Living in the buzzing hub of Umhlanga presents a variety of facilities at your doorstep. With access to the best restaurants, bars, and fun indoor and outdoor amenities you get to experience world-class activities just a stone’s throw away from your home! While we all know the hotspots in Umhlanga, we take a look at some of the hidden gems you need to explore.

Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve

Despite being a bustling business hub that now offers pristine high rises, Umhlanga offers a range of outdoor facilities like the beach and coastal dune forest entree. A hidden gem that even the locals forget about is the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve. The reserve presents 26 hectares on the shore of the vast Indian Ocean with coastal forest to explore inland. Nestled in the northern end of Lagoon drive, start a tranquil walk on the trails provided or settle in for a lunchtime picnic. This treasured nature offering is one the best options to spend summer mornings or weekend hikes through before retiring to a relaxing day at the beach.

The Press Club

The ideal spot for your Sunday brunch, the Press Club promotes fun, family, and delicious food in a warm yet refreshing environment located inside Umhlanga Centre on Ridge Road. The restaurants provide a quaint, old school authentic ambiance that will leave you filled with 80’s nostalgia. Find the best coffee in Umhlanga paired with a delicious life-changing toasted cheese bun at this hotspot that has reemerged after closing its doors in the 1980’s.

Umgeni River Bird Park

While Umhlanga showcases some of the most amazing beaches on the east coast, the Umgeni River Bird Park is a delightful alternative to visit and explore the 3.5 hectares of tropical area that hosts over 200 bird species. Located a short 15-minute drive away, this educational park focuses on conservation and biodiversity awareness, and are always finding ways to educate and entertain visitors.

Shoots and leaves

A real hidden gem located on Park Lane, within close proximity to the Busamed Gateway Private Hospital, Shoots and Leaves presents a unique take on harvest table dining. Offering the freshest local ingredients, you can visit the light and airy, open-plan restaurant that offers a set lunchtime menu with an offering of a protein and delicious sautéed salads. If you have a sweet tooth or coffee craving, stop by and grab a brownie on your morning coffee run and place an order for lunch.

Ridge Town Central offers the ideal location to access some of Umhlanga’s best offerings while presenting perfect proximity to these local finds. Why not stop over at one of these amenities over the weekend and explore something different.