While Umhlanga’s many beautiful beaches must surely qualify as the area’s main attraction, the year-round good weather ensures a wealth of outdoor activities for any adventurous visitor. Here are a few of our favourite outdoor activities in the Umhlanga area – all within less than an hour’s drive from the North Star.
A walk in the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve
The Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve is a 26-hectare nature reserve protecting a small slice of wilderness that includes a wetland, coastal and dune forest, and serves as a haven for birds, animals and plants. The reserve encloses the Ohlanga River’s lagoon and mouth. The forest forms a natural extension of the less accessible Hawaan Forest, of which the greater part lies inland of the busy M4 road.
The walk is only 2km long and includes wooden boardwalks, well-defined sandy pathways and a footbridge over the lagoon. It is a comfortable walk, mostly shaded and good for families with children – with an unspoilt quiet beach at the end.
Many trees are labelled, which makes the walk more interesting. Trees include coastal red milkwood, thorny elms and buffalo thorns. If you are quiet, chances are good to spot small mammals such as bushbuck, vervet monkeys or duiker. It is also a birder’s haven with 300 odd bird species recorded here.
The walk starts opposite Breakers Hotel, Lagoon Drive – at the end of the Umhlanga Promenade so it’s easy to extend your morning walk into the Reserve. If you would like a guided walk – stop into the Breakers Resort, guided walks can be booked from their information desk.
Test your skills at Tree Trails
Climb, crawl and glide as you test your balance, coordination and physicality with this fun high rope course. It is perfect if you need to burn off some energy after a few lazy days on vacation in the Umhlanga area. They can accommodate children 8 years and up (5-7 if there is a responsible adult to do the course with them)
“The Tree Trails course is designed to provide a fun yet challenging experience for adventurers of (almost!) all ages. You can wind your way through the trees while discovering a variety of obstacles that keep your mind engaged and your muscles firing. If you are up for a fun challenge we have designed a route that provides a rewarding experience. However, if you are up for a tough challenge then continue on the course to tackle the more physically demanding obstacles. The Trails end with a fun Zipline to the finish.
Depending on your ability the trail will take you anywhere between one and Tree *(;-)) hours, including a briefing and training session.”
Tree Trails is located just outside Ballito – about a 30-minute drive from the North Star. More information, directions and pricing are on their website.
Hike or Bike in Giba Gorge
Outdoor adventure seekers visiting the Umhlanga area will find their happy place at Giba Gorge. Whether it is hiking, trail running, mountain biking or BMX, they have you covered. Located in the Giba Valley alongside the N3 freeway, just outside Pinetown, Giba Gorge is less than an hour’s drive from the North Star.
Take a Hike – Giba Gorge has hiking trails for everyone from beginner to experienced hikers with trails ranging from 5 to 10 km. The 5km hike is a scenic, relatively flat hike to the first waterfall. If you are up for a little bit more of a challenge try the 8km hike to the Mackintosh Falls. Experienced hikers might go for the 7km uphill climb to the Fire Lookout Hut – where unrivalled views of the valley will provide the greatest reward. They also have guided walks on Wednesdays – if you’d like to join a group.
Bike it – With over 45km of trail, you will be amazed at the variety of routes and the varying skill levels that they cater for. In a nutshell, this is single-track heaven and once you’ve had a taste, you’ll undoubtedly keep going back for more.
Want to ride, but didn’t bring a bike on vacation? They have got you covered – The Shop at Giba hires out bikes that will be the perfect fit for riders of any level! Have a chat with Sbusiso in the shop and he’ll make sure you have everything you need to have the best cycling adventure.
More information, pricing and directions on their website.
Horse Riding on the Beach
Outdoor adventure seekers will want to add this activity to their KZN bucket lists. Horse riding on the beach and watching the sunrise over the Indian Ocean from your saddle with waves lapping at your horse’s hooves must surely rank highly on any bucket list. Gary’s Beach Rides is located in Warner Beach, Durban – less than an hour’s drive south of the North Star
“This small piece of paradise is only 20 minutes South of Durban and boasts some of the widest and longest beaches in KZN. What better way is there to enjoy this scenery than on horseback? Gary can accommodate from novices to professionals as well as the old and the young. Riding lessons for adults and children are also available.”
More information, pricing and directions on their website.
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We hope you enjoy all the outdoor adventures that the Umhlanga area has to offer – remember if you are looking for that perfect beach getaway the North Star has stunning beach views from all 7 luxury rooms AND direct access to the beach. You can book your stay here.