Umkomaas between reef and nature

When planning a visit to Umkomaas, three themes can be distinguished: Aliwal Shoal off the coast, Empisini Nature Reserve in town, and possible views during a flying experience. They offer different perspectives on the surroundings: marine life on the reef, nature and trails in the reserve, and views that may extend beyond the town. For your travel plans, it helps to keep these geographical areas distinct.

Aliwal Shoal and shark cage diving

Aliwal Shoal lies just off the coast of Umkomaas. The reef is home to corals, reef fish and turtles. Aliwal Dive Centre departs from Umkomaas for shark cage diving trips. The trips travel through the surf zone to an area south of Aliwal Shoal. The reef off the coast and the trips’ destination area to its south are therefore different points of reference. Sea conditions and availability may vary.

If you are interested in marine life, the reef offers a different focus from the nature activities in town. The Dive Centre’s trip description connects Umkomaas with a route through the surf zone and a destination area south of the reef. This may be a helpful distinction when planning if you are choosing between the reef and a shark cage diving trip.

Trails and wildlife at Empisini Nature Reserve

Empisini Nature Reserve in Umkomaas offers picnic facilities at a scenic dam, several hiking trails and good birdwatching opportunities. Animals that may be seen there include vervet monkeys, large-spotted genets and blue duikers. These animals are possible sightings, not guaranteed encounters. Before your trip, check current access to the reserve and the facilities available there.

Empisini Nature Reserve therefore offers different activities from Aliwal Shoal: picnicking, hiking and birdwatching rather than marine life and the reef. Its various trails and wildlife-viewing opportunities give the nature reserve its own character. Which animals you encounter may vary; the species mentioned are among those that may be found there.

Possible views and the wider Durban Metro destination

During a flying experience with World Of Wings, possible aerial views include Durban Harbour, Umkomaas, Aliwal Shoal, Scottburgh and, as far as the Wild Coast. These are possible sights; a particular route or sighting is not guaranteed. The view may therefore take in a wider area than Umkomaas itself.

Cultural and other attractions are also part of the wider Durban Metro destination. The eThekwini municipal museums include the Durban Local History Museums, which focus on cultural and historical heritage; the Durban Art Gallery, which focuses on visual art; and the Durban Natural Science Museum, which covers natural science aspects of heritage. The Local History Museums comprise 19 sites, all managed directly by the Municipality. The number of sites may change.

Within the wider Durban Metro destination, the eThekwini Municipality stretches from cosmopolitan coastal areas in the north to rugged valleys in the west. Other attractions there include uShaka Sea World, an aquarium with dolphin shows, seal viewing and penguin presentations, as well as uShaka Wet n Wild, a water park. The uShaka Sea World show schedule may change. Thus, the regional context includes not only Umkomaas’s coastal and nature themes but also museums and other types of attractions in Durban Metro.

Discover more destinations: Mt Edgecombe, Durban South, Westville, Berea, Pinetown, Hillcrest, Waterfall, Westbrook

For the wider travel overview: Ethekwini.