Inland from the coastal resorts of Salt Rock and SheffieldBeach is the farming village of Umhlali.
Established by English and Scottish settlers in 1850, it was the site of a fort which led to it originally being called FortWilliam. Umhlali is the Zulu name for the Monkey Orange tree which grew abundantly along the banks of the UmhlaliRiver. The name also means place of waiting , because settlers and locals would have to wait on the river bank before crossing the water.
Umhlali has a quaint and unique SugarVillage theme, offering home-made treats and fresh farm produce.
Future plans include the establishment of a SugarMuseum to allow visitors the chance to witness the crushing of sugar cane and sample the iced juice. Highlight of the collection of historic memorabilia will be a locomotive originally used for hauling cane to the mill.
Agricultural activities range from intensive crop production and mixed farming in winter rainfall and high summer rainfall areas to cattle ranching in the bushveld and sheep farming in the arid regions. Maize is most widely grown, followed by wheat, oats, ...
