Over recent years Umhlanga Rocks has experienced unprecedented growth with numerous new apartment blocks being built to provide more accommodation in Umhlanga Rocks. The development of the Umhlanga Ridge Business Park to the west of Umhlanga has seen many major companies choosing to locate themselves just a few minutes away from Umhlanga Rocks.

Despite all this development Umhlanga has managed to maintain its laidback village atmosphere. It is this atmosphere that makes Umhlanga Rocks one of the most exclusive tourist destinations on the KwaZulu Natal coastline.

Umhlanga Rocks is a tropical paradise - a place where jaded city dwellers are guaranteed leisure and enjoyment. This premier resort has been dubbed the 'Riviera' of the North Coast for good reason: beaches that offer endless opportunities for sun-worshippers, great accommodation, and the Continental charm of outdoor restaurants in a laid-back village atmosphere.

A favourite with walkers and joggers, the popular O'Connor Promenade winds above the beach from Durban View Park to the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve. Added to Umhlanga's landmark Lighthouse is the award-winning pier with its unique 'whalebone' design.

Warm water and near-perfect weather all year round ensure that the main beach buzzes with pleasure-seekers. Umhlanga's main beach has again been granted the international Blue Flag award for excellence for clean and safe beaches, and water that meets rigorous quality standards. Life guards are stationed at both Umhlanga main beach and Bronze beach.

Shark nets run south from the Breakers resort, to just south of Granny's Pool.

Exploring the rock pools at low tide, finding oysters and mussels, and watching the ski-boats launch from Granny's Pool are some of the simple joys that this spot offers.

Umhlanga has 2 bathing beaches which are protected by shark nets and lifeguards. Main beach, as the name suggests, is the main bathing beach. Just to the north of Main beach is Bronze beach, the second bathing beach.

To the south of Main beach is a natural rock pool known as Granny's pool which is where skiboats and other water craft launch from.

The Umhlanga Lighthouse built in 1954, is possibly the most famous landmark in the area and is positioned to the south of Granny's pool.

Umhlanga Rocks is situated 20km north of Durban which translates to a 20 minute journey by car "up" the coast. Looking down on the village from up on the ridge is the "Gateway Theatre of Shopping" Complex, one of the largest shopping complexes in Africa. Gateway has a total floorspace of around 150 000m². Here you can enjoy an unequalled choice of shopping and recreational activities from fashion, food, technology and lifestyle to extreme sports.

For more tourist information about umhlanga Rocks or for a full list of attractions and things to do and see in and around Umhlanga please browse the Umhlanga Tourism website.

The rest of the Kwa-Zulu Natal province also boasts some stunning attractions such as the Drakensburg Mountains and the many game and safari parks scattered around the province which draw large numbers of tourists.

The best time of the year to plan a safari to the game parks is during the winter months when the grass is shortest which makes spotting the game a whole lot easier.