The term paradise is often associated with white sandy
beaches, palm trees and cocktails with little straw hats. Paradise is often a
destination, the end of a journey, somewhere to forget about life for a while.
While this by no means incorrect, it does somewhat short change many other
holiday destinations, who may not check the quintessential paradisiacal boxes,
and yet when given a fair shot, make a compelling case that they too are
deserved of the adjective.
Umdloti, on the North coast of Durban, South Africa is one of these towns.
It has everything that the modern traveller could possibly desire, and offers a
host of other conveniences that traditional paradises often don’t. So, what
makes Umdloti so special? I’m glad you asked.
Umdloti is a truly beautiful place
Let’s start with the obvious, without which the rest of the
points would be nullified. Beauty. Umdloti has one of the most beautiful
stretches of beach on the Kwazulu Natal coast. Spanning about 4km, the Umdloti
beach is grand enough to allow everyone their own peace of heaven. The
surrounding Umdloti landscape is lush green and filled with both bird- and
wildlife. Once could easily be tricked into believing they were lounging on a
desert island, the outside world but a distant memory. Most of the
accommodation is also built onto a hillside, which means that sweeping views of
the ocean come standard.
Coupled with this paramount beauty is a peace which only
small towns can deliver. The North Coast of Kwazulu Natal is famous for its
larger towns of Umhlanga and Ballito which are hives of activity. This is not
the case with Umdloti, where there appears to be no cause for rush or stress -
just ask the man driving down the road on his scooter with his small canine in
hand, or the sun kissed young boy skateboarding towards the ocean, his
surfboard under one arm. The problems of the real world do not exist here,
there is a contagious calm and inner peace.
The Climate in Umdloti
The Kwazulu Natal coast region, Umdloti included, has one of
the best climates in the world. With hot humid summers and warm winters. Though summer is peak season, it can become
unbearably hot and air conditioning is often required to get through the night.
Still, South African holiday makers flock by the thousand to Umdloti during December to bask
in the hot sun and frolic in the ocean. Winter however is the best time of the
year for me, as the days are warm and the nights cool. There are also
additional benefits at this time of year as the swell size and consistency
improves, not to mention the fact there are a lot less people.
Umdloti is conveniently located
Here is where Umdloti really begins to pull one over on the
traditional paradises. While it remains a small town nestled in the cane
fields, Umdloti is a mere stones through from the South Africa's King Shaka international
airport and a short 7km from the bustling metropolis of Umhlanga. This
essentially means that not only is it a breeze to get to and from Umdloti, but
that if ever the peace and quiet afforded by Umdloti overwhelm you, within 10
minutes you may once more revel in the hustle and bustle of a city. Which other
paradisiacal destination can offer such a choice whilst remaining true to its
definition?
Surfing in Umdloti
What paradise would be complete without epic surf? Umdloti
really picks up the swell and has some of the heaviest waves in Durban. Many surfers come to Umdloti from all over
the coast when the conditions are right to tackle the harsh conditions, though
this is not for the feint hearted. That being said, it is not always vicious,
and beginners too can play in the waves when mother nature shows her softer
side. Surf and sea are a huge part of Umdloti life and add that little bit of
excitement to the long relaxing days.
Surf shops in Umdloti
The nearest surfshops are in Umhlanga and Ballito, but online surf store Pollywog.co.za delivers to this area.
Umdloti Nightlife
For a small town, Umdloti has some classy restaurants which
even attract the Durban locals. These eateries invariably face the ocean, so
that diners are treated to beautiful seascapes as they feast on some of the
finest cuisine. The famous local pub “The Bush Tavern” has been a local favourite
for years and can get a little wilder as the evening progresses. If however you
are looking to paint the town red, you may be better off taking a taxi-cab to
Umhlanga for the evening.
Restaurants currently located in Umdloti:
·
- Java Cafe – coffee shop
- Bel Punto – Italian
- Mundo Vida - Mediterranean
- The Bush Tavern – Pub and Grill
- La Casa Nostra – Italian
- La Tasca – Pizzeria
- Rendezvous - Mediterranean
Umdloti Accommodation
Umdloti offers a huge variety of homely accommodation from
self catering holiday homes and apartments for rent to bed and breakfast rooms.
There are not big hotels or resorts, which helps to keep the town relaxed.
Almost all the accommodation is within walking distance to the sea and will likely
have sea views. For reviews on all the places I have stayed in Umdloti, please click here: Umdloti Accommodation
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