48 Hours in uMhlanga

Hey there! Ready to explore uMhlanga? I’ve got you covered with a perfect 48-hour itinerary. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Exploring the Beach and Local Eateries

First things first, head straight to the beach! Feel the warm sand beneath your feet as you take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. The gentle breeze and the sound of crashing waves will instantly melt away any stress. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen!

Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, it’s time to indulge in some delicious food. Treat yourself to a feast at one of uMhlanga’s renowned seafood restaurants. From fresh prawns to succulent fish, the options are endless. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

After a satisfying meal, take a leisurely walk through the uMhlanga Village. Explore its charming streets lined with boutique stores, cafes, and art galleries. You never know what hidden treasures you might discover!

Day 2: Water Adventures and Sunset Cocktails

Today, get ready for some water adventures! Head to uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve and rent a kayak or paddleboard. Spend your morning gliding through the peaceful waters, surrounded by lush greenery and diverse wildlife. It’s a truly magical experience!

As the afternoon rolls in, make your way to the iconic uMhlanga Pier. Take a leisurely stroll along the pier and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. Don’t forget to snap some Insta-worthy photos!

For the perfect end to your 48 hours in uMhlanga, head to one of the beachfront bars and treat yourself to a refreshing cocktail. Sit back, relax, and watch the sun set over the ocean. It’s a moment you’ll treasure forever.

There you have it! An unforgettable 48-hour adventure in uMhlanga. Make the most of your time here and create memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy!

When I think back to my childhood in uMhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, I remember the simple joys that made each day special. Devouring the juicy litchis and mangos we bought from roadside vendors, learning to swim in the ocean with my dad, and taking leisurely walks along the promenade with my jingling wire car toy from a street vendor.

uMhlanga was the epitome of a vacation destination, attracting visitors all year round to enjoy the warm ocean and perfect weather. And I was lucky enough to call it my permanent home.

Now that I’ve returned as an adult, that sense of being on an eternal holiday still lingers, but with so much more to explore, experience, and indulge in… in addition to the incredible litchis and mangos.

Day 1: Let’s start with a cup of coffee

If you’re planning to explore uMhlanga in just two days, you’ll definitely need a good cup of coffee to energize you. That’s where Daily Dose uMhlanga comes in. It’s not your typical coffee shop; it’s more like a stand, but trust me, the coffee is top-notch and the vibes are fantastic.

This place isn’t just about great coffee either. They also serve delicious pastries, biscuits, and smoothies. And don’t worry about finding a place to sit and enjoy your goodies. Daily Dose uMhlanga has umbrellas and benches set up for your comfort.

The locals can’t get enough of this place, especially those who love to stay active. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up before a walk along the beautiful uMhlanga Promenade.

So, next time you’re in uMhlanga and in need of a pick-me-up, head over to Daily Dose uMhlanga. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Dining with a ocean view doesn’t get any better than this. If it wasn’t for the walkway, La Spiaggia would actually be on uMhlanga Main Beach. I’ve been coming to this wonderful spot since I was a baby. My parents would come early to get a table, either inside by the big windows or outside on the walkway, shaded by umbrellas.

Now that I’m older, my order hasn’t changed: the absolute best margarita pizza with a classic Greek salad on the side. But now, I can enjoy my own pitcher of sangria instead of begging for the apples soaked in wine, like I did when I was younger.

You can find it at 22 Lagoon Drive, or just keep walking from the dock until you see the lively restaurant on the corner, almost directly across from the lifeguard tower. Call 071 246 0984 if you have any questions.

Let’s kick off Day 2 with a full belly and a fun time! Join me as we venture into the exciting world of Mindgame Escape Room, located in Granada Square on Chartwell Drive. This real-life detective game is designed to bend your brain and provide an exhilarating experience.

Whether you’re a group of five to six players or just a duo looking for some excitement, Mindgame Escape Room has got you covered. With prices starting from R200 per person, this thrilling adventure is sure to keep you on your toes.

To make a booking, simply hop onto their website at mindgame.co.za. They’ve made it super easy and convenient for you to secure your spot. No need to stress about phone calls or paperwork!

So, grab your fellow detectives and get ready for an unforgettable day filled with mystery and intrigue. Explore the Mindgame Escape Room and put your problem-solving skills to the test. You won’t regret it!

If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to give them a call at 087 238 2524.

Day 2: Plenty to do

Feeling well-rested and ready to tackle day two in uMhlanga, there’s a lot to do.

