A seaside town just north of Durban, Umhlanga is a popular holiday destination for South Africans and international visitors alike. Accommodation options range from simple self-catering spots to indulgent beachfront hotels, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. The best places to stay in Umhlanga promise spectacular sea views, perfect for unwinding after days spent exploring the area’s many attractions.

The Umhlanga Lighthouse is the town’s most iconic landmark, and there are also lovely walks along the promenade, or along the Umhlanga Lagoon. You’ll find a plethora of shops, eateries and entertainment venues in the town centre, as well as at the Gateway Centre on Umhlanga Ridge. The nearby Phoenix Casino is a striking building, and there are regular events at the Durban International Convention Centre. The uMhlanga Pier (more commonly known as the Whale Bone Pier) is another popular tourist destination, it has even been dubbed "most beautiful pier in the world" by CNN!

Head to nearby La Lucia for excellent golf courses, or to Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World for more gaming, live music and shows. The nearby uShaka Marine World is brilliant for families, whilst the Dolphin Coast offers wonderful wildlife-watching opportunities. There are also beautiful beaches aplenty — including uMhlanga Beach — as well as excellent surfing and diving opportunities. Whether you’re travelling as a family or with friends, the best places to stay in Umhlanga promise a warm welcome and a wealth of attractions within easy reach.

The best places to stay in uMhlanga

For beachfront luxury

• The Oyster Box Hotel is a grand, elegant hotel that's hard to beat. There's a great range of accommodation from charming doubles to spacious family-friendly villas all done in a timelessly classic style; the best suites come with sea views, balconies and a private plunge pool. Plus there's a state-of-the-art spa, and choice of top quality bars and restaurants. A special stay!

For a boutique stay

• Teremok is a small, quirky, owner-managed boutique hotel with eight individually designed suites just a short walk from the beach. There's a charming landscaped garden with pool and an honesty bar. No restaurant on site, but plenty close by.
• Petite Provence Guesthouse is about half an hour up the coast from uMhlanga and offers seven stunning rooms, each with a touch of French "je ne sais quoi"! Manicured gardens and an inviting pool add to the charm, and there's a good range of restaurants within walking distance.

For great value

• aha Gateway Hotel is a good choice from one of South Africa's premier boutique hotel chains. As well as smart modern interiors, you can expect a pool deck and very reasonable prices.

For a self catering apartment or holiday villa

• For a full range of self catering options, check out the properties listed with our online partner, Booking.com

Travel Information

• uMhlanga is only 19km from King Shaka International Airport, and you can easily organise transfers, private or otherwise.
• If you're planning to tour around and wish to hire a car, we recommend you use our partner Rentalcars.
• uMhlanga enjoys a mild sub-tropical climate so the best time of year to visit is the summer months from December to March when the average daily highs are between 25 and 30°C, although these months also see the most rainfall. However even in the winter months the average temperature doesn't drop much below 20°C.

Still not sure?

• Expand your seach to include our properties in Durban too
• or widen the net even further and check out all our recommendations in KwaZulu-Natal Province
• Alternatively you can contact one of our friendly gurus for some personalised advice.