Attractions and Activities
Whether you want to just relax on the beach or get out and about, there is plenty to do for everyone. Local activities include fishing, surfing, zip-lining (the best in SA), golf, game drives etc. The list is endless...
Known as the South Coasts 'best kept secret', Umzumbe offers endless vistas of natural, unspoiled beaches free of the throngs of holiday makers crowding the more well know touristy destinations.
It also has both a world renown surfing spot as well as a coveted 'Blue Flag' beach. With lifeguards on duty throughout the year, safe sea swimming conditions and a tidal pool - which is always a huge favorite with the little ones - it's the perfect family beach. The beach can be accessed from a walkway directly from the parking area and ablutions and facilities have recently been enhanced.
If your tired of lounging on the beach (if that's at all possible) - there are loads of local activities in Umzumbe and surrounds to choose from.
Activities
Surfing
Umzumbe is well known for its prime surfing and kite surfing locations. We will show you all the local spots. Lessons are available.
Fishing
Anglers can stand knee-deep in the shore-break in front of the house, for hours on end, casting lines after some of the most varied and abundant scaled trophies to be hooked anywhere. There are plenty of good rock gullies and the famous Stebel rock for the more ambitious fisherman. Skin diving for crayfish and spearfishing is popular as the Umzumbe point is the most prominent tip south of Hibberdene - a prime area for Garrick and Brusher fish. The shallow reefs northwards in the bay, moving up towards the river, open up onto a rocky shore that is ideal for monster size big rock lobster (a license is needed to catch them). Deep Sea fishing charters can be arranged.
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
When it comes to diving, South Africa ranks up there with the worlds best. KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast is a prized destination due to its alluring combination of reefs, shipwrecks and various species of sharks and rays that frequent the waters. There’s no doubt that it offers exhilarating dives.
Did you know that our local Aliwal Shoal was rated one of the world's top 10 dive sites by the legendary Jacques Cousteau? Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks dive sites – highly rated for the opportunities they afford intrepid scuba explorers as well as their abundant marine life, including sharks and big game fish. Both sites are located just off the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, and both are suitable for novice and experienced divers, offering gripping underwater adventure for the dive enthusiast.
Seasoned scuba divers will be challenged by world-class reefs, which test the mettle and endurance of even the most experienced underwater fanatic. There is a popular scuba diving reef just over 1500m out to sea.
Estuaries Activities
Enjoy kite-surfing, fishing, canoeing, boating, bird watching and nature trails in the Umzumbe estuaries.
Abseiling, ‘Wildswing’, Zip-lining or Rafting in Oribi Gorge
Experience the ultimate rush! Situated at the top of Lehr's Waterfall, this is the highest swing in the world. Leap off the edge of the waterfall to swing into the gaping depths of the gorge - 165m (55 Story’s high), and accelerate to 120km/hour in 2.5 seconds. Bragging rights are guaranteed!
Abseil down a 110m Cliff face, alongside Lehr's waterfall, and experience a new dimension in sightseeing! Determine your own pace in one of the world's highest commercial abseils. The first 45m is a cliff abseil, while the remaining 65m is a free abseil, allowing you to take in the beauty of the gorge from a different angle.
Experience solitary bliss as you slide along the Zip-line that spans across the gorge, 165m above the treetops. Strapped securely in a full body harness, you can enjoy a bird's eye view of Lehr's Waterfall and Baboon's Castle!
If you're more of an aqua-adventurer, join their experienced Water guides in challenging the grade 2 to 4 rapids of the Umzimkhulu River. Half- and two- day trips are available, with the latter including a camp-over on the river bank.
Golf
With several courses in the vicinity, including: the Wild Coast Country Club, the Umdoni Park Golf Course, the Selborne Golf Resort in Pennington, Port Shepstone Country Club and the Margate Country Club - many a golfing fanatic heads this way purely because the sublime weather allows one to play throughout the year.
Game Drives
Lake Eland is on the far side of Oribi gorge. This private game reserve on KwaZulu-Natal's south coast, offers travellers superb game viewing, spectacular birding, canoeing, sailing, horse riding, caving, fishing and many other activities on both land and water.
Casino
The Wild Coast Sun casino is just a 45 minute drive. Visitors are attracted to the Wild Coast Sun, not only for its natural splendour, but also for the fabulous facilities: a world-class golf course, casino, restaurants and bars and a new water park - Wild Waves.
Hikes & Mountain biking
There are many ways to enjoy the sites, other than by car. Take a gentle hike through Anerley Beach which has a stunning tropical rainforest. Or a more strenuous climb (down a rocky climbing path) to the bottom of Oribi Gorge. Mountain bikers can follow the scenic single track, meandering along the top of the gorge. Guided horse trails are also available.
Shopping
Need to restock or some retail therapy? The larger towns of Shelley Beach, Port Shepstone and Margate are a short drive away. Shelly Centre is easily the South Coast’s most popular seaside shopping destination. The complex houses a variety of shops, restaurants and six cinemas, all under one roof.
Snake & Crocodile Parks
Eyeball some of the most fearsome and venomous snakes on the planet; count all 70 teeth of a crocodile and stroke the scales of an iguana. If you’re brave enough you can even have your mug shot taken while holding a python, mamba, cobra or viper!
Fun Park
Enjoy a nice day out with the whole family at Jolly Rogers. This small recreation park offers super tubes, mini golf and a restaurant and bar, all with incredible sea views. There is a jungle gym for the kids to play while the grown-ups have a relaxing meal.
Landmarks
Crossing the mighty Umzimkulu River, you catch your first glimpse of the famous chequered, Port Shepstone Lighthouse manufactured in Britain & shipped to Natal in the 1890's.
Ocean Safaris
Encounter marine life (Dolphins, Whales, Seals, Birds, Turtles, Etc.), learn about shark nets and the beautiful coast line. Included in the package is a cameraman who will film your unbelievable experience from start to finish. The package is loaded with family fun and very educational. Don’t forget your swimsuit!!
Helicopter Flips
South Africa is a beautiful country, offering some of the most beautiful scenery, landscapes and sights in the world. Undoubtedly there could be few better ways to observe these marvels, than from high up in the sky.
But just to name a few…
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