Umdloti: A small seaside town found among indigenous forests and rolling sugar cane fields of KZN. Being a few kilometres north of Umhlanga, this town boasts stellar holiday attraction status – that is why you will almost always find a population of 3000 people during these times. Be part of these holidaymakers and use this guide to be enlightened on some of the things to do in the dolphin coast town of Umdloti.
Planning a trip to Durban? Looking for things to do? Check out these pages below:
1. Live your Italian dreams at Bel Punto
Photo courtesy of Bel Punto
According to our list of 30 things to do in Durban, if you are craving Italian cuisine, there is no better place to go than Bel Punto. This authentic Italian restaurant serves delicious meals and has sweeping views of the sea. They have large and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas. Oysters, calamari, steamed mussels, prawn skewers, butternut cappuccino (butternut soup with a lovely chive froth), stuffed cherry tomatoes and grilled snails are among the starters at this seafood restaurant. Grilled and wood-fired quail, stuffed calamari, grilled baby chicken, beef fillet prepared in a variety of ways, and roasted crayfish are among the main course options. Traditional Italian fare such as risotto, pizza and spaghetti are also available. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it at Bel Punto. So, go there and enjoy some of Durban’s best Italian cuisine!
Opening times: Monday – Sunday (5 pm – 11 pm)
Address: Umdloti Centre, 1 S Beach Road
2. Dive into Umdloti Beach
Would you like to know why this one is considered one of the best beaches in Durban? Well, it is enclosed with vernacular sub-tropical flora. By far one of the province’s most unique beaches, Umdloti Beach also boasts natural rock pools which are completely safe to swim in. If you are lucky enough, you will get to see majestic pods of dolphins in the morning time. And get this – at the right time of the year (July to November), you might even see a few whales! Any aquatic animal lover’s dream is a reality at Umdloti Beach. This is a serene, more quiet beach. So… if you are a reserved early bird with an admiration for all things nature, Umdloti Beach is placed on Earth just for you.
3. Have lunch at Mundo Vida
Photo courtesy of Mundo Vida
If you find yourself starving after a therapeutic, midday walk on Umdloti Beach, why not tend to your needs at Mundo Vida? For starters, you can have anything from wood-fired focaccia or gratin to local fresh Natal wild oysters. If you are yearning for something more filling, why not try Mundo Vida’s duck confit or spatchcock chicken? Or maybe their house curry or cheeseburger?
We also LOVE that Mundo Vista has a section of the menu especially set out for vegetarians! And these are interesting dishes, too. Even if you are in the mood for Asian cuisine, you will be spoilt for choice! Will it be their Asian pork belly or classic sushi platters?
Opening times: Wednesday – Saturday, 12 pm – 10 pm; Sunday, 12 pm – 5 pm; Monday – Tuesday, Closed
Address: 1 S Beach Road, Umdloti Beach
4. Discover the Mount Moreland Swallows
Photo courtesy of Umdloti Accommodation
The Lake Victoria Barn Swallow viewing site is a must on the list of things to do in Umdloti. Just imagine seeing up to 3 million Barn Swallows at just one roost site – the epitome of amazement! As the sun sets, you will see the Hirundo Rustica descend to land and disappear between the reeds of Mount Moreland. Prior to this, they will put up a show and soar over the wetlands. This makes for the perfect time to have a picnic with your nearest and dearest, or a few sundowners at the Lake Victoria Conservancy. The best time to witness this spectacle is from mid-April to mid-October. Undoubtedly a sight to behold, the viewing site is open to visitors every day at dusk. Entry is free but just remember to have mosquito repellent at hand!
Address: 15 Charles Street, Mount Moreland
5. Wine and dine at Sandbar
Photo courtesy of Sandbar
Or opt for a craft beer or cocktail to accompany your delectable meal – the choices for all are endless! Sandbar permeates the ideal marriage between luxury and an oceanic atmosphere which sets the tone for one favourable memory. Their menu consists of starters, mains and sushi. Fascinating finds in the starters section alone include edamame beans, pot sticker dumplings and camembert spring rolls. We would love to enlighten you about the rest of the menu, but would it not be better to experience the grand Sandbar for yourself?
Opening times: Monday – Sunday (11 am – 10 pm)
Address: 30 N Beach Road, Umdloti Beach, eMdloti
6. Explore with Microlight Flights & Skydiving
Photo courtesy of Umdloti Accommodation
Ever dreamt of taking in the beauty of the dolphin coast from a bird’s eye? You can make that dream come true with Comefly! The best part is that you can take it all in in an open microlight cockpit with the wind rushing through your hair! Little comes close to this kind of freedom – and you can decide how long that freedom will last with flights ranging from a few minutes to an hour. Say “yes” to this opportunity and be taken over some of the most appealing landscapes of the Umdloti area and surrounds.
Important information:
- Booking is essential
- Microlighting is weather-dependent
- Age restriction: 10 years or older
- Weight limit: Less than 120 kg
Address: Mvoti Shell Ultra City
7. Go to La Pizza Nostra
Photo courtesy of La Pizza Nostra
With its red and white checked tablecloths along with terracotta and brick walls, La Pizza Nostra is a family favourite. Also serving the best of Italian cuisine, you can tuck into their famous Lasagna al Forno, Pesce al Forno or classic pizzas. Seated inside or outside among the beautiful trees, it is inevitable to encounter La Pizza Nostra’s warm and cosy atmosphere. Now, you also have the option of ordering their delicious food online! How is that for convenience?
Opening times: Monday – Sunday (12 pm – 9 pm)
Address: White Sands Shopping Centre, 1 Main Road
8. Relax at La Vita Spa
The objective of going on holiday is to unwind, right? So, what would be better to do so than visiting a spa (and a well-known one, at that)? Make time for yourself and schedule an appointment at La Vida Spa Perna-Perna. La Vida Spa is a leading chain across SA, so this is a shoo-in of things to do in Umdloti. Make a booking for a super extraction or ultimate anti-ageing facial or maybe take a loved one along for a mom-and-daughter bonding or couples paradise package. This space is small and intimate, so relaxation is guaranteed.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday (8 am – 5 pm)
Address: 7 N Beach Road, Umdloti Beach
9. Visit Bellamont Stables
Photo courtesy of Bellamont Stables
Described as a boutique-style livery yard, Bellamont Stables stays true to the essence of Umdloti – a familiar feel of wondrous modesty. Be sure to visit these stables for a fun outride among sand and grassy paddocks. This is a small and private space where love for your well-groomed horse will almost instantly be cultivated. After your nature-filled outride, why not fill your belly at the on-site restaurant, The Barn?
Opening times: Sunday – Monday (8 am – 5 pm)
Address: 100 Sugar Cane Road, Umdloti
10. Plan a trip with Mangaleka Africa
Photo courtesy of Mangaleka Africa
“Mangaleka” means “amazing” in isiZulu and that is exactly what this travel agency aims to showcase – the wonder of Africa. From customised mid-range to luxury tours, Mangaleka Africa specialises in providing the best experience of sub-Saharan Africa. Plan your dream itinerary with this tailor-made safari company so that you can tell of the continent’s unparalleled wilderness. If you jump to the opportunity, you can kickstart that private guided safari ASAP!
Address: Umhloti Estate, Umdloti Beach
