Words: Anne Schauffer | Images: Stephen Pilbrough
Umhlanga has clearly defined zones and is broken up into mini suburbs. The “little holiday village” has exploded into a metropolis which has essentially become the new city centre. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping was the catalyst for the “live, work, play” philosophy in the area, which is practised globally and is now the modus operandi for new developments throughout South Africa. Nobody wants to waste time commuting, so people choose to live in areas where work, schools and shops are near home. Therefore, mixed-use developments are seen as being convenient areas to live and build communities.
Above Umhlanga Village is the commercial hub of Umhlanga Ridge. This is the commercial and professional heartbeat of greater Durban and is populated not only with major head offices which relocated from city centre, but also others which moved to the coast from other provinces or have o ices around the world. As more land is released, it’s just as quickly taken up by new developments.
Those flying into Durban on business need go no further south to get to Umhlanga, as King Shaka International Airport is an easy 15-minute drive away.
Property
Of all the property in KwaZulu-Natal, that on the North Coast has gained in value considerably more than elsewhere. But there are still more affordable pockets of Umhlanga, particularly in the numerous apartment blocks around Gateway. New residential developments are constantly coming up, often smaller ones tucked away in the mini suburbs of Umhlanga.
Property along the prized beachfront is a mix of residential, largely on the south side, and holiday accommodation on the northern stretch. On the beachfront there are numerous gated or smaller complexes – many of them have been there for decades. The area a road or two back from the beach is largely comprised of freestanding homes and older homes on good-sized plots.
Holiday accommodation is made up of the “hotel belt”, primarily timeshares and apartment complexes. Much of this accommodation was bought up by people from Gauteng many years ago, and although the demographics of the owners are constantly changing, the area is always busy during the holidays.
New multimillion-rand residential apartment blocks like the Pearls of Umhlanga, with a top-end mall on the ground floor, epitomise the “live, work, play” philosophy.
Exclusive residential estates like Hawaan Forest Estate offer world-class security and an unparalleled lifestyle right at the heart of the action.
Resident Edwin Chetty says, “I work in IT, and recently bought an apartment in the Gateway precinct. I can literally walk to work, there’s a laundromat downstairs and I have all the entertainment I want just across the road. For a single guy, this is perfection!”
Schooling
Schools follow development, and that’s happened in Umhlanga. But the entire North Coast has spawned new schools to cope with the rapidly increasing population. Durban North has a broad range of superb public schools – from pre-primary to high school.
In Umhlanga, you’ll find the private schools of Reddam House Umhlanga and Crawford College, and public schools include Atholton Primary School, Umhlanga Pre-Primary and Montessori Life Pre-Primary.
Explore
Life in Umhlanga largely revolves around restaurants, socialising and the beach. There’s a sensational beachfront and residents enjoy coffee with friends in the myriad little boutique roasteries, cocktails at sunset at the top of The Oyster Box or a visit to one of the world-class spas in the area. The beachfront here has an extensive boardwalk which runs past the lighthouse, the rocky coves and the local five-star hotels.
At the far northern end is Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, under the auspices of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Bird-watchers and hikers love the trails through the area, but the beach is the major drawcard. Many residential complexes and hotels have direct access to the beach, with breathtaking views, often all the way back to the Durban promenade and skyline.
Holiday-maker Grant Slade says, “We bought a timeshare in Umhlanga 25 years ago, and we visit every single Christmas from Gauteng. We’re right on the beach and can walk to all the shops and restaurants. We don’t even need a car.”
“I’ve lived in Umhlanga since I was a girl. My parents recently moved into a local retirement village, and we’ve moved into this large house, and we’re loving it! For me, it’s literally home from home!”
Caroline Tre, resident
Do:
- Tag along with the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board to see what they do.
- Test your skills at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping’s WavePark.
- Enjoy live music concerts and weekly craft markets at Chris Saunders Park.
- Spend the day swimming and surfing at Bronze Beach.
- Enjoy family-friendly boat trips from Granny’s Pool.
Eat:
- Little Havana: for delicious steaks
- Ile Maurice: for Mauritian and French meals
- The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box: for bistro-style meals and ocean views
- Fish: for fresh seafood
- The Chefs Table: for innovative cuisine
- Old Town Italy: for traditional Italian dishes
- Pintxada: for Spanish cuisine
Shop:
- Gateway Theatre of Shopping
- The Pearls of Umhlanga
- Oceans Mall
- Cornubia Mall
- The Crescent at Umhlanga Ridge
