Situated at the mouth of the Mtentweni River, the small South Coast town of Umtentweni is named after a species of grass which grows on its banks. Spread out along a 4km long stretch of KZN South Coast beach, this popular South Coast holiday resort offers excellent fishing, surfing and swimming - or simply sit on the Umtentweni beach and watch the dolphins go by. Every year around June, Umtentweni comes alive with excitement when the annual KZN South Coast Sardine Run takes place, as the sardines migrate northwards from the Eastern Cape, bringing with them a variety of larger game fish in hot pursuit.
Besides Umtentweni beach activities, take the family to the nearby Riverbend Crocodile Farm, home to about 200 Nile crocodiles, where visitors can watch live feeding sessions which prove to be rather exciting. The crocodile farm's well known Crocpot Restaurant serves breakfasts all day, and is renowned for it's cream teas, said to boast the best waffles and lemon meringue on the KZN South coast! For supplies, Umtentweni is only a few kilometres from Port Shepstone shopping malls.
For the South Coast adventure seeker, make sure to visit Oribi Gorge 20km inland from Umtentweni. Oribi Gorge - 'a place of echoes', is a 400 metre deep gorge that is the largest and most spectacular gorge in KwaZulu Natal. Located on the western side of Oribi Gorge is the five thousand acre Lake Eland Nature Reserve, home to an abundance of wildlife, including giraffe, zebra and eland. This South Coast reserve has 4x4 trails, horse riding, hiking, and variety of caves which visitors can explore. The reserve also has picnic sites with braai facilities, and a tea garden and curio shop. (Visit Where To Stay for overnight Oribi Gorge accommodation).
Umtentweni is only a 5 minute drive from the ever-popular Port Shepstone Golf Club, and no more than 20 minutes from numerous other South Coast golf courses.......all worth playing and all with their own unique challenges. Selborne Golf Club, Wild Coast Country Club and Southbroom Golf Club require upfront bookings to ensure no disappointment
There's tons of Umtentweni accommodation on offer, from Umtentweni Hotel accommodation, to Umtentweni Caravan or Camping accommodation, and Umtentweni Self Catering accommodation. Visit the Where To Stay Umtentweni accommodation page to view all the options.
South Coast towns North of Umtentweni accommodation with Where To Stay listings :
South Coast, Sea Park Accommodation - 4.3km from Umtentweni Accommodation
Sandwiched between the South Coast towns of Umtentweni and Southport, Sea Park is known as the place to 'get away from it all'. It's in Sea Park that you will find unspoiled beaches perfect for those long lazy days of sunbathing, paddling in the surf and fishing, then walking back up the beach to your Sea Park Self Catering accommodation, where you fire up the braai for yet another warm, balmy tropical evening. Several Sea Park Self Catering accommodation units are Pet Friendly, and invite you to make family holidays complete by taking your four-legged friends with you! For the larger family, choose Sea Park Self Catering accommodation that sleeps ten or more. See the Where To Stay Sea Park accommodation page for all these options. Although the main Sea Park swimming beach is more than adequate, a short beach walk to Umtentweni Beach is worth the stroll. Sea Park is ideal for those large-family, affordable holidays
South Coast, Southport Accommodation - 5.9km from Umtentweni Accommodation
Also Ideal for affordable family beach holidays, the quaint KZN South Coast town of Southport lies just 4km North of Sea Park accommodation, and is known for its beautiful, secluded beach. Southport may be considered a 'sleepy' South Coast town, but nothing can compare to the peace and tranquillity that can be found in Southport. For idyllic sunbathing, fishing, diving and snorkelling, Southport is the South Coast town you choose to do absolutely nothing, yet you are close enough to other bustling KwaZulu Natal Hibiscus Coast towns if you need to live it up a little.
Southport accommodation offers Star Graded Southport Self Catering accommodation right on the water's edge, and unique Southport Tented accommodation at Thandulula - 'a little corner of God's Earth'.
South Coast, Anerley Accommodation - 7.4km from Umtentweni Accommodation
The small South Coast resort town of Anerley lies about 12 minutes North of Port Shepstone, and is one of those Hibiscus Coast towns where you can expect life to slow down considerably, except during the holiday season, when the Anerley beaches are busy with others also intent on finding a quiet, peaceful South Coast spot in the sun. Surrounded by a stunning coastal forest filled an abundant bird life and plenty of beautiful picnic spots, Anerley Beach has a lovely tidal pool which is super for the little ones, and for the older 'kids' there's deep sea fishing, rock angling, diving and snorkelling.
For 'off the beach' entertainment, you'll find six international golf courses nearby, as well as fantastic restaurants, shopping centres, casinos, libraries, museums, churches and cinemas.
Anerley Self Catering accommodation offers you the likes of Anerley Lodge, where your comfort is guaranteed!.
