Uvongo at a glance
Area Profile: Uvongo
The picturesque village of Uvongo slopes gently down from elevated, evergreen coastal forests and rolling hills on the banks of the iVungu river. This charming coastal village offers sweeping, scenic vistas of the Indian ocean below, with secluded, unspoiled beaches, superb fishing spots, a nature reserve, beautiful scenery, and more.
Uvongo, a Zulu word translated as “the place of rushing water”, truly has one of the most beautiful beaches on the South Coast. Its sheltered beach is situated in a cove, surrounded by huge rocky walls, and is well-known for its natural waterfall, where the iVungu River spills over into a deep pool that meets the lagoon during high tide.
Many parts of Uvongo reminds one of a tropical garden village. This is very much due to the original farm owner, surveyor Thure Lilliecrona, who carefully laid out the residential areas of Uvongo, leaving a lasting legacy on this part of the Hibiscus coast. Indeed; one of the most scenic, serene streets in the village, Lilliecrona road, stretches all along the ocean, from the Uvongo fishing pier, to Lucien beach, 2.5 km away. Very popular among cyclists, walkers and joggers, this quiet street offers spectacular ocean views (keep an eye out for the resident Rock-dassie colony, Vlei loeries, Woolly-neck storks, Egyptian geese, Pied Kingfishers and of course, whales in dolphins frolicking alongside in the “Blue Indian”).
The Uvongo fishing pier is a firm favourite among anglers, all year round. The view from here is breathtaking: over Uvongo’s sheltered beach, the lagoon, its waterfall, and further up towards Orange Rocks (yet another popular fishing spot, with numerous rock pools to delight young explorers).
Uvongo Beach is popular with families, as its shallow lagoon provides safe swimming for their children, while also being shark-netted and life-guard protected, all year round. Pedal boats are available to explore the iVungu river and lagoon. The beach is also well-served by a licensed restaurant, convenience store, and a kiddie’s splash pool, with ablution facilities as well.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
The warm Indian Ocean flowing past Uvongo, provides a natural haven for a multitude of tropical fish living on the abundant South Coast coral reefs, which allows for excellent diving and snorkeling.
For those interested in water sports, neighbouring St Michaels-on-sea has good surfing waves and its lagoon is an excellent spot for pedal boating, kayaking, or windsurfing.
For the more adventurous, there are two world-renowned dive-sites nearby: Aliwal Shoal (about 5 km offshore from Scottborough), and the Protea Banks (about 8 km offshore from Shelly Beach). Experienced dive operators offer diving trips to these reefs and the chance to encounter any of at least seven shark species, with frequent sightings of Zambesi, Tiger, Ragged Tooth, and Hammerheads. Soft cage diving is also offered for less skilled divers.
South Coast fishing in and around Uvongo is superb, and the rocks off Uvongo’s shore abound with mussels, although a license is required to remove them.
For cycling and trail running enthusiasts, The Burry Stander Bike Park is only about 18 km north of Uvongo, inland from Umtentweni. For more information on this and other great biking trails, simply click: https://www.bundubashers.org/trails-bundu-bashers-mountain-bike-trails-south-coast/
For avid hikers, there is a footpath mapped out alongside Uvongo’s waterfall to reach the 28ha iVungu River Nature Reserve. Trails lead through riverine forest up against the river banks with plentiful birdlife in the canopy and on the river. Be on the lookout for the pretty purple-banded sunbird.
For the “not-so-serious”; there is a fun-run each Saturday morning; starting from neighbouring St Michaels-on-sea, to Uvongo, and back. The roughly 5 km route winds gently along Orange Rocks, offering spectacular ocean views along the way. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshment at the C-Bali restaurant (the start and finish of the “race”), while taking in the scenic views of the St Michaels’ beach, lagoon and the waves – a firm favourite of local and international surfers.
For golf lovers, Margate Country Club nearby, features superb greens and abounds with tall trees and stunning South Coast scenery. Lower South Coast golf courses are a much sought-after destination for golfing enthusiasts. These courses stretch from Southbroom Golf Club, to Port Shepstone, Selborne and Umdoni, most of which are within a leisurely hour’s drive from Durban.
Retail therapy…
Uvongo is served by numerous restaurants and convenience stores, mostly located along Marine Drive (R 102). For more “serious” shoppers, Margate’s Rendezvous Mall or it’s CBD, Shelley Beach Mall, or the landmark South Coast Mall, is where you will find anything you could possibly need or desire. Or, you could meander through the Uvongo Flea Market, held every weekend, where you can purchase that something special for a friend or loved one, or sample some of the delicious culinary creations on offer.
Also visit these other towns near Uvongo
North of Uvongo:
St Michaels-on-Sea – about 1.5 km north
Shelly Beach – about 3 km north
Oslo Beach – about 12 km north
Port Shepstone – about 15 km north
South of Uvongo:
Manaba Beach - 2.5km south from Uvongo fishing pier
San Lameer – about 15 km south
Southbroom – about 20 km south
Marina Beach – about 20 km south
Other worthwhile attractions:
Bushbuck Trail Southbroom (about 20 km south from Uvongo)
Pure Venom Reptile Park Shelly Beach (about 10 km north)
Riverbend Crocodile Farm Southbroom (about 20 km south)
Frederika Nature Reserve Southbroom (about 20 km south)
Port Shepstone Lighthouse (about 11 km north)
Mpenjati Nature Reserve (about 25 km south)
Natal Space Centre Port Edward (about 30 km south from Margate)
Umtamvuna Nature Reserve Port Edward (about 30 km south)
Butterfly Valley Farm Ramsgate (about 10 km south)
Beaver Creek Coffee Farm (about 35 km south)
References:
- https://www.sa-venues.com/accommodation/uvongo.php
- https://www.afristay.com/a/uvongo/
- https://www.wheretostay.co.za/town/uvongo/accommodation