Umhlanga is a very enjoyable location for beach lovers and entertainment seekers alike. Located in the KwaZulu-Natal province, Umhlanga boasts an impressive variety of hotels, shopping centres and beaches to entertain any tourist. With lovely warm weather and sandy beaches, it makes the perfect vacation spot if you are travelling from Gauteng or the North West.

Weather

Umhlanga has a warm, subtropical climate all year round. Summer temperatures are an average of 30 degrees Celsius and even in the winter months you will find temperatures at about 18 degrees; making this city perfect for swimmers during all seasons. Umhlanga lies alongside the Indian Ocean, which allows for wonderful warm water and sunny beaches. The average rainfall per year is about 900 millimetres and most of this occurs during late spring and summer.

Population

Umhlanga has a population of around 50,000 people. It was initially inhabited by the San people, followed by the Zulu’s. KwaZulu-Natal has a diverse population and their main languages are English, Afrikaans and Zulu.

Tourist Attractions

The Natal Sharks Board is situated in Umhlanga Rocks and it is open to tourists and locals. Their aim is to promote shark awareness and they offer a very interesting and educational look at the shark’s world and habitat; using an engaging multimedia program. With more than 350 kilometres of shark nets along the coastline and a staff of 170 to keep them maintained, shark conservation is very important to the Natal Sharks Board.

Beachwood Mangoves Nature Reserve

The Beachwood Mangoves Nature Reserve is another popular attraction near Umhlanga. This 76 hectare reserve holds the largest mangrove tree population in the Durban area. You will also encounter bird life such as the Mangrove Kingfisher and the Water Dikkop; as well as thousands of fiddler crabs and an assortment of strange mudskippers. The reserve is open to the public on weekends and it can be found just off Riverside Road.