach walks and water sports remain enjoyable.
- Autumn & Spring (March – May & September – November) is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C. Humidity is lower than in summer, and rainfall tapers off, especially in autumn. Ideal for beaches, outdoor dining, golf, and sightseeing. Spring adds blooming flowers and lush greenery.
General Advice:
- Bank cards are widely accepted, so there’s no need to carry large amounts of cash. However, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for tipping or when visiting small cultural markets that may not accept cards.
- In the service industry—such as restaurants and taxis—a standard tip ranges between 10% and 20%.
- Be sure to bring insect and mosquito repellent. Peaceful Sleep and Tabard are effective brands commonly available in South African grocery stores.
- Be sure to protect your skin—sunscreen and a hat are essential on sunny days.
- Bring along a raincoat, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months.
- The annual Sardine Run—a spectacular migration of billions of sardines up South Africa’s east coast—typically occurs in June. During this period shark nets are removed and popular beaches are closed for safety, including Umhlanga beach.
Brief History:
Durban, founded in 1835 on the South East coast of South Africa, began as a small colonial settlement named after Sir Benjamin D’Urban, then governor of the Cape Colony. It grew rapidly due to its natural harbor, becoming a key port and trade center. The arrival of Indian indentured laborers in 1860 to work on sugar plantations significantly shaped its cultural landscape. Umhlanga, just north of Durban, was originally a quiet coastal resort town established in the early 20th century. It gained prominence in the late 1900s as affluent suburbs, luxury hotels, and commercial developments which transformed it into a major upmarket destination within the greater Durban area.