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A mall with a difference
Gateway Mall, Umhlanga
Surfing at Gateway Mall's Wave House in Umhlanga.
© Wave House
Did you know?
Wave House features the only double point break wave of its kind in the world.
Indoor rock climbing might not be the first activity that comes to mind when considering adventure destinations, but when it's the world's highest indoor climb it's hard to resist this thrilling attraction.
The Gateway Mall, Umhlanga, a shopping complex on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, is the first entertainment and shopping venue of its kind in the world. Aside from its many shops, the mall also boasts a number of top-notch adventure and leisure facilities, including this awesome rock climb and the biggest skateboarding park in South Africa.
Standing 23 metres high, The Rock indoor climbing wall offers routes for everyone, with everything from easy to incredibly challenging climbs. It has hosted climbers from 3 to 78-years-old and also makes provision for professionals.
Outside you can enjoy Gateway's renowned board sports and skating facility - the Wave House. It features 2 flow riders which can be surfed on body or surf boards, as well as the formidable Durbanicus Rex double point wave, for body boarding, surfing and wakeboarding.
The rides are suitable for all ages and abilities and professional instructors are on hand to assist. A super-tube arena is also available, offering 4 water slides with tube rides.
The Wave House's second draw card is its skate park. Designed by the acclaimed pro skateboarder Tony Hawk, this 4 000m² park features a 3 metre high vertical ramp, 6 courses, and a kidney bowl, the only one in southern Africa.
Both venues regularly host international competitions with some of the biggest names in adventure sports. Whether you're participating or watching from the Wave House cocktail bar, you're in for an action-packed outing.
Off-road enthusiasts are also catered for with a 4x4 track. Get behind the wheel and experience ridges, rivers, canyons and near vertical inclines that will get your heart pumping double-time.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Gateway Mall
No. 1 Palm Boulevard
Umhlanga Ridge
New Town Centre
Tel: +27 (0) 31 566 2332
Fax: +27 (0) 31 514 0592
Email: gatewaypr@primelife.co.za
How to get here
Fly directly from any of South Africa’s major cities to Durban. From Durban, take the N2 north towards Stanger. Take the Umhlanga off-ramp and then follow the signs to Gateway. If you’re driving, from Johannesburg take the N3 to Durban, and from Cape Town, the N2 to Umhlanga.
Around the area
The Umhlanga Lighthouse; Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve; canopy tours at nearby Ballito; the beaches of Umhlanga, Ballito, Blythedale, Prince’s Grant and Sheffield; a round of golf at the Umhlali, Zimbali and Mt. Edgecombe golf courses.
What to pack
The sun is almost always shining in this part of South Africa so don't forget to pack a hat and plenty of sunscreen.
What to eat
There are a variety of restaurants to choose from at Gateway, but authentic Durban curries and bunny chow (meat or vegetable curry in a half-loaf of bread) are musts.
What's happening
Regular music concerts and local and international skating and boarding events take place at Gateway's Wave House throughout the year. There's also the Summer Carnival at Umhlanga over December.
Best buys
Tons of shops with loads of great South African buys, including locally made arts and crafts, clothes and curios.