Sport and Entertainment in Umdloti

Here is a list of the many sporting activities and entertainment opportunities available

in Umdloti with useful tips and links to web pages and pictures.

 

Umdloti Beach on The Dolphin Coast (North Coast) in The Kingdom of The Zulu is 25km north of Durban between Umhlanga Rocks and Ballito, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

 

1. Beautiful beaches and tidal pool

There are three beautiful beaches in Umdloti: Newsel Beach and Selection Beach, beside South Beach Road and Umdloti Beach, beside North Beach Road. Simple? Umdloti Beach features a totally natural tidal pool with lifeguards on duty, by day, safe swimming for youngsters, and lots of ocean life to view in the rock pools, at low tide. On the other bank of the Umdloti river is nearby La Mercy Beach, which is a perfect place for those who like chill and play poker or chess with their friends because it is often quiet and secluded. If you are not too keen on the waves, further north, there is a huge tidal pool at Thompson’s Bay. To the south there is the vast expanse of beach at Umhlanga.

2. Snorkelling

The Umdloti Beach tidal pool offers great snorkelling opportunities from the shore. Otherwise many local companies offer organised snorkelling opportunities:

Dive Nautique: Safe trips out through the surf on rubber ducks: masks, snorkels and wet suits provided. Based in Umhlanga, 7kms from Umdloti.

Aqua Planet Dive Centre: Organises aquarium snorkelling at uShaka. Based on Durban beachfront.

3. Surfing

Excellent surfing opportunities from all three of the Umdloti beaches: Newsel Beach, Selection Beach and Umdloti Beach. Just bring your surfboard and join the locals.

4. Diving:

Dive Nautique; Provides charters to wrecks and reefs. Equipment rental and sales. PADI and NAUI certification courses. Based in Umhlanga, 7km from Umdloti.

Aqua Planet Dive Centre: Diving from Durban beachfront. From shark diving @ Protea banks, aquarium diving @ uShaka to wreck diving at Aliwal Shoal. Diving Courses for beginners through to professionals.

5. Fishing

A range of fishing activities is available in the area from river fishing, shore and deep sea fishing. Shore fishing is very popular along the coast line, just bring your gear and check-out the locals. Specialist tour operators are also available:

Casea Charters: Boats equipped with GPS and Fish Finders. Top quality equipment. Game, reef and shark fishing. Fly-fishing. Based in Umhlanga.

Gratuity Charters: Exclusive deep sea fishing trips for sharks, game fish, barracuda, and marlin. Departures from Durban Harbour.

Zulu Safaris: Deep sea fishing, Dolphin viewing, Harbour Cruises.

6. Spa Treatments

Therapeutic Massage and Beauty Centre: A visit to the spa offers professional treatments with the luxury of a tropical garden and views of the Indian Ocean. Based in Durban North.

7. Canoeing

There are a wide range of canoeing events, co-ordonated throughout the area. For up to date information for spectators and participants contact the KwaZulu Natal Canoe Union (KNCU) on kncuad@sai.co.za

8. Horse riding

Wellesley Equestrian Centre: Established in 1976, and situated on a Sugar Estate 3 kms from Umdloti. The centre offers Tuition, Stabling, Consultation on all equine related matters and beach trail rides along the Umdloti beaches.

9. Whale & Dolphin watching

Visit our whale and dolphin register to view reports of recent sightings of whales and dolphins off Umdloti. There are frequent seasonal sightings from the beaches, shoreline and restaurants and accommodation places in Umdloti. Specialist operators, who will take you out to sea, are also available.

Durban Marine Safari: Operating from Durban harbour. Two hour trips to view whales and dolphins.

African Queen. Sail with the dolphins in style aboard a cruising yacht. Departures from Durban Yacht harbour.

1.      Guided Quad Trails

Fat Traxx: Off road quad/4x4 trails. Catering for groups, families and corporates. Based in Ballito, north of Umdloti. Trails around Umdloti are available.

River Quad Trails: Off road quad/4x4 trails. Official Suzuki Quad partner. Voted one of the top 10 trails in South Africa. Based in Esenembi Valley 20km inland from Umdloti. Explore the banks of the Umhlali river.

10. Birding

Umgeni River Bird Park: Bird watching in Durban North, approximately 20km south of Umdloti. Walk through aviaries and open paddocks in one of the worlds’ premier bird parks.

11. Microlight flights

Come Fly Microlights: Scenic coastal flights with qualified and experienced instructors who share the freedom of the skys. La Mercy Flight Park, 6km from Umdloti.

12. Kiteboarding

Umdloti is a popular destination for Kiteboarders, and the Umdloti Lagoon is often used as a ‘training pool’ with more sheltered conditions, for those building up their experience levels. Various schools operate in the area.

Aqua Air Kiteboarding Schools: Internationally certified instructors. Beginners to advanced courses. Organised Kiteboarding trips.

13. Parasailing

Mile High Parasail: Parasail from Umhlanga, a thrill to remember.

14. Natal Sharks Board

Unique opportunity to see the Audio-visual programme, and watch a real-life Shark dissection.

15. World class golf courses

Beachwood Country Club (Durban Country Club)
Beachwood Place (off Fairway Drive), Durban North
Website

Durban Country Club
101 Walter Gilbert Road, Durban
Tel: (031) 313 1777
Website

Duguza Golf Club
Stanger
Tel: (032) 552 3255

Mount Edgecombe Golf Club
Golf Course Drive, Mount Edgecombe
Tel: (031) 539 5330
Website

Prince’s Grant Golf Estate and Country Club
Stanger
Tel: (032) 482 0005
Website

Royal Durban Golf Club
Mitchell Crescent, Greyville, Durban
Tel: (031) 309 1373

Umhlali Country Club
Compensation Road, Umhlali
Tel: (032) 947 1181

Zimbali Country Club Zimbali, Ballito Tel: (032) 538 1007 Website

16. Casinos

KwaZulu Natal Province boasts a number of casinos on its doorsteps, including Suncoast in central Durban, and the areas’ newest Casino, Sibaya.

Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom: located only 2 kms from Umdloti and offering accommodation, restaurants, Conference facilities, theatres and a cultural village. Oh yes, and a casino!!

17. Local craft markets

 Umdloti boasts several ‘informal’ opportunities for purchasing locally produced crafts. There is an informal craft market at the beginning of North beach Road, beside the beach. Local beadwork crafts are also available regularly – sold by the artists themselves.

18. Shops

There are several major shopping nodes in the area surrounding Umdloti, from Gateway, just 7kms away, to Umhlanga village, La Lucia Mall and Ballito Lifestyle centre, all just a little further away.

The Gateway Theatre of Shopping: is the largest shopping complex in the Southern Hemisphere, is only 7km away and houses cinemas, a Barnyard Theatre, an IMAX theatre, children's entertainment centre, skateboard park, wave riding, indoor rock climbing, etc. Together with numerous restaurants and shops