In 1864, locale of the present-day town was the southernmost point of a Colonial-declared 'Zulu Reserve' with little European contact beyond missionary activity and even less development of infrastructure by its administrators. When the province's first-ever train pulled out of Durban Station on- 22nd February 1897 - its indicator read 'Umkomaas' and the South Coast would never be the same again. The district Post Office was next to arrive, followed - in 1901 - by the first trading store - and official declaration of the town a year later. The enthusiasm of Durban's settler population for train travel made Umkomaas a popular getaway, and this picturesque spot soon become an early 'resort' .

Widenham and Clansthal are popular resorts in the vicinity of Umkomaas.

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