South Coast, Mellville Beach and Banana Beach Accommodation - 9.3km & 9.7km from Umtentweni Accommodation
Melville Beach and Banana Beach on the South Coast of KZN offer perfect peace and tranquillity on beautiful unspoilt beaches. Lying in the midst of an abundance of wild banana trees and indigenous vegetation teeming with birdlife, Melville Beach and Banana Beach offer hours of idle sunbathing, walking, shell gathering and snorkelling in rock pools filled with spectacular sea life. Banana Beach lies just a short walk from Melville Beach, and is safe for swimming with life-guards on duty during the holidays. Fishing from the beach and rocks is ideal, then dolphin watch practically all year round, especially from May to August.
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment. There are no fewer than seven golf courses in the South Coast area, and a number of Game Reserves between Scottburgh and Port Edward. Oribi and Mpenjati Nature Reserves are within 30kms, and offer hiking and abseiling opportunities. The Wild Coast Sun Resort and Casino is a very popular day trip, and the Uvongo Bird Park offers hours of bird watching. The nearest shops to Melville Beach and Banana Beach are just a couple of kilometres to the South at Southport.
For 'on the beach' South Coast accommodation, visit the Where To Stay Melville Beach and Banana Beach accommodation page.
South Coast towns South of Umtentweni accommodation with Where To Stay listings :
South Coast, Port Shepstone Accommodation - 4.7km from Umtentweni Accommodation
A popular tourist destination on the KZN South Coast, Port Shepstone has 20kms of beautiful South Coast beaches stretching North and South on the Hibiscus Coast, which provide opportunities for excellent surfing, fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming. Port Shepstone is also the South Coast town where the 'home of all rivers' - the mighty Mzimkulu River meets the sea. Here you can take a boat trip and spot wildlife along the river banks, or river raft, canoe, windsurf and water ski.
For those who prefer dry ground, the Port Shepstone Country Club is one of the best South Coast golf courses, and known as a gem on the golfing circuit for its warm and sunny year-round climate. The Port Shepstone Country Club offers an eighteen hole golf course with a wide variety of golfing challenges, after which you can share your experiences with the local golfers at the 19th hole and clubhouse. Port Shepstone Golf Club is genuinely one of the friendliest clubs on the entire KwaZulu Natal South Coast, with a mellow atmosphere created through "after golf weekend music", and splendid well-priced weekend braai dinners etc.
Of historical interest is the Port Shepstone Museum, which provides visitors with a glimpse into the history of the town. Another interesting South Coast site is the cast iron 27,000 candle-power Port Shepstone Lighthouse built in 1906, which can be found at the mouth of the Mzimkulu River.
Port Shepstone offers a wide variety of interesting restaurants which includes the popular Schooners Galley, famous for its great seafood, or the Leopard Rock Coffee Shop which will feed you delicious homemade meals in a tranquil ambience.
When surfing the Where To Stay website for accommodation, you will find Port Shepstone Self Catering accommodation situated right on the South bank of the Umzimkulu River, where you can wake to the sound of the resident Fish Eagles.
South Coast, Oslo Beach Accommodation - 6.5km from Umtentweni Accommodation
Nestled between Shelly Beach and Port Shepstone on the South Coast, quiet Oslo Beach is known as the place to surf and fish. This unspoilt South Coast paradise offers spectacular Oslo Beach Self Catering accommodation surrounded by vegetation dappled with indigenous wildflowers, and Oslo Beach Bed & Breakfast accommodation right on the edge of the sea. At Oslo Beach Lodge (Self Catering accommodation in Oslo Beach), on-site Barney's Restaurant specialises in steaks and sea food, and the Flintstones Pub has a full liquor licence and serves delicious pub grub! Easy access to Shelly Beach shopping malls.
South Coast, Shelly Beach Accommodation - 12.1km from Umtentweni Accommodation
If it's South Coast shopping you're after, the Shelly Centre in Shelly Beach is the biggest shopping centre on the South Coast, with 6 cinemas, various restaurants and shops, it's only 5 minutes from St Michaels-on-Sea accommodation, and an easy 10 minutes from Uvongo accommodation.
Shelly Beach gets its name from the wide variety of shells that can be found on the beach after high tide, and this beautiful South Coast Blue Flag beach with its submerged reefs has shark nets, and is patrolled by lifeguards during school holidays. To get up close and personal with Shelly Beach marine life, South Coast Ocean Safaris will take you 'into the blue'.
If it's South Coast scuba diving you're into, there's a reef about 1500 metres out to sea which is very popular with divers, as well as the renowned Pretoria Banks reef 7km out to sea, which is also a popular diving destination teeming with fish and sharks.
Thrill the kids with a visit to the Pure Venom Reptile Park at Shelly Beach, said to be the largest reptile farm in Africa. This South Coast reptile park has an amazing collection of indigenous and exotic reptiles, which include both alligators and crocodiles. While at the park one can also stop by the "Creepy Curio Shop" which sells curios, unique clothing and accessories.
You'll find an impressive range of Shelly Beach accommodation ideally situated on the picturesque South Coast beachfront in close proximity to essential amenities. Shelly Beach Self Catering accommodation guarantees unforgettable family holiday fun, and Shelly Beach Bed & Breakfast accommodation set in a lush indigenous South Coast foliage creates a restful haven for visitors.
South Coast, St Michaels-on-Sea Accommodation - 15km from Umtentweni Accommodation
The surfer’s paradise of St Michaels-on-Sea is another fantastic South Coast holiday spot which lies adjacent to Uvongo accommodation. Although St Michaels-on-Sea Beach is not a Blue Flag certified beach, it is protected by shark nets, and patrolled by lifeguards during school holidays. This tranquil and idyllic little South Coast town offers a plethora of stunning St Michaels-on-Sea Self Catering accommodation, and Star Graded St Michaels-on-Sea Bed & Breakfast accommodation just 100m away from the beach. Visit the Where To Stay St Michaels-on-Sea accommodation page for the full menu.
While in St Michaels-on-Sea, do yourself a favour and eat at C-Bali, a stylish seafood restaurant overlooking St Michaels-on-Sea Beach. Here you can indulge in the 'Flying Dutchman Potjie', a medley of seafood in a creamy garlic and parsley sauce served in a truly South African way.
South Coast towns over 20km South of Umtentweni accommodation with Where To Stay listings :
- South Coast, Margate accommodation - 23km from Umtentweni accommodation. Margate accommodation is profuse, ranging from Star Graded Margate Hotel accommodation, and Margate Bed & Breakfast accommodation just a stone's throw away from Margate Beach. Margate Holiday Resort accommodation provides endless on-site facilities, and superbly located Margate Self Catering accommodation offers unsurpassed sea views. See the full menu on the Where To Stay Margate accommodation page.
- South Coast, Manaba Beach accommodation - 23.7km from Umtentweni accommodation. You will find magnificent Manaba Beach Self Catering Cottage accommodation perched right on this quiet but popular South Coast, Blue Flag beach. Manaba Beach Self Catering Apartment accommodation will dazzle you with 180 degree breaker views, and at the ultra luxury Manaba Beach Self Catering Apartment accommodation Martinique 5, you're invited to set up base and experience a "Golf Coast Holiday". For more details on these fabulous South Coast, Manaba Beach accommodation establishments, visit the Where To Stay Manaba Beach accommodation page.
- South Coast, Uvongo accommodation - 24.4km from Umtentweni accommodation. Uvongo is awash with stunning beachfront Uvongo Self Catering accommodation affording one the most exquisite sea views, making Uvongo an ideal base from where to explore the lower KwaZulu Natal South Coast. Visit the Where To Stay Uvongo accommodation page for more info on these terrific Uvongo accommodation options.
Visit The Where To Stay Umtentweni, South Coast Accommodation Page
It is our mission to search for, and recruit a wide selection of suitable Umtentweni, South Coast accommodation, particularly the more popular categories such as Umtentweni Bed & Breakfast accommodation, Umtentweni Self Catering accommodation, Umtentweni Guest House accommodation, and other Umtentweni lodges such as Self Catering Cottages in Umtentweni, and Umtentweni, South Coast Hotels.
We strive to present a mixture of upmarket Umtentweni accommodation, and affordable accommodation (to suit all pockets and tastes), especially for Self Catering accommodation in Umtentweni, which is a category more geared for family holiday accommodation in Umtentweni. Umtentweni Hotels should be considered for business or holiday accommodation in Umtentweni (or in towns near Umtentweni).
Suitable Umtentweni, South Coast accommodation can also be found in nearby towns :
North of Umtentweni : Sea Park - 4.3km from Umtentweni accommodation; Southport - 5.9km from Umtentweni accommodation; Anerley - 7.4km from Umtentweni accommodation; Mellville Beach and Banana Beach - 9.3km & 9.7km from Umtentweni Accommodation.
South of Umtentweni : Port Shepstone - 4.7km from Umtentweni accommodation; Oslo Beach - 6.5km from Umtentweni accommodation;
Shelly Beach - 12.1km from Umtentweni accommodation; St Michaels-on-Sea - 15km from Umtentweni accommodation; Margate - 23km from Umtentweni accommodation; Manaba Beach - 23.7km from Umtentweni accommodation; Uvongo - 24.4km from Umtentweni accommodation.
We recommend that, if in doubt about accommodation quality, and to put your mind at ease, you should consider Star Graded accommodation in Umtentweni, South Coast, whether it be Star Graded Self Catering Umtentweni accommodation, or Star Graded Umtentweni Bed & Breakfast accommodation. See here for our Star Graded Umtentweni accommodation page.
Be sure to check our other Special Categories for Umtentweni Pet Friendly accommodation, or Umtentweni Conference accommodation, Umtentweni Wedding Venues and Umtentweni accommodation that sleeps 10 or more persons, etc. etc.
Afrikaans alternate search phrase - Umtentweni akommodasie or Umtentweni akomodasie.