Umhlanga Rocks (pronounced Umshlanga) has many comfortable hotels, a variety of restaurants and large shopping centers. With long sandy beaches interrupted by stretches of rocky coast and protected by shark nets, Umhlanga Rocks is a popular but not unduly crowded bathing resort.
Apart from the 370 stores included in the Gateway World mall is a variety of sporting and entertainment attractions including 18 movie theaters (including IMAX), the world's highest indoor climbing rock, and a 4,000sq m/43,000sq ft skateboard park.
Address: Gateway World, 1 Palm Boulevard Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre, Box 1366, Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal 4320, South Africa
Immediately north of Umhlanga Rocks is the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, area 26ha/60ac. Various trails run through this area of wooded dunes with their rich bird life.
The Wave House is a youth-oriented 4,000 sq m/43,000 sq ft skate-board park with multiple skating areas. A simulated surf pool called the Flow Rider is included along with a live music stage featuring popular performers. Wave House is located in Gateway World, the largest mall in the southern hemisphere.
Address: Gateway World, 1 Palm Boulevard Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre, Box 1366, Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal 4320, South Africa
Hours:
9am-10pm; Sat:9am-1am
Always closed on: Human Right's Day - South Africa (March 21), Constitution Day - South Africa (April 27), Family Day - South Africa (April 8), National Women's Day - South Africa (April 19), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Youth Day - South Africa (June 16), Heritage Day - South Africa (September 24), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Day of Goodwill - South Africa (December 26), Day of Reconciliation - South Africa (December 16), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Good Friday - Christian, Easter - Christian