Brandon's Guidebook
My Favorite Restaurants
Located in Umdloti 50m from your doorstep.
Travelers' Choice2019 Winner
Established in 2004, Bel Punto is the sister restaurant to well known La Casa Nostra also in the Umdloti Village. Bel Punto is a modern and casual chic establishment with a contemporary feel and outstanding panoramic sea views no matter where you are seated.
92 locals recommend
Bel Punto
1 S Beach RdLocated in Umdloti 50m from your doorstep.
Travelers' Choice2019 Winner
Established in 2004, Bel Punto is the sister restaurant to well known La Casa Nostra also in the Umdloti Village. Bel Punto is a modern and casual chic establishment with a contemporary feel and outstanding panoramic sea views no matter where you are seated.
Located in Umdloti 300m from your doorstep.
Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence2016 - 2019 Winner
OUR FOOD
A family run Italian trattoria since 1996. Locals and out-of-towners refer to it as ‘a little piece of Italy in Umdloti’. Red and White checked table cloths with brick and terracotta walls, create a setting that is warm and cosy inside and for those nature lovers there is a wonderful partially covered alfresco terrace set amongst the trees. The name La Casa Nostra means “Our Home” and it truly is a home away from home dinning experience.
38 locals recommend
La Casa Nostra
Marine DriveLocated in Umdloti 300m from your doorstep.
Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence2016 - 2019 Winner
OUR FOOD
A family run Italian trattoria since 1996. Locals and out-of-towners refer to it as ‘a little piece of Italy in Umdloti’. Red and White checked table cloths with brick and terracotta walls, create a setting that is warm and cosy inside and for those nature lovers there is a wonderful partially covered alfresco terrace set amongst the trees. The name La Casa Nostra means “Our Home” and it truly is a home away from home dinning experience.
Spice is situatted about 15m drive on the M4 North it a quiet town called Westbrook.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!
A harmonious Indo-continental resturant full of infusion of spices,
where the classics are given a modern twirl. This is a personal favorite when I am looking to go somewhere on those beautiful afternoons and evenings where there is no wind and you want to dine on the shore in a quiet area.
32 locals recommend
Spice Restaurant
37 N Beach RdSpice is situatted about 15m drive on the M4 North it a quiet town called Westbrook.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!
A harmonious Indo-continental resturant full of infusion of spices,
where the classics are given a modern twirl. This is a personal favorite when I am looking to go somewhere on those beautiful afternoons and evenings where there is no wind and you want to dine on the shore in a quiet area.
My Favorite Cafes
Located in Umdloti 50m from your doorstep
Great place to get your caffiene fix on your doorstep. They do not sell breakfast although they also sell great smoothies, fresh juices to start your summer day.
12 locals recommend
Selections Café & Shop
1 S Beach RdLocated in Umdloti 50m from your doorstep
Great place to get your caffiene fix on your doorstep. They do not sell breakfast although they also sell great smoothies, fresh juices to start your summer day.
10 min drive from Umdloti in the heart of Umhlanga Village.
This is a great breakfast place spot that always seems to have a morning buzz with all the locals. They specialize in making all their bread fresh with some different approaches to the standard breakfast .
Mary & Joe
14 Chartwell Dr10 min drive from Umdloti in the heart of Umhlanga Village.
This is a great breakfast place spot that always seems to have a morning buzz with all the locals. They specialize in making all their bread fresh with some different approaches to the standard breakfast .
Neighborhoods
Between the rolling hills of sugar cane fields, indigenous forests and KwaZulu Natal's beautiful dolphin coast, lies a quaint, peaceful little town called Umdloti. Umdloti is named after the Mdloti river just North of the town. The Zulu's gave the river that name because of the Wild Tobacco plants that grew on the sand Banks. Although Umdloti is approximately 25km North of Durban, there is only a permanent population of about 3000 people. During the Holiday seasons, hundreds of holiday makers flock from Durban and all over the country to enjoy KZN's Hot sun, warm waters and Umdloti's beautiful beaches.
Umdloti is divided into 2 levels by a large sand dune. At the base of the sand dune, is a road that takes you parallel and in between Umdloti's golden sandy beaches, Hotels, Accommodation, restaurants and picturesque side cafes.
Umdloti's most popular beach boasts one of the largest natural tidal pools in the Southern Hemisphere, creating protection for swimmers, youngsters and sea bathers from rough seas and strong ocean currents. Along with this Natural protection, are shark nets and a team of experienced Lifesavers who are always on the watch for help. At low tide, you can hop onto the rocks that surround the Large tidal pool to see the small marine life that inhabit the many rock pools.
There are many exciting activities to do at Umdloti, including: Para-gliding, micro lighting, parachuting, Windsurfing, Kite surfing, Kayaking, surfing, jet skiing, fishing, Quad-biking and even swims with Dolphins.
For the less enthusiastic, take a long walk along the beach, North, towards Mdloti's river Estuary, or simply grab a book, some sun tan lotion and enjoy the sound of crashing waves and South African sun.
