Umhlanga, Durban

The history of Umhlanga Rocks is really interesting. Umhlanga Rocks was initially home to San hunter-gatherers and was later occupied by Nguni-speaking people who were united under King Shaka in the early 1800's into the proud Zulu nation. The Umhlanga Area came under British control soon after, becoming part of the large Estate belonging to the great sugar magnate, Sir Marshall Campbell. uMhlanga derives its name from the Zulu language and means "place of reeds", referring to the beds of reeds growing along the Ohlanga River North of uMhlanga Rocks.

The Oyster Box, a luxury Hotel since the 1950's was built as a Beach Cottage in 1869, before the Town had even been founded. The Oyster Lodge, was built overlooking the Sea and tea and scones were served to passers-by in the true spirit of Umhlanga hospitality. This Beach Cottage had a reflective roof which was also used as a beacon by passing ships for captains to navigate safely around the very dangerous, Rocky Headland! Then only in 1954, Umhlanga's red and white Lighthouse was built to warn ships away from the dangers of the rocks. The first Hotel, The Umhlanga Rocks Hotel, was built in the 1920’s and The' Oysterbox' Hotel was built on the site next to the lighthouse' earlier in 1947. Umhlanga Rocks bloomed and other many other Hotels soon followed. Umhlanga became the most sought after Area for locals to go on holiday as well as to set up residence. Umhlanga and La Lucia together with their suburbs of Umgeni Park, Glenashley, Somerset Park, Sunningdale and Prestondale have a unique ambience.

The new addition of the City Centre on the Ridge with its large Gateway Shopping Centre and Umhlanga Hospital. It's the beautiful Beaches and vibrant atmosphere, draw travellers back to Umhlanga Yearly! The chic Suburb in KwaZulu-Natal (a 20-minute drive from Durban City Centre) boasts an incredible range of exciting shopping locations, a variety of trendy eateries, a charming coastline, beautiful green spaces and fun activities. For the serious golfers there are many beautiful golf courses all within a 15 minute drive of Umhlanga. Umhlanga is also a paradise for the romantically inclined and is a wonderful place to honeymoon. Umhlanga Rocks is just a 30 minute drive on the N2 north from Durban International Airport and situated on the Northern Beaches, just 16 km from the Centre of Durban. The Umhlanga Rocks coastline enjoys a warm subtropical climate. Summer ranges from Nov - Feb and temperatures are hot and humid, from 24 - 33 degrees Celsius, and Winter which ranges from June – August is between 12 and 22 degrees Celsius. Umhlanga's Sea temperatures vary from 25 degrees in Summer to 18 degrees in Winter, which allows for all year round swimming. The average rainfall for the year is in the order of 900mm which occurs mainly during Spring and early Summer.