UMDLOTI
Umdloti is a vibrant coastal destination with many local exciting activities for visitors, such as relaxing on beautiful, lifeguard-patrolled beaches with designated swimming areas and exploring the beautiful tidal pools. Adventure seekers can enjoy excellent surfing conditions, with prime waves from April to July, while fishing enthusiasts can try shore angling or fishing ski. For nature lovers, the marine wildlife includes dolphins and seasonal whales, as well as a great diversity of birds diversity along the mangrove-lined Umdloti River.
Our properties in UMDLOTI beach
809 Umdloti Resort
beachfront complex in Umdloti
Max Guests: 4
FROM R2,680.00 Per Night
M1 Umdloti Beach Resort
main beachfront of Umdloti
Max Guests: 4
FROM R2,200.00 Per Night
517 Umdloti resort
sea views of Umdloti
Max Guests: 2
FROM R1,980.00 Per Night
701 30 Degrees
self-catering accommodation
Max Guests: 4
FROM R3,350.00 Per Night
Copper beach Villa
far north side of Umdloti
Max Guests: Not Avaliable yet
FROM R3,900.00 Per Night
Copper beach Villa 2
far north side of Umdloti
Max Guests: 4
FROM R3,900.00 Per Night
B5 Surfside
Umdloti
Max Guests: 6
FROM R5,340.00 min night stay of 2
401 Umdloti Beach Resort
Beachfront
Max Guests: 2
FROM R1,980.00 Per Night
why umdloti
The Shoreline
Umdloti Beach is a prime destination for beachgoers, offering designated swimming areas patrolled by lifeguards and protected by shark nets. The Umdloti tidal pool system forms a safe and beautiful bay, ideal for snorkelling. At low tide, the beach reveals a myriad of rocky pools, perfect for exploration.
Dolphin Watching
Take a stroll along the beach and you’re very likely to spot dolphins playing in the surf. These playful creatures often provide delightful entertainment, especially during the warmer months when they are most active. During the whale migration season, you may also be fortunate enough to witness whales breaching, creating a spectacular sight along the coastline.
Swimming
The south of the village also provides designated swimming areas that are monitored by
lifeguards and protected with shark nets. The Umdloti tidal pool system forms a
beautiful safe bay for swimming and and playing around in the water.
Fishing
Shore angling is a popular choice along the rocky coastline, where you can cast for a variety of fish species. Ski Fishing provides an exciting way to venture out beyond the waves – some experience is recommended.
Umdloti Surfing
Umdloti offers some great waves year-round, with the swell working well during both summer and winter. For advanced surfers seeking bigger swells, the April to July period offers the most consistent and powerful waves of the year. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean make it an ideal year-round surf spot.
Sardine Run
A big yearly highlight is the annual sardine run, known as ‘The Greatest Shoal on Earth”. This takes place in June and July. Although the sardine run is unpredictable, when it reaches La Mercy, it transforms the coastline into a spectacular display of marine life. The sardine run features the largest bio-mass migration on the planet and is an unmissable sight for those lucky enough to witness it.
Birding
The estuary is lined with mangrove forests, providing a habitat for a variety of waterfowl and resident fish eagles, making it a bird watcher’s paradise.
Whale Watching
From mid-June to November, the Humpback whale migration brings these majestic creatures close to shore, offering breathtaking sightings for nature enthusiasts. Visitors have the opportunity to witness these incredible whales breaching and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, making for an unforgettable experience.
Umdloti Lagoon
The Umdloti River mouth opens to the sea when the rains come and in between forms awide deep lagoon ideal for stand up paddle boarding, canoeing and kite surfing. The
estuary is lined with mangrove forest. For keen mountain bikers, take to the cane fields where Tongaat Hulett, the sugar growing company, has created rides in the valley, right on our doorstep.
Gateway to KZN
Close to the airport, Umdloti is a favourite destination for travellers exploring the best Zululand has to offer.
THE REGION
The region has much to offer. It is within easy access to several Big Five game reserves in the north, as well as the beautiful iSimangaliso (St Lucia) Wetland Park, a World Heritage site. The breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains (uKhlahlamba) lie to the west and are also a World Heritage site. Umhlanga and Ballito are abound with fantastic shopping and dining experiences. In central Durban is our iconic football stadium – Moses – and our cricket ground, Hollywood Bets Kingsmead. Umdloti is an ideal springboard from which to explore the remarkable province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Bars AND RESTAURANTS
Umdloti Beach offers a delightful range of dining options, perfect for both food connoisseurs and casual diners. For an upscale Mediterranean experience, Mundo Vida is a must-visit, offering sophisticated dishes with a view of the ocean. Bel Punto brings a taste of Italy to the coastline, serving authentic Italian cuisine in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. For a more laid-back setting, The Bush Tavern is a popular local spot, combining a lively bar scene with hearty pub fare. Heading north, the Sandbar stands out as a vibrant cocktail bar, ideal for sipping creative drinks while soaking in the beachside ambiance.
History and Culture
Umdloti Beach, on KwaZulu-Natal’s northern coast, has a rich history tied to the region’s development. Named after the nearby Mdloti River, Umdloti means ‘water of the small salt river’ in Zulu. Initially a quiet farming area, it grew as a seaside destination in the mid-1900s. In the 1950s and 1960s, the town became popular for its beaches and family-friendly atmosphere, with holiday homes and resorts popping up. Part of the Dolphin Coast, Umdloti is ecologically significant due to its marine life, especially dolphins and whales and efforts have been made to protect the surrounding environment. Umdloti remains a popular spot for surfing, swimming and dolphin watching and is known and loved for its relaxed vibe and natural beauty.
Your host
Destination Management Services is a brand of individually owned premium apartments managed by Trevor Pitt who has been in hospitality management for a lifetime. He is passionate about providing excellent service and goes the extra mile for all his clients. The DMS brand provides a standard of service and presentation that is applied to all our apartments. From white, pure cotton linen and fluffy towels to fully equipped kitchens, cable TV and Wi-Fi, we ensure your every need is met. Our offices are situated in The Umdloti Beach Commercial Centre in the foyer between Bel Punto Restaurant and Cafe Java.
REVIEWS
