Durban is a real gem by the sea. Skyscrapers, sunshine and seashells combine here into an unusual surf holiday! Visitors are surprised by how big the surfing scene is within the city; and revel in the fact they can combine this with the culture, history and nightlife that comes with a large settlement.
There are several large events taking place in Durban throughout the year. One of these is a huge racing event in July, that add an extra dimension to any surf trip!
There are a decent number of Durban Surf Camps, both within and near to the city. The great thing about surfing in Durban is the warm water. For most of the year wetsuits are not needed, if they are it’s usually just a wetsuit top.
The opportunity to experience native African life is unique to Durban Surf Camps, although Cape Town and Jeffreys Bay have their own natural attractions.
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Pumula Surf Camp
Pumula is one of few Durban Surf Camps that is run by a local, young family, ensuring each and every visitor has the greatest experience of the area from people who grew up here and know it best! The camp lies just outside of Durban City in the serene seaside town of Pumula, surrounded by lush forests while remaining just minutes from stretches of beautiful beaches.
Pumula Surf Camp welcomes guests into their family way of life, inviting all to join daily yoga and surf sessions. Visitors are also encouraged to use locally grown produce from the kitchen garden to prepare healthy meals in the shared kitchen.
A final point worth noting – guests here must love animals! The property is shared with a pack of friendly dogs, some cats, chickens and of course the indigenous wildlife of the area! It’s normal to see vervet monkeys, porcupines, bush buck, tons of birds and much more.
Guests stay in a cosy, homely surf house that sleeps ten people in three bedrooms sharing two bathrooms. Bedroom one is called ‘The Funky Wild Dorm Room’! This sleeps four people on two bunks. Bedroom two is ‘The Family Room’, featuring two singles and a queen size bed.
Decor here is described as ‘serene’, with amble storage and space for excitable children! Finally, in bedroom three we have ‘The Sun Room’, which sleeps just two in a beach style room.
Umzumbe Surf Camp
Umzumbe is one of the Durban Surf Camps able to boast about their impeccable TripAdvisor score – rated 5/5 consistently! It is also ranked number one amongst speciality lodgings in it’s area.
Reviewers claim this is down to the young couple running the property, who are equally passionate about surfing, as they are about beach life and running this beautiful property! They claim this is their dream job, and greatly enjoy teaching guests, from beginners to those wishing to better hone their skills.
Umzumbe’s golden sand is just a few steps from the backdoor, in which there is a a private stretch exclusively enjoyed by guests at the surf camp. Alternatively, guests can hang in one of the multiple common spaces. For example, the yoga deck, patio chairs, hammocks or just on the lawn!
Groups of up to four can hire either the banana or beach bungalow. These properties are tucked away in the tropical bush, and house a kitchenette, private bathroom and outdoor shower to wash off all that sand!
Alternatively, couples can sleep in a queen bed in the beach room, or a double in the bamboo room; and groups can hire beds in the mixed dorms, one sleeping four, the other sleeping five. There is also an option to camp in the front garden for around R100 a night!