If you haven’t checked out the promenade yet, today’s your chance. Just follow your nose and you’ll find yourself drawn to the salty scent. The promenade is a short five-minute walk from Daily Dose. And keep your eyes peeled for the uMhlanga Pier. You can’t miss it! With its majestic arches, resembling the bones of a whale, it stands tall at 80 meters (umhlangaarch.co.za).

Once there, you can wander along the pathway made of bricks and listen to the soothing sound of the Indian Ocean’s waves. It’s like your own private soundtrack. Along the promenade, you’ll find many access points to the beach, so don’t forget your swimsuit if you feel like taking a dip.

Hey there! There’s been a foodie explosion in this awesome holiday spot just above Durban. If you’re into healthy stuff, you should definitely check out Shoots and Leaves on The Boulevard at uMmhlanga Ridge (078 532 3970, shootsandleaves.co.za). Looking for something trendy and new age? Swing by 14 on Chartwell (031 561 1017, 14onchartwell.com). And if you want authentic yet trendy, Mo Noodles on Beacon Rock at 21 Lighthouse Road (031 561 1722) is your go-to spot.

Oh, and speaking of Lighthouse Road, don’t miss the Beverly Hills Hotel (031 561 2211, southernsun.com/beverly-hills) for some incredible cocktails. It’s all about good vibes and good food in this buzzing food scene!

When you’re not busy eating or enjoying the beach, there’s an exciting adventure waiting for you at the uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve. Another option is to explore the Hawaan Forest, but remember that it’s a restricted area, so you’ll need to book a guide through The Breakers Resort (031 561 2271, breakersresort.co.za), or you can reach out to guide Bernard Chatiboku directly (078 751 5991).

The Hawaan Forest guided walks take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9 am, as well as on weekends and public holidays.

You have two options for the walk: a shorter one that lasts about three hours and a longer one that goes on for five hours. The longer walk is more scenic, and it gives you an opportunity to sit down and enjoy any snacks you bring along.

Hawaan Forest is the very last remaining dry coastal dune forest, and it serves as a beautiful home to a variety of tropical tree species, birds, and animals.

When it comes to getting away from it all and immersing myself in nature, the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve is always at the top of my list. Located just a short distance from urban life, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

The moment you step foot into the nature reserve, you can feel the stress melt away as the noise of the city fades into the distance. The reserve is a haven for wildlife, with its lush mangrove forests and diverse ecosystem. It’s a place where you can truly reconnect with nature and marvel at the beauty of the world around you.

One of the things that sets the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve apart is the sense of adventure it offers. As you explore the winding trails, you never know what you might stumble upon. From vibrant bird species to curious reptiles, every step holds the potential for a new discovery.

If you’re an avid bird watcher like me, you’ll be thrilled to know that the reserve is home to a variety of resident and migratory bird species. With binoculars in hand, you can spend hours quietly observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

But it’s not just the flora and fauna that make the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve special. The sense of tranquility and serenity that permeates the air is something that words can’t fully capture. It’s a feeling you have to experience for yourself.

When it comes to accommodation, The Oyster Box Hotel is the perfect choice for a stay near the reserve. With its luxurious rooms and breathtaking views of the ocean, it offers a seamless blend of comfort and natural beauty. Plus, its proximity to the reserve means you can easily make the most of your time in this idyllic corner of the world.

Located on the outskirts of the beach, with a beautiful view of the lighthouse, this place is like a gem in uMhlanga. You can also choose to relax by the pool and enjoy a refreshing cocktail while taking in the stunning view of the lighthouse. And if you’re feeling hungry, you can stay a bit longer for dinner.

In Durban, they say the shabbier the place, the better the curry. But there’s an exception to this rule – The Oyster Box. Not only is it famous for its delicious curries, but it also offers a breathtaking view. However, if you’re not a fan of spices, you shouldn’t miss the delightful high tea experience.

Beverly Hills, the first luxury hotel created by Sol Kerzner, was named after his daughter. Since 1964, visitors have been flocking to this elegant hotel. People still love it today, thanks to its magnificent ocean views from every room and its serene swimming pool. Plus, there’s an on-site spa where you can indulge in ultimate relaxation.

You might think that it’s outdated, but this place has managed to stay relevant by keeping up with the times. The cool thing is that they offer a bunch of modern amenities like unlimited WiFi, Nespresso machines, and flatscreen DStv.

This article was originally published in the March 2023 print issue of Getaway.

My name is Robyn Simpson, and I wrote this piece.

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