Umdloti is a vibrant coastal destination with so many local exciting activities for visitors. From relaxing on beautiful, lifeguard-patrolled beaches with designated swimming areas to exploring the unique 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 there is local wildlife, including dolphins, whales, and great bird diversity along the mangrove-lined Umdloti River.
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, beautiful inshore bay ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
At low tide, the beach reveals a myriad of rocky inshore pools, perfect for exploration
Dolphin Watching
Take a stroll along the beach, and you’re 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. Additionally, during the whale migration season, you may also be fortunate enough to witness whales breaching, creating a spectacular sight along the coastline.
Swimming
To the south provides designated swimming areas that are patrolled by lifeguards and protected with shark nets. The unique Umdloti Tidal Pool system forms a beautiful safe inshore bay for swimming and snorkelling.
Fishing
Shore angling is a popular choice along the rocky coastline, where you can cast for a variety of fish species.
Fishing ski provides an exciting way to venture out beyond the waves and 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.
Sardine Run
Another highlight of the region is the annual sardine run, known as “The Greatest Shoal on Earth,” which 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. This event features the largest bio-mass migration on the planet and is an unmissable sight for those lucky enough to witness it
Birding
When the rains come, the Umdloti River mouth opens to the sea, and in drier times, it forms a wide, deep lagoon perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and kitesurfing. 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.
Beach Biking
For those seeking adventure, grab a fat bike and explore the endless beaches that Umdloti has to offer. Ride north to Ballito or south to Durban, enjoying the stunning coastal views and the thrill of cycling on soft sand. This exhilarating experience is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area
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.
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Undloti Lagoon
Low tides form a myriad of rocky inshore pools.
The Umdloti River mouth opens to the sea when the rains come and in between forms a wide deep lagoon ideal for stand up paddle boarding, canoeing and kitesurfing. The estuary is lined with mangrove forest, which is home to an abundance of water fowl and resident Fish Eagles, making it a bird watchers paradise. For keen mountain bikers, take to the cane fields where Tongaat Hullets, the sugar growing company, have built rides up the valley right on our doorstep.
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Gateway to KZN
Close to the airport Umdloti is a favorite destination for travelers exploring the best Zululand has to offer.
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THE REGION
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With easy access to a number of big five game reserves plus the
World Heritage Sites of the beautiful iSimangaliso (St Lucia)
Wetland Park in the north and the majestic uKhlahlamba
(Drakensberg) Mountains in the west, along with the business
centers of Durban, Umhlanga and Ballito, the world-class Moses
Mabhida and Kingsmead sporting stadiums, La Mercy is an ideal
springboard to explore this remarkable Province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Bars AND RESTAURANTS
JAVA CAFE
COFFEE SHOP
With easy access to a number of big five game reserves plus the
World Heritage Sites of the beautiful iSimangaliso (St Lucia)
Wetland Park in the north and the majestic uKhlahlamba
(Drakensberg) Mountains in the west, along with the business
centers of Durban, Umhlanga and Ballito, the world-class Moses
Mabhida and Kingsmead sporting stadiums, La Mercy is an ideal
springboard to explore this remarkable Province of KwaZulu-Natal.
History and Culture
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La Mercy is a charming seaside village steeped in the colourful
Indian culture and history. Hemmed between lush sugar cane
fields and the endless Indian Ocean, the Village is situated on the
Dolphin Coast between Umhlanga and Ballito, approximately
25 kilometres north of Durban, home to the busiest harbour in
Africa. With the building of the new King Shaka International
Airport just over the hill, La Mercy is an ideal stopover for
visitors and business travellers arriving or departing
KwaZulu-Natal.
During the Apartheid Era ownership of properties in La Mercy
was restricted to Indians only. Generations of Indian families
developed market gardens on the eastern banks of the primary
dune that to this day still extend down onto the beach enhancing
the quaint rural appeal of La Mercy. However, with the blossoming
of the new South Africa and the Rainbow Nation, people of other
ethnic groups also chose to make this area their home.
More recently the local African people have set up their own
village on the west side of La Mercy. Government has been busy
building roads and implementing water and electricity for the
village, which is fast becoming a beautiful model of a community
driven settlement.
Enhancing this cultural diversity are a Mosque, two
Christian Institutions and two Temples built side by side.
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 and are passionate
about providing excellent service and the extra mile to ensure
guests are comfortable.
The DMS Brand provides a standard of service and presentation
that is applied to all our apartments. From white pure cotton
linen, fluffy towels to fully equipped kitchens, cable TV and Wi-Fi,
we ensure the apartment is ready for every need. DMS ensures
you can book with confidence knowing there is a reliable
company taking care of each apartment.
Our offices are situated in The Umdloti Beach Commercial Centre
in the foyer between Bel Punto Restaurant and Cafe Java.
REVIEWS
Anne-ly
2024-08-18
9.0
Very nice place where to stay close from the airport and Durban.
☺ Very convenient location: close from the airport and in front on the ocean (nice for a running !), easy to find (with a private parking), very large and well equipped flat.
☹ Everything was ok!
Jonathan
2024-07-01
10
Exceptional
☺ The view was amazing, the place was clean and very comfortable.
☹ Nothing
Cooke
2024-06-25
5.0
Not a good place for older people
☹ Steep drive for walking to amenities. No instructions for heating. Only partial sea view. Difficult to find had to go through a garage forecourt!
Bilash
2024-03-24
10
Good all in all
☺ Location
☹ Would have been better if Hand wash/Soap could be provided because not everyone carry with them.
Luke
2024-02-02
8.0
Very Good
Sharisa
2024-01-20
9.0
Wonderful
☺ Ocean in front of your doorstep, restaurants walking distance, pool, views, clean.
☹ No washing machine. Lots of mosquitos in the 2single bed room.
Geo
2024-01-08
8.0
Very Good
Paul
2023-10-29
9.0
Perfect verblijf!
☺Super schoon en heerlijk ruim.
☹Niets
Thabiso
2023-10-09
9.0
Wonderful
☺ The complex is within walking distance from the beach and shops. Very convenient