OUR STORY
More Than A Place To Stay
A Place Full Of Stories
Long before it became Umzumbe Surf Camp, this special place was known as Inora’s Cottage — a humble beach house where family and friends escaped the rush of everyday life.
For more than a century, the Walters family returned generation after generation, filling the cottage with beach holidays, weddings, late-night stories, and sun-soaked celebrations.
By 2012, time and ocean air had taken their toll. That year, Ali and Rich Walters shared a simple dream: restore the old beach house and open it up so others could experience the same magic that had shaped Rich’s family for six generations.
The doors opened to guests in December 2013. What began as a surf house for friends and surf safaris gradually grew into something more, and in 2016 the addition of the first surf bungalow transformed the Surf House into Umzumbe Surf Camp.
Today, the same spirit remains — easy living, honest hospitality, and a deep connection to the ocean.
Meet The Umzumbe Team
The heart of Umzumbe Surf Camp is the people who bring it to life every day. Without the warmth, hard work, and smiles of the team, it would simply be a place by the sea. With them, it feels like family.
Rich and Ali Walters
Owners
Rich and Ali Walters are the owners. Their household includes two dogs and two cats, which guests with allergies should note.
Nick Njapha
Surf Camp Manager
Nick has been part of Umzumbe Surf Camp for around five years. He started as a surf instructor before working his way up to manager. Growing up just 10 minutes from the camp, the role brings together everything he loves — surfing, teaching people to surf, and the relaxed Umzumbe atmosphere. And apparently, he knows all the secret surf spots… if you ask nicely.
Tiny
Housekeeping
Tiny has been part of the Surf House family for more than eight years. She loves meeting guests from around the world, sharing jokes, and helping create the friendly atmosphere that makes the Surf House feel like a second home.
Philile
Housekeeping
Philile has been working at the Surf House for around 10 years. For her, the best part is the teamwork, the people, and making sure every guest has a clean, comfortable place to relax. The goal is simple: make the Surf House feel like a home away from home and make every guest feel like part of the family.
Njabulo
Groundskeeper
Njabulo has worked at Umzumbe for around nine years. He enjoys meeting different people every day — and being close enough to the ocean to sometimes watch dolphins jumping while he works.
Right On The South Coast
Umzumbe Surf Camp is located on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, surrounded by coastal forest and the Indian Ocean.
The beach is just a few steps from the Surf House, with Umzumbe’s golden sand, tidal pools, fishing, snorkeling, and surf right on the doorstep.
Some of the South Coast’s better-known surf breaks are also within walking distance, including Umzumbe Point at Stebel Rocks.
This is a quiet beach town, so having your own car is recommended.
✓ Beach just steps away
✓ KwaZulu-Natal South Coast
✓ Coastal forest and Indian Ocean
✓ Surf breaks within walking distance
✓ Secure off-street parking
✓ Car recommended
Why Our Guests Love Us
Real stories from our guests.
