Umkomaas: Reef, Nature and Regional Discoveries

Umkomaas combines nature experiences in town with a reef just off the coast and possible views of the wider surrounding region. This makes it an interesting place if you are weighing different priorities for your trip: a shark cage diving trip, time in the Nature Reserve, or insights into cultural and leisure activities in the broader destination of Durban Metro.

Sea and Reef off the Coast

Aliwal Shoal lies just off the coast of Umkomaas. Its underwater world includes corals, reef fish and turtles. The trip description from Aliwal Dive Centre is a separate matter: shark cage diving trips depart from Umkomaas and travel through the surf zone to an area south of Aliwal Shoal. Sea conditions and availability may vary; check availability if you are planning such a trip.

If you would rather experience the landscape from above, the wider surrounding region offers a different kind of excursion. During a flight experience with World Of Wings, possible views may include Durban Harbour, Umkomaas, Aliwal Shoal, Scottburgh and the Wild Coast. These places are possible sights, not a guarantee of a particular flight route or that every view will be visible.

Time in Nature at Empisini Nature Reserve

Empisini Nature Reserve is located in Umkomaas and offers picnic spots at a scenic dam, several hiking trails and good birdwatching opportunities. Animals can also be part of the nature experience: vervet monkeys, large-spotted genets and blue duikers may be found there. What you will see is uncertain; these species are possible encounters, not guaranteed sightings.

There are several ways to spend time outdoors: you can explore the trails, enjoy a picnic in the area around the dam, or focus on birdwatching. Check current access to the reserve and the condition of its facilities before your trip. This helps keep your plans aligned with the conditions on site.

Culture and Leisure in Durban Metro

The broader destination of Durban Metro also offers its own attractions. The eThekwini municipal museums include the Durban Local History Museums for cultural and historical heritage, the Durban Art Gallery for visual art, and the Durban Natural Science Museum for natural science aspects of heritage. There are 19 Local History Museums sites in eThekwini, all managed by the Municipality.

For other interests, uShaka Sea World offers an aquarium as well as dolphin shows, seal viewing and penguin presentations. uShaka Wet n Wild is a water park. The shows are a separate programme item; their schedule may change. These attractions are part of the wider Durban Metro area and should be considered separately from Umkomaas’s nature destinations when deciding what you want from your trip. The eThekwini Municipality itself also stretches geographically from cosmopolitan coastal areas in the north to rugged valleys in the west.

Choosing the Right Place to Stay

If Aliwal Shoal and Empisini Nature Reserve are your main interests, Umkomaas is a good place to search for a holiday apartment: the reef lies just off the coast, and the reserve is in town. If you also want to focus on museums, an aquarium, shows or a water park, include Durban Metro in your considerations as the broader destination.

Discover more destinations: Durban South, Berea, Westville, Hillcrest, Westbrook, Mpumalanga, Waterfall, Pinetown.

View the broader travel overview: Ethekwini.