Umlaas Cycad Centre
Cycad © Umlaas Cycad Centre
The Cycad Centre in Umlaas which lies a short distance off the N3, along the Umlaas Road in KwaZulu Natal, is managed and owned by Danie Nel. The centre is located at the end of a short dirt road, easily recognisable by its pinks walls. Nel is extremely knowledgeable on the topic of cycads, and is also the chairman of the KwaZulu Natal Cycad Society. He shares with visitors a wealth of information on the plants as he guides them through the grounds, which house about 800 various cycads.
Cycad lovers will share massive delight in the impressive variety of cycads which are grown and sold at the centre, ranging in price from R10 to R10,000. Encephalartos woodii which is a famous for being extinct in nature, and is possibly the most sought after species of cycad in the world. The Umlaas Cycad Centre also features the exceptionally rare Natalenis or ram's horn, which grows about 6m or more high, branched from the base or with a single trunk, producing leaves of up to 3m long, with a twist towards the tips. Other species found there include Inopinus, Eugenemaraisii, Middelburgensis and Laevolius .
Keen gardeners will also share an interest in Nel's propagation system, which he uses to cultivate specimens from seed, into mature plants. Other than housing international varieties of cycads from as far abroad as Madagascar, Japan and America, the centre keeps and sells a large variety of other interesting plants too, for example the golden barrel cactus, also known as giant mother-in-law's cushion, which is a round and very thorny cactus; as well as Tibetan lilies, Mandela's gold and the medicinal aloe ferox.
Visitors are able to purchase cycads at reasonable prices from the Umlaas Cycad Centre, which also exports internationally, and provides permits for the plants as well.
The Cycad Centre is open from 8am to 5pm every day of the week. For further information contact Danie Nel on (033) 251 0478.
Accommodation Near Umlaas Cycad Centre
Orchards Bed and Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Camperdown
1.3km from Umlaas Cycad CentreOrchards BnB is situated 8 KMS from KZN lion park and 10 KMS from Tala private game reserve. All 5 rooms have there own tv's and ensuite. Braai facilities are also available. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Gillys Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Camperdown
5.1km from Umlaas Cycad CentreIf you need a break from the busy city life, Gilly's offers tranquil wide open spaces, amazing views with incredible sunrises and sunsets.There is a trampoline, tennis court and an entertainment area with braai facilities for the Guests to use ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Thorner House
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Camperdown
5.4km from Umlaas Cycad CentreThorner House is a situated on our sugarcane farm, halfway between Hillcrest and Pietermaritzburg. Beautifully decorated, Thorner House offers a wonderful retreat from the busy city life. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Thorner Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Camperdown
5.4km from Umlaas Cycad CentreThorner Cottage is situated on our sugarcane farm, overlooking a lovely 4ha bass dam, which guests are welcome to make use of, and surrounded by beautiful hills which makes for lovely walks. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Lincoln Cottages Self Catering
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Pietermaritzburg
13.3km from Umlaas Cycad CentreLincoln Cottages is nestled amongst indigenous Acacia trees in the tranquil suburb of Lincoln Meade, Pietermaritzburg. We offer an ideal base from which both the business man and holiday maker can operate from …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Duvet & Crumpets Self Catering
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Pietermaritzburg
19.8km from Umlaas Cycad CentreDuvet & Crumpets offers various self-catering accommodation options. There are double/twin en-suite units as well as garden cottages. The garden cottages are ideal for "relocation" purposes and long-term