Umdloti, KwaZulu-Natal

Umdloti, "(also known as Umdloti Beach)", is a small resort town in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa that is situated at the mouth of the Mdloti River north of Durban and now forms part of eThekwini, the Greater Durban Metropoliton. The name Mdloti is the Zulu word for a species of wild tobacco that grows here.

Umdloti has a permanent population of around 3,000 people but increases tenfold during the Christmas and Easter holiday season much to some local residents annoyance. Much of Umdloti real estate is owned by non-residents who let their properties to holiday makers.

Close to major shopping centres but still a peaceful small town. The town is split in two levels by a sand-dune, creating an upper and lower area of the town. A natural Rock pool by the beach creates a safe swimming area.

Umdloti is famous for dolphins that swim very close to the beach early every morning and July to November is a very good time for Whale watching when whales are seen from the beach.

Umdloti has an official website at www.umdloti.org [http://www.umdloti.org] with pages describing: climate and geography, nature and wildlife, diving spots, a whale register, tide tables, the activities of the Umdloti Conservancy, accommodation, restaurants, shops and services.