Explore the Heart of South Africa: Nature, Culture, Adventure

Umkomaas

Afrikaans name: Umkomaas

Umkomaas beach

Umkomaas

Photo © Steven Herbert

KwaZulu-Natal

The town of Umkomaas was established way back in 1861 when a harbour was established to export sugar.

The town is situated at the mouth of the Mkhomazi River which, in the Zulu language, refers back to a time when whales used to give birth to their calves in the area. Wouldn't it be great if this still happened today?

Umkomaas has historically had an Italian influence which dates back to the time when the huge Saiccor plant was built nearby.

Umkomaas is known around the world as the launch spot for divers wanting to visit Aliwal Shoal. The shoal is 5 km from the shore and boats full of divers shuttle backwards and forwards.

Have you been to Umkomaas for a diving trip or other purpose?



References and further reading

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 216

The Dive Sites of South Africa - Author: Anton Koornhof - Published: 1992 - Page: 114

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 115

Reader s Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 332

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 223

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 127

Conolly s Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 190

Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2019 - Page: 150

For more info: Wikipedia


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Weekend away in Umkomaas

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