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Road Tripping From Durban To Umngazi Hotel & Spa

Posted on: January 1, 2024, in Latest News

What To Expect And Where To Stop Along The Way

Umngazi Hotel & Spa is just a six to seven hour drive from King Shaka Airport in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You can drive it in one go, or take it slow and stop along the way.

Banana plantations, sugarcane farms, rocky beaches, and beautiful tropical scenery await on the journey. If you’ve never driven the route before, here’s a list of popular pit stops, along with a few tips to help you feel prepared and comfortable for the drive ahead.

If you’d rather arrive by air, Umngazi Hotel & Spa also offers a Fly-In service.

Coffee Stops to Break the Trip

MacBanana and Beaver Creek are two unique coffee shops in Port Edward, approximately 2.5 hours from King Shaka Airport and just off the N2.

MacBanana is the perfect place to stock up on car snacks, or as South Africans call it, padkos. They stock everything from olives and biltong to fresh-from-the-hive honey and other sweet treats. There’s also a quaint on-site restaurant with a lovely dam view, so it’s worth enjoying a cuppa before hitting the road again.

Beaver Creek, meanwhile, offers coffee-lovers a range of delicious blends using beans grown on-site. Visitors can enjoy a farm tour, or pop into the deli for a range of unique local products to take along for the holiday.

Detours to Be Aware Of

After passing through Port Edward and Bizana, the route continues on the R61 towards Port St Johns (en route to the Umngazi turnoff). At this point, it’s worth taking the detour around Flagstaff rather than driving through the town, since it can get busy during the day. Flagstaff sits approximately 4.5–5 hours from the airport — see the full location details here. There are also two stop-and-go points along this stretch: one just after Flagstaff, and another after Port St Johns.

Petrol & Toilet Break

As the Umngazi turnoff gets closer, it’s worth stopping at the Lusikisiki Engen petrol station. Here, you can fill up the tank, take a loo break (R2 gets you access to clean toilets), and grab refreshments for the final stretch. This makes an ideal last pit stop before the hotel, which is now just over an hour away.

Arriving at Umngazi Hotel & Spa

Finally, you’ve reached your destination. From here, it’s time to kick off your shoes, let down your hair, and enjoy a holiday filled with beaching, eating, sleeping, spa-ing, and exploring the spectacular Umngazi surroundings. Guests can choose from a range of adventurous outdoor activities, as well as relaxing spaces to unwind in the sun.

To discuss routes, transport options, or anything else related to your trip, or to book your stay, please enquire or call 047-564 1115/6/8/9. The team would love to be part of your journey.

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