Umdloti is a tiny resort town on the Dolphin Coast, 25 kms north of Durban between Umhlanga and Ballito in KwaZulu Natal. With a magnificent setting and a backdrop of verdant green rolling hills rising behind the town, it overlooks the Indian Ocean.
The spectacular beaches are at the mouth of the Mdloti River. Umdloti is a nature conservancy and wildlife coastal habitat.
The Dolphin Coast has nearly 1000 dolphins that live there, and they can be seen from the beach playing in the surf in the mornings. Whales visit from July to November.
What to Do
There are 3 beaches and a very safe natural tidal pool. It is ideal for watersports such as surfing, kite surfing, diving, and snorkeling. As the climate is subtropical it is warm all year.The tidal pool is supposed to be the biggest in the southern hemisphere.
There are many entertaining places to visit nearby such as Crocodile Creek. They have 9000 crocodiles, from hatchlings ready to bite, to 500kg adults. The bush setting is on the Tongaat River floodplain and there is a restaurant, shop and paintball venue there.
The Virginia Bush Trail is a lovely meandering trail in a 38ha coastal reserve through forests of wild hibiscus, Natal fig and Milkwood trees.
The area is rich with birdlife.
The Theatre of Shopping nearby at Umhlanga 8 kms away is the biggest mall in Africa. There are 26 cinemas, excellent restaurants and 400 shops, including all the major international retail shops , plus amusements for children.
Where to Eat
Umdloti has several excellent restaurants.
Where to Stay
Lovely terraced accommodation is available overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean.There are guest houses, self catering apartments, and a conference centre. A large selection is available for visitors. The destination is extremely popular for families due to the beautiful setting and beaches. Although nicely secluded it is also close to all that Durban and Umhlanga have to offer.
Transport
Umdloti is off the main motorway without a drive through road.
Shaka Airport is only 10kms away on the N2, and the easiest solution to transport is to rent a car at the airport as Umdloti does not have public transport. Uber taxis are readily available however.
Did you Know
Umdloti is sometimes spelt Umhloti, Umshloti and Umhloti.
