Province of KwaZulu-Natal Travel Forum

I'm from the UK, looking to stay for 2 weeks near Durban with my mother & daughter; my mother is visiting her brother there but me & daughter will be holidaymakers. I've seen what looks like a great place to stay on the southern side of Umdloti; it's practically on the beach and me & my daughter think it looks fun. My mother says it will be dangerous, esp at night - she is thinking of muggings etc not snakes.

Pls can anyone let me know how realistic this view is? I've Googled the place & it looks quite sleepy; there are only 570 refs to "crime umdloti" compared to + 300,000 for "crime Jo'burg" & nothing for "car jacking". I think she's over-reacting.

help - I don't want to stay in a gated bungalow in Durban when I could be staying in a beach house on the Indian Ocean!!

thanks in advance
Siobhan

Just be sensible and carefull, walking around after sunset alone is always a bad idea wherever you are. Do not wear jewelry or expensive cameras etc openly. If you are aware of what is going on around you and always go around with someone else you'll be fine. Follow your gut, if someone or a situation feels uncomfortable, get out of there. Avoid poorly lit areas at night - (as you would in any city around the world)

I am sure you'll love your time in SA, great scenery, wonderful weather and warm welcoming people will make your stay unforgetable.

You can also look at Amanzimtoti. Lovely beach and nice accommodation available.

There is no doubt whatsoever that the crime rate in Durban is far worse than in Umdloti. In fact while Durban has high crime rates, Umdloti has relatively low crime rates (as per the SA Police service). With that said I probably wouldn't walk on the beach at night anywhere in South Africa unless I was with a group of people. Durban is also dirtier and is not a quiet nature-based environment like Umdloti. I definitely think you will have a far better and safer time in Umdloti than in Durban.

I have never had problems there, just dont roam around at night, lock cars and dont leave things lying around... enojy!!!We have a beautiful and wonderful country, come and enjoy it.