Christmas & New Year Surf Camp on KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast

Umzumbe is about 90 minutes south of Durban on the KZN South Coast, a stretch of coastline that gets consistent swell through the southern hemisphere summer. That's the reason the camp runs its Christmas and New Year packages when it does — December and January are warm, the water is swimmable without a wetsuit for much of the day, and the point at Umzumbe produces long, rolling waves rather than the punchier beach breaks further north.

The surf setup is straightforward: coached sessions with the camp's instructors, boards available to use, and a schedule that flexes around conditions. Beginners typically start on the inside section of the point or on the adjacent beach break, learning to paddle, pop up and read the wave. Intermediates and above head further along the point to work on trimming, turning and getting longer rides. Because the point is a long, relatively slow wave, it's genuinely good for people trying to build time on the board rather than just get pounded.

Days aren't only surfing. There's usually a morning session, breakfast back at camp, then free time — the beach, the tidal pools, a walk along the river mouth, or a nap. Afternoon sessions happen when the wind and tide suit. In the evenings people cook together, braai, or head to one of the small local spots nearby.

The Christmas and New Year packages add festive meals and a celebration on the 31st, along with a Christmas Day get-together. Guests tend to be a mix of solo travellers, couples and small groups of friends, with a wide age range — the kind of crowd that forms fast when everyone's sharing a kitchen and a lineup.

What separates this from a bigger commercial surf resort is size and location. Umzumbe is quiet, the camp is small, and the wave out front is the main attraction rather than a resort pool or a bar. You get more water time and a lot more local character, at a much lower price than the holiday camps up the coast.

What's included

- Christmas and New Year's package stay at the camp - Surf coaching sessions - Use of surfboards - Christmas Day braai and group meal - New Year's Eve celebration and braai - Communal kitchen and camp facilities - Beach access a short walk from the camp

What's not included

- Flights to and from Durban - Airport or town transfers (can be arranged on request) - Travel insurance - Meals outside the festive package meals - Wetsuit hire, if you need one - Personal expenses and drinks - Day trips and activities booked locally