Did you know that Umhlanga is named after a Zulu phrase which means “location of reeds?” That is due to the reed beds growing along the Ohlanga River.
Umhlanga South Africa is a beautiful seaside destination situated on the east coast of Kwazulu-Natal. It’s a tropical paradise with views of the Indian Ocean and lush green foliage. With more than 200 kilometres of golden beaches, it has one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world.
To top it all off, it’s just a 10-minute drive from the international King Shaka Airport, making it perfect for day trips.
Are you planning a vacation to Umhlanga, South Africa? Use our helpful guide to find the perfect accommodation for your stay.
Where to Stay in Umhlanga South Africa
The main beach in Umhlanga is great for taking a stroll and breathing in the beautiful salty air that sweeps in from the expansive Indian Ocean. Some of the best hotels are along there.
Here are a few luxurious ones worth looking at.
The Capital Pearls
The Capital Pearls Hotel is located a stone’s throw from Umhlanga’s beautiful main beach and features a fitness centre, lounge, pool, on-site dining, and free WiFi. The hotel is located in the Umhlanga district, near the Umhlanga Pier and Lighthouse and is just 16 kilometres from King Shaka International Airport.
Guests have a choice of studios and apartments with hotel’s guest rooms that have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels as well as a kitchen. All rooms contain their own bathroom with a shower and air conditioning.
The hotel serves a daily breakfast buffet. There is also a sun terrace.
Step out of your room and step into the luxury of our own residents’ mall, or you can access Gateway Shopping Centre, which is 2 km away from The Capital Pearls Hotel doors. There are hundreds of top restaurants dotted along the strip, as well as in-house restaurants.
Umhlanga Rocks Beach, which is only 950 m from the hotel, offers safe swimming, water sports, and surfing.
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Durban Umhlanga Ridge
The Protea Hotel Fire and Ice Durban Umhlanga Ridge overlooks the picturesque two-hectare Chris Saunders Park, which features rolling lawns, serene ponds, and imaginative water features.
Each room has been tastefully furnished and decorated in complementary shades, matched by the rich laminate timber flooring and high ceilings. They are equipped with a television, free Wi-Fi, a comfortable lounge chair, a large desk and tea and coffee making facilities.
The hotel restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also a large deck overlooking the garden and the hotel bar where guests can enjoy a drink. A roof-level swimming pool offers beautiful views, allowing guests to soak up the sun while admiring the picturesque Umhlanga region.
The hotel also offers a Fitness Centre which is open 24 hours a day.
Other Accommodation, Shopping and Entertainment
Situated a few kilometres on the hills above Umhlanga, you will find many amazing places to stay. There are also great Umhlanga lodges within a 10 km distance from the beach.
There is an entire world of shopping, entertainment and restaurants. The Gateway Mall is the largest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere and is ideal for a rainy day.
Umhlanga is a family-friendly destination where children can enjoy various activities ranging from cinemas, skate parks and bowling alleys to an exciting waterpark.
Ride the Umhlanga Wave
South Africa’s Kwazulu-Natal region is one of the most diverse and beautiful regions on the African continent, with much to do and see.
Umhlanga South Africa is a place where shopping malls meet untidy suburbs, where adrenaline-fueled explorers rub shoulders with laid-back beach bodies.
Mountainous regions contrast with flat, dry plains and sunny beautiful beaches. The central streets of cities, teeming with African life, markets, and noise, contrast dramatically with the laidback tribal villages in rural areas.
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