55 locals recommend
Umdloti Beach
Between the rolling hills of sugar cane fields, indigenous forests and KwaZulu Natal's beautiful dolphin coast, lies a quaint, peaceful little town called Umdloti. Umdloti is named after the Mdloti river just North of the town. The Zulu's gave the river that name because of the Wild Tobacco plants that grew on the sand Banks. Although Umdloti is approximately 25km North of Durban, there is only a permanent population of about 3000 people. During the Holiday seasons, hundreds of holiday makers flock from Durban and all over the country to enjoy KZN's Hot sun, warm waters and Umdloti's beautiful beaches.
Umdloti is divided into 2 levels by a large sand dune. At the base of the sand dune, is a road that takes you parallel and in between Umdloti's golden sandy beaches, Hotels, Accommodation, restaurants and picturesque side cafes.
Umdloti's most popular beach boasts one of the largest natural tidal pools in the Southern Hemisphere, creating protection for swimmers, youngsters and sea bathers from rough seas and strong ocean currents. Along with this Natural protection, are shark nets and a team of experienced Lifesavers who are always on the watch for help. At low tide, you can hop onto the rocks that surround the Large tidal pool to see the small marine life that inhabit the many rock pools.
There are many exciting activities to do at Umdloti, including: Para-gliding, micro lighting, parachuting, Windsurfing, Kite surfing, Kayaking, surfing, jet skiing, fishing, Quad-biking and even swims with Dolphins.
For the less enthusiastic, take a long walk along the beach, North, towards Mdloti's river Estuary, or simply grab a book, some sun tan lotion and enjoy the sound of crashing waves and South African sun.
Drinks and Fun
About a 20 min drive into the Ballito from Umdloti in the marketplace at Lifestyle centre lies a craft gin bar. I highly recommend visiting to any gin and craft drink lover. The menu is extensive with very interesting combinations that was super tasty. On the weekends there is a great buzz with live music and a cosmopolitan feel.
It is an overall great place to go hang out and catch up with friends. Right next to this is some great restaurants listed in my guide book.
About Alchemy:
Alchemy is inspired by tradition and moved by innovation. They proudly stock many craft drinks produced in South Africa, with a strong focus on gin, of course. Speak to their team for suggestions and inspiration.
31 locals recommend
Alchemy Bar
About a 20 min drive into the Ballito from Umdloti in the marketplace at Lifestyle centre lies a craft gin bar. I highly recommend visiting to any gin and craft drink lover. The menu is extensive with very interesting combinations that was super tasty. On the weekends there is a great buzz with live music and a cosmopolitan feel.
It is an overall great place to go hang out and catch up with friends. Right next to this is some great restaurants listed in my guide book.
About Alchemy:
Alchemy is inspired by tradition and moved by innovation. They proudly stock many craft drinks produced in South Africa, with a strong focus on gin, of course. Speak to their team for suggestions and inspiration.
100m from your doorstep in Umdloti lies Bush tavern.
This is an excellent restaurant that provides value for money hearty pub food with a variety South Africans favorite drinks on tap and available.
They tend to have all the top sports games live on the Tv's or live bands playing for entertainment on the weekends.
80 locals recommend
Bush Tavern, Umdloti
1 S Beach Rd100m from your doorstep in Umdloti lies Bush tavern.
This is an excellent restaurant that provides value for money hearty pub food with a variety South Africans favorite drinks on tap and available.
They tend to have all the top sports games live on the Tv's or live bands playing for entertainment on the weekends.
Sightseeing
A road trip if you feeling adventurous!
The Midlands Meander in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, is a collection of arranged routes that offer visitors hospitality in truly beautiful surroundings, outstanding accommodation, conference and wedding facilities, fascinating local events, fabulous cuisine and restaurants, revitalising outdoor activities and over-the-top adventure sports, historic landmarks, wildlife conservation, and best of all “shop-till-you-drop” unique arts and crafts. An easy one-hour drive from Durban.
This is a beautiful drive with loads of interesting places to stop along the way.
Here is a list of places to see:
https://www.getaway.co.za/travel-ideas/things-to-do/things-to-see-and-do-kzn-midlands-meander/
30 locals recommend
Midlands Meander Association Office
N3A road trip if you feeling adventurous!
The Midlands Meander in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, is a collection of arranged routes that offer visitors hospitality in truly beautiful surroundings, outstanding accommodation, conference and wedding facilities, fascinating local events, fabulous cuisine and restaurants, revitalising outdoor activities and over-the-top adventure sports, historic landmarks, wildlife conservation, and best of all “shop-till-you-drop” unique arts and crafts. An easy one-hour drive from Durban.
This is a beautiful drive with loads of interesting places to stop along the way.
Here is a list of places to see:
https://www.getaway.co.za/travel-ideas/things-to-do/things-to-see-and-do-kzn-midlands-meander/