The Sugar Coast, Durban North And Umhlanga, KwaZulu Natal

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Umhlanga And Durban North On The Sugar Coast of KwaZulu Natal

On the northern side of the city of Durban are the Umgeni River Mouth and the up-market areas of Durban North and Umhlanga. Umhlanga means "Place of Reeds" in the Zulu language, referring to the beds of reeds that accumulate on the banks of the Ohlanga river a few kilometers North of present day Umhlanga Rocks. The area used to be part of a coastal dune forest system many years ago and provided sanctuary to a multitude of bird and wildlife species of which many can still be found in bird, marine, and wildlife preserves in and around the area today.

Also known as the Sugar Coast this seaside resort of Umhlanga was originally part of the sugar estate of Sir Marshall Campbell, who introduced the colourful rickshaws to Durban’s beachfront. When a track was made from Mount Edgecombe to Umhlanga Rocks, the area became popular with the local farmers who leased small plots on the shoreline of the ocean and built vacation cottages. In 1931, Umhlanga Rocks became a village and additional cottages, hotels, guest houses and stores were built.

The first beach cottage, the Oyster Box, was built in 1869 and became the present day Oyster Box Hotel. The tin roof of this cottage was used as a navigational beacon, until the automatic lighthouse was built in 1953. The Natal coast is Great White Shark territory and in the late 1950’s a number of serious shark attacks occurred, so in 1962 the first shark nets were erected. Now you can swim in safety and sunbathe on the glorious beaches.

Just 15 minutes north of Durban, Durban North and Umhlanga have become the playgrounds of the young and old who visit this Indian Ocean resort to experience miles of attractive beaches and an array of sophisticated shopping malls. In spite of Umhlanga's phenomenal growth rate, much of its village ambience has been retained and Umhlanga has become a premier holiday resort for sun worshippers and fun seekers alike. The Gateway Shopping and Entertainment Centre, is the largest shopping and entertainment centre in the Southern Hemisphere.

Activities in Durban North and Umhlanga

The SAAF and Durban participate in the annual air show at Virginia Airport.The Air Show takes place at the height of the July holiday season.

Beaches And Bathing In Durban North And Umhlanga

Durban North and Umhlanga have excellent swimming and bathing conditions making it a popular destination even for Durban.

The only organisation of its kind in the world, offering many excellent day trips for visitors and expert video and live presentation.

A natural sheltered bathing area in Umhlanga caused by two rocky outcrops. The ski boat launching site is used by local fisherman

A unique indigenous woodland area containing rare tree species and marine bird life.

Umhlanga's lighthouse - an automatic type built in 1953 - is now an Umhlanga landmark.

is a National Safari and Touring Company based in Umhlanga, offering a variety of local day and overnight trips as well as national tours. Our guides are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, engaging, entertaining and fully licensed. Our objective is to provide guests with interesting itineraries that reflect, wherever possible, their needs and desires, culminating in unforgettable “once in a lifetime” vacations.

Let us show you our Africa!
If you are interested in Wildlife, Garsons offers encounters from Aardvark to Zebra: we can take you to Hluhluwe/iMfolozi, St. Lucia Wetlands or any of the excellent National, Provincial or private game reserves that dot the South African landscape.

Garsons also covers South Africa’s dynamic culture and history from Afrikaner to Zulu, all vibrantly presented by our in-field Guides. Their passionate love for our country comes through with every word. Our Guides all have specific areas of expertise spanning the prolific mammal and birdlife of the region, Bushman stone-age rock art, the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer Wars, and Zulu history and culture.

To arrange your tour please contact one of our Holiday Letting Agents on Tel: 031 561 5838 Email: holidays@lighthouse.co.za

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