Attractions
New Umdloti Marine Walk Brings Convenience, Connectivity and Local Favourites to Sibaya Area
The Sibaya node has seen much activity over recent years and the catalytic projects undertaken in the area are continuing despite setbacks faced in the KZN province over the past two years. One of the most exciting projects within the Sibaya region will reach completion and be open to the public on 30th September 2022, that will have a profound impact on job creation and tourism in the Sibaya precinct. There’s no doubt that the opening of the Umdloti Marine Walk Shopping Centre will change the landscape of the Sibaya area for the better, offering residents of nearby areas a safe, convenient and family-centric retail space right on their doorstep.
Project lead on the Umdloti Marine Walk Shopping Centre, Devmco Group’s Brad Winstanley, believes that convenience and connection are two of the most important factors for people looking to change and improve their lifestyles. “We have set our sights on improving the quality of life for people in the area through this shopping centre. We are proud to have created a curated collection of retailers in a safe shopping space, with an open-air courtyard and restaurants that spill out into nature. It is a space that inspires relaxation, entertainment, and connection,” says Winstanley.
Finally opening its doors this week, the much-anticipated shopping space was built around the same philosophy of sustainability and environmental consciousness that Durban-based developers Devmco have weaved throughout the Salta development. The stylish retail space boasts large open areas and landscaped terraces for families to enjoy before, during and after their shopping – as media, influencers and stakeholders got to experience first-hand during a sneak preview event on Thursday 29 September 2022. According to Winstanley, the new mall will not only offer convenience to local shoppers from the surrounding areas but will act as a platform for local businesses to thrive.
Mzokoloko Gumede (Vuma FM) & Joel Magic (Durbanite)
“We have purposefully looked to include tenants in the centre who comprise of some of South Africa’s most popular and loved brands like Dischem, Kauai, Mr Price, Woolworths, Spar, Milady’s and Mugg & Bean. We have also hand-picked a number of owner-run and managed establishments and stores that are considered local treasures,” explains Winstanley.
Umdloti family-run business Casa Nostra have relocated their popular restaurant to the new shopping centre that has established a reputation and following in the community for 27 years. Considered a true family institution owned and run by Emanuele and Vanessa Cantatore, their authentic Italian home-style cuisine, with its focus on quality ingredients and authentic Italian flavours, will undoubtedly be a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike to the centre. “We are looking forward to offering our customers, who are like family to us, the same tried and tested menu favourites, but with a new dining experience that has something for the whole family to enjoy,” says Vanessa Cantatore.
In addition to local favourites such as Waxy O’Connors, Moustache Barber, Petland and Frozen For You – shoppers will get to enjoy the very first Woolworths W.Edit store in KZN. In a strategic move to expand their footprint to smaller malls and locations that wouldn’t necessarily be able to include the full Woolworths offering, the new W.Edit store is a boutique offering of the very best of Woolworths Fashion, Beauty, and Homeware items, curated especially for customers in the area.
Similarly, a new SUPERSPAR will welcome local residents to a flagship store that is employing and extensively training 67 previously unemployed staff members. “It has been a privilege to work with a blank canvas and build a SUPERSPAR from scratch at the Umdloti Marine Walk Shopping Centre”, says Paul Jason, co-owner of SUPERSPAR Salta. “Our vision is to exceed customers’ expectations through unbelievable service and an extraordinary shopping experience. With notable additions like a dedicated Gelato counter, a freshly made sushi station and a wood fired pizza offering, and an in-house café to sit, work, chat and eat at – not to mention a menu built by Durban legends Paul Sheppard of Marco Paulo and Raymond Friedman of Ray’s Kitchen.”
Devmco Group Director, Charles Thompson says, “We have created a shopping and lifestyle space where convenience is at the heart of this offering as we work towards redefining the customer retail experience. Retail is shifting, and customers are embracing the move to smaller, more intimate shopping zones. They no longer need to travel to the larger “city centre” malls to get their shopping done, when they can do it right here, and enjoy the same service excellence from their favourite local brands, in the fresh open air on the coast – close to home.”
As an increasing hub of residential and commercial activity, Salta Sibaya is ticking all the boxes with its exceptional product offering. A vibrant coastal lifestyle with sporting facilities and popular amenities, a close-knit community of like-minded people, and the ultimate convenience with popular retail brands, grocers, and restaurants all within close and easy proximity to your front door. A welcome addition to the area, Maine Walk during its opening weekends will offer families entertainment like LIV Choir performing on Saturday 1st October with massive opening specials at most stores during the opening weekend. Veranda Panda will also be performing at Waxy O’Connors on Friday 7th October and there will be kids entertainment over the rest of the weekend to keep youngsters entertained during the school holidays.
For more information about the Umdloti Marine Walk and all the activities on offer – follow their Instagram and Facebook pages, or visit www.marinewalk.co.za.
Author: mrjoelmagic
Just one hour outside of Durban, the Midlands Meander feels like a completely different world. Rolling green hills, misty mornings, slow drives, and the kind of quiet that forces you to breathe deeper and be present. It’s a place where time slows down, where you notice the little things; the smell of coffee drifting through the air, dogs lazing in the sun, rain tapping softly on the windows, and landscapes that feel grounding and restorative.
This is exactly what inspired The Magic of the Midlands, a digital series celebrating everything that makes this region so special, across the seasons. From where to eat and play, to where to stay, this guide highlights some of the best experiences we enjoyed during our Midlands Meander escape.
You too can plan your perfect ‘Magic of the Midlands’ escape by downloading the Midlands Meander App, your on-the-go-guide to the Midlands Meander.
Click here to download for IOS – Apple App Store
Click here to download for Android – Google Play Store
EAT
Home Slice Café
Located inside one of the original mushroom tunnels at The Old Mushroom Farm in Howick, Home Slice Café is quirky, welcoming, and an absolute must-visit.
They serve Bluebird Coffee and offer outstanding all-day breakfast options made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are picked straight from the community garden on the farm.
Other highlights:
- Free WiFi — perfect if you need a work-from-home moment
- Pet friendly, with the owners’ dogs happily wandering in and out and settling at your feet
It’s the kind of place you arrive for a coffee… and end up staying for hours.
Give them a follow:
FB: @Homeslicecafekzn
IG: @home_slice_cafe
Bite Society
Located in a gorgeous corner building at The Old Mushroom Farm in Howick, Bite Society is a tapas and pizzeria spot that truly captures the heart of the Midlands.
They serve wood-fired pizzas and tapas that are simple, honest, and packed with flavour. Every dish feels thoughtfully prepared and incredibly satisfying.
The space itself is full of country charm, with shabby-chic decor, vintage mismatched pieces, and a warmth that makes you feel like you’re dining in someone’s home. It’s personal, community-driven, and incredibly special.
Amazing food, beautiful atmosphere, and a place that brings people together — a Midlands gem.
Give them a follow:
FB: @Bite-Society-61574810636533
IG: @bite_society_
Skyfall Restaurant
We were treated to a three-course lunch at Skyfall Restaurant located inside Brahman Hills, and it was perfection from start to finish.
Elegant in style and set against sweeping views of the Brahman Hills Legacy Garden, the atmosphere is calm, refined, and unhurried, the kind of place where you’re encouraged to linger and truly enjoy the experience. The service was warm, attentive, and seamless throughout.
To start, we ordered the confit pork croquettes, which were plated with incredible precision and attention to detail. They looked beautiful and tasted just as good, crisp on the outside, rich and flavourful inside. Another standout starter (and our favourite) was the beef trinchado, deeply flavourful, comforting, and made with beautifully tender meat.
For mains, we shared the tallow-aged fillet of beef, served with a roasted bone marrow that added incredible depth and richness to the dish. The fillet was cooked perfectly medium, exactly as requested, and finished with a creamy pepper sauce that tied everything together beautifully.
We also enjoyed the herb-crusted rack of lamb, which paired perfectly with a bottle of red wine and was cooked to perfection.
Dessert was just as memorable. We tried the chocolate lava as well as the trio of gelato, featuring berry, Belgian chocolate, and hazelnut flavours, all absolutely incredible and the perfect way to end the meal.
This experience alone is worth the drive to the Midlands. A stroll through the gardens, followed by a leisurely lunch at Skyfall makes for the ultimate day trip.
Give them a follow:
FB: @brahmanhills
IG: @brahmanhills
Terbodore Coffee Bar
Primarily a coffee bar, Terbodore Coffee Roasters are all about exceptional coffee done properly. Alongside their smooth, consistently excellent brews, they also offer a selection of fresh pastries and on-the-go snacks, making it the perfect pit stop whether you’re travelling through or settling in for a slower morning.
After 18 years in Curry’s Post, Terbodore Coffee Roasters has relocated its coffee bar and roastery to the picturesque town of Howick, marking an exciting new chapter for this much-loved Midlands brand. Their new home at 70 Main Road, Howick, feels fresh and contemporary while still retaining the warmth and quality they’re known for.
With a roastery onsite and WiFi available, it’s also a great option for working remotely while enjoying really good coffee.
Give them a follow:
FB: @Terbodore
IG: @terbodorecoffee
Wedgewood Midlands Emporium
If you’re in the Midlands, a visit to the Wedgewood Midlands Emporium is non-negotiable.
We visited their emporium located in Piggly Wiggly, and it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Known for serving the best ice cream in the Midlands, this stop delivers on every level.
Luxurious, indulgent, and completely unforgettable, the ice cream is unmatched. Add incredible service and the rich history of the brand, and you’ve got a stop you’ll return to again and again.
Give them a follow:
FB: @wedgewoodnougat
IG: @wedgewoodnougat
PLAY
Stockowners Outdoor Park
Stockowners Outdoor Park is a fantastic space for couples, families, and anyone looking to play, relax, or do a bit of everything.
Facilities include:
- Café
- Driving range
- Cricket nets
- Pump track
- Motocross & enduro tracks
- Jungle gym & mini zip line
We tried the driving range, grabbing a bucket of 50 balls — and as a couple who doesn’t play golf, we had the best time.
Targets and appliances are set up in front of you, turning it into a fun challenge rather than a serious game.
Rain or shine, this is a great stop, with plenty of fresh air to enjoy.
Give them a follow:
FB: @therangeatstockowners
IG: @stockowners_outdoor_park
Karkloof Canopy Tour
The Karkloof Canopy Tour is a bucket-list experience we cannot recommend enough.
You zipline through the second-largest indigenous forest in Southern Africa, which already makes this adventure incredibly special. The day we went was misty, grey, and drizzly, and honestly, it made the experience even more magical. Think ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ vibes as you glide above treetops wrapped in fog.
The tour is a 2-hour adventure made up of 10 zip lines, guided by highly experienced and professional guides who make you feel completely safe from start to finish.
Good to know:
- Suitable for ages 6 years and older
- Maximum weight limit: 130kg
- Don’t let “bad weather” scare you off, cooler temperatures and moody scenery only add to the magic
With breathtaking views, an immersive forest setting, and an unforgettable sense of adventure, this is a 10/10 experience and a must-do when visiting the Midlands.
Give them a follow:
FB: @karkloofcanopy
IG: @karkloofcanopytour
Brahman Hills Garden Tour
The Brahman Hills Legacy Garden is truly spectacular.
Built and established in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, the gardens are the result of teamwork, creativity, and resilience. When tourism came to a halt, staff worked together to create something extraordinary.
We did a guided tour with Abongile, who shared his personal journey in helping build the gardens, along with fascinating insights into the flora and fauna.
Highlights include:
- The breathtaking Grotto, where you go underground to view a statue of Medusa — eerie, mystical, and unforgettable
- Sculptures and art scattered throughout the gardens
While you can explore the gardens on your own, we highly recommend opting for the guided tour. Hearing the stories and context behind the gardens adds so much depth and appreciation to the experience and truly brings the space to life.
Entrance to the gardens is only R90 per person (if you’re not making use of any of the other facilities), and we would 100% recommend even doing this as a simple day trip, enjoying a leisurely garden tour followed by lunch, just as we did.
Give them a follow:
FB: @brahmanhills
IG: @brahmanhills
STAY
The Old Mushroom Farm
We stayed in one of The Old Mushroom Farm’s boutique apartments, and it was nothing short of exceptional.
The apartment comfortably sleeps four guests, with one king bed and two single beds, making it ideal for couples, friends, or a small family. One of our favourite features was the cosy nook, perfect for slow mornings with coffee, reading, or simply switching off.
A clever and thoughtful setup allows for the best of both worlds:
- Bed & Breakfast at the onsite Home Slice Café, or
- Self-catering, thanks to a fully equipped kitchen in the apartment.
The decor is vintage-industrial, with high ceilings, beautiful natural light, and so much character. The apartments are refurbished storage units from the original mushroom farm, which adds to the charm and history of the space.
The best part? You don’t even need to leave the property. With a coffee shop (Home Slice Café) and restaurant (Bite Society) onsite, all your meals are covered from breakfast through to dinner.
Super comfortable, thoughtfully designed, and full of soul, this is a must-stay in the Midlands.
Give them a follow:
FB: @theoldmushroomfarmkarkloof
IG: @theoldmushroomfarm
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
Author: mrjoelmagic
