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Umhlanga

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About Umhlanga

A seaside town just north of Durban, Umhlanga is a popular holiday destination for South Africans and international visitors alike. Accommodation options range from simple self-catering spots to indulgent beachfront hotels, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. The best places to stay in Umhlanga promise spectacular sea views, perfect for unwinding after days spent exploring the area’s many attractions.

The Umhlanga Lighthouse is the town’s most iconic landmark, and there are also lovely walks along the promenade, or along the Umhlanga Lagoon. You’ll find a plethora of shops, eateries and entertainment venues in the town centre, as well as at the Gateway Centre on Umhlanga Ridge. The nearby Phoenix Casino is a striking building, and there are regular events at the Durban International Convention Centre. The uMhlanga Pier (more commonly known as the Whale Bone Pier) is another popular tourist destination, it has even been dubbed "most beautiful pier in the world" by CNN!

Head to nearby La Lucia for excellent golf courses, or to Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World for more gaming, live music and shows. The nearby uShaka Marine World is brilliant for families, whilst the Dolphin Coast offers wonderful wildlife-watching opportunities. There are also beautiful beaches aplenty — including uMhlanga Beach — as well as excellent surfing and diving opportunities. Whether you’re travelling as a family or with friends, the best places to stay in Umhlanga promise a warm welcome and a wealth of attractions within easy reach.

The best places to stay in uMhlanga

For beachfront luxury

  • The Oyster Box Hotel is a grand, elegant hotel that's hard to beat. There's a great range of accommodation from charming doubles to spacious family-friendly villas all done in a timelessly classic style; the best suites come with sea views, balconies and a private plunge pool. Plus there's a state-of-the-art spa, and choice of top quality bars and restaurants. A special stay!

For a boutique stay

  • Teremok is a small, quirky, owner-managed boutique hotel with eight individually designed suites just a short walk from the beach. There's a charming landscaped garden with pool and an honesty bar. No restaurant on site, but plenty close by.
  • Petite Provence Guesthouse is about half an hour up the coast from uMhlanga and offers seven stunning rooms, each with a touch of French "je ne sais quoi"! Manicured gardens and an inviting pool add to the charm, and there's a good range of restaurants within walking distance.

For great value

  • aha Gateway Hotel is a good choice from one of South Africa's premier boutique hotel chains. As well as smart modern interiors, you can expect a pool deck and very reasonable prices.

For a self catering apartment or holiday villa

  • For a full range of self catering options, check out the properties listed with our online partner, Booking.com

Travel Information

  • uMhlanga is only 19km from King Shaka International Airport, and you can easily organise transfers, private or otherwise.
  • If you're planning to tour around and wish to hire a car, we recommend you use our partner Rentalcars.
  • uMhlanga enjoys a mild sub-tropical climate so the best time of year to visit is the summer months from December to March when the average daily highs are between 25 and 30°C, although these months also see the most rainfall. However even in the winter months the average temperature doesn't drop much below 20°C.

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Best Hotels in Umhlanga

  • aha Gateway Hotel Umhlanga Ridge, 146 rooms from CA$101

    City Style  -  A reliable stay in the heart of Umhlanga
    Great walks  -  Along Umhlanga's promenade and its beaches
    Sights nearby  -  Umhlanga lighthouse is a great photo spot
    Kayaking  -  Explore Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    A smart choice from one of South Africa's premier boutique hotel chains, you know you're in good hands. Located within a moments distance from Umhlanga's inviting seafront this hotel provides modern interiors with in-room baths and 24/7 dining. A great choice for all ages, plus it's excellent value. See More

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  • Petite Provence Guest House Dolphin Coast,, KwaZulu Natal 7 rooms from CA$148

    Romantic Break  -  A little slice of Provence on the Eastern Cape - a very romantic stay
    Sailing  -  Dolphin spotting on the aptly named, Dolphin Coast
    Sights nearby  -  Head for a swim in Ballito Tidal Pool
    Great walks  -  The scenic Ballito Boardwalk
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    A little bit of Provence on South Africa's Eastern Cape. Each of this charming hotel's enormous seven bedrooms is decorated with a certain French 'je ne sais quoi'. Choose between romantic suites, family rooms, and a self-catering apartment. Manicured gardens and an inviting pool add to the charm. See More

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  • Teremok Umhlanga 8 rooms from CA$354

    Local exploring  -  Skipping distance from Umhlanga Rocks, one of Durban's most upmarket neighbourhoods, guests can explore on foot.
    Kayaking  -  Kayaking and boat trips through Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve
    Sights nearby  -  Umhlanga Rocks Beach is under 1 km away
    Great walks  -  Umhlanga's Promenade is within 500 m
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolParkingNo pets

    This colourful and quirky owner-managed boutique hotel provides a true home away from home with bags of style for its guests. Each of the rooms is individually decorated with mix and match wallpaper and fabrics. Sea views, an inviting pool, plus you're walking distance from the action. See More

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  • Oyster Box Hotel Umhlanga 86 rooms from CA$516

    Total relaxation  -  A beach side property complete with indulgent spa and fabulous food, ideal for relaxing weekend breaks
    Great walks  -  Hike in the dramatic Drakensberg mountains that run along the west of the province
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Kids Club  -  Fully staffed.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParking

    The last word in beachfront luxury, this grand, elegant hotel offers a state-of-the-art spa and a choice of top quality bars and restaurants. A range of accommodation spans from charming rooms to family-friendly villas and all have an indulgent yet homely feel. Perfect for utterly relaxing breaks. See More

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