Africa by Lusso

At a glance

Panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the iconic Umhlanga lighthouse
Try the famous curry buffet with at least 11 different curries to choose from
Heated swimming pool with breathtaking ocean views
Opportunity to spot dolphins from The Ocean Terrace
A South African institution

Overview

Located only a short stroll from Umhlanga village centre, this grand dame of Durban hotels has been welcoming discerning travellers since 1947 and remains a paradigm of classic colonial charm while offering all the contemporary comforts of a 5-star hotel. Choose between lavish rooms and spacious suites with garden or sea views, or villas equipped with opulent bathrooms, private pools and terraces. Known for its exceptional dining experiences, here guests can savour fresh seafood with superb sea views at The Ocean Terrace, classical fine dining at The Grill Room and elegant high tea at The Palm Court.

Be sure to head to the Lighthouse Bar, whose wide rooftop terrace is the hottest spot in Durban for kicking back with exotic cocktails. To further unwind, make your way to the secret garden spa, just steps from the Indian Ocean and the golden sands of Umhlanga beach.

When to visit

Best

Good

Varied

January

29ºC

Maximum Tempurature

20ºC

Minimum Tempurature

130mm

Average Rainfall

January is the peak of the summer season in South Africa. Days are hot and humid, interspersed with tropical thunderstorms that usually occur in the afternoons. Wildlife viewing may be a bit more challenging due to the thicker vegetation, however this is breeding season so expect to see many young animals. Bird watching is very good with many summer migrants. The increased elevation of the Drakensberg offers respite from the hot and humid conditions of the coast. This is also nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso.
February

29ºC

Maximum Tempurature

21ºC

Minimum Tempurature

110mm

Average Rainfall

As with January, February is the peak of the summer season and tends to be one of the hottest months. Days are hot and humid with notable rainfall falling in short sharp downpours in the afternoon; the moody skies make for some excellent photography. Due to the rainfall and lush vegetation many animals give birth, and bird watching is excellent with many summer migrants present. The increased elevation of the Drakensberg offers respite from the hot and humid conditions of the coast. This is also nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso.
March

27ºC

Maximum Tempurature

20ºC

Minimum Tempurature

110mm

Average Rainfall

Temperatures start to cool from the height of the summer season. It's still hot during the day but evenings and early mornings are cooler, so layers are recommended when on safari. March lies at the end of the nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso. Bird watching is still very good.
April

27ºC

Maximum Tempurature

17ºC

Minimum Tempurature

55mm

Average Rainfall

Temperatures start to cool down as South Africa starts to move into autumn. Days are still warm, dry and clear making it a good time to visit. Humidity drops and evenings and early mornings are cooler, so layers are recommended on game drives. Vegetation starts to reduce making game viewing much easier. Bird watching is still good, however many summer migrants are starting to head off to warmer climes. April is a good time for trekking in the Drakensberg as temperatures are milder and the threat of thunderstorms has abated.
May

25ºC

Maximum Tempurature

14ºC

Minimum Tempurature

50mm

Average Rainfall

May heralds the end of the summer season in South Africa, with the onset of cooler weather. However, it's still a wonderful time to visit, with mild, sunny days and clear skies. Evening and early mornings are significantly cooler than previous months, so plenty of layers are recommended when on safari, however daytime temperatures are pleasantly mild. Wildlife viewing is good as the vegetation starts to thin out. KwaZulu-Natal, with its subtropical climate, remains warm and pleasant with cooler evenings. The Drakensberg experiences warm dry days and cooler evenings, making it a good time for trekking.
June

23ºC

Maximum Tempurature

11ºC

Minimum Tempurature

31mm

Average Rainfall

June sees the first proper month of winter in South Africa. Days are clear and sunny but evenings and mornings are cool. The great sardine run occurs in June and July, when millions of sardines migrate up the coast, followed by a host of predators, attacking the mass of fish from above and below the waterline - the ultimate feeding frenzy. The elevation of the Drakensberg means temperatures are much cooler; days are warm and dry but evenings are very cold, with snow common at higher altitudes.
July

22ºC

Maximum Tempurature

11ºC

Minimum Tempurature

30mm

Average Rainfall

July is an excellent time to go on safari with less foliage and depleted water sources making wildlife viewing easier. Days are sunny and mild, however early mornings and evenings are chilly so layers are recommended. The great sardine run occurs in June and July, when millions of sardines migrate up the coast followed by a host of predators, attacking the mass of fish from above and below the waterline - the ultimate feeding frenzy.
August

23ºC

Maximum Tempurature

13ºC

Minimum Tempurature

50mm

Average Rainfall

Weather in KwaZulu-Natal is mild and dry, making this one of the best places in South Africa to visit in August. Temperatures remain the highest along the coastal areas and the sea remains warm for swimming. Temperatures drop as you move further inland with the Drakensberg experiencing cold temperatures and even snowfall.
September

23ºC

Maximum Tempurature

15ºC

Minimum Tempurature

70mm

Average Rainfall

September is a great time to visit KwaZulu-Natal as days are warm and dry and evening temperatures are mild.
October

24ºC

Maximum Tempurature

16ºC

Minimum Tempurature

90mm

Average Rainfall

October heralds the end of the dry season and temperatures are on the rise. The landscape starts to change with a return to thicker vegetation and greenery, though spotting wildlife is still easy enough at this time. KwaZulu-Natal enjoys warm, mostly dry days, although there is an increased chance of rain.
November

25ºC

Maximum Tempurature

18ºC

Minimum Tempurature

116mm

Average Rainfall

KwaZulu-Natal is hot and humid with increased rainfall, which tends to come as spectacular afternoon thunderstorms. With the rains the vegetation thickens making it more difficult to spot wildlife, and as water becomes more prevalent animals disperse. This is the time of plenty, and many animals will give birth around this time. Many migrant bird species have arrived from Europe for the breeding season. The elevation of the Drakensberg offers respite from the hot and humid conditions of the coast. November also sees the start of nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso.
December

27ºC

Maximum Tempurature

21ºC

Minimum Tempurature

102mm

Average Rainfall

December is summer in South Africa, with warm temperatures and increased rainfall. Game viewing is more challenging as the thicker vegetation reduces visibility. There is also more surface water, so wildlife moves away from waterholes. On the flip side, bird watching is excellent, with many migratory species in their breeding plumage. It's also peak nesting season for leatherback and loggerhead turtles along the beaches of Isimangaliso.

Location

The Oyster Box is located on Umhlanga’s beachfront to the north of Durban’s city centre, 20 minutes from King Shaka International Airport.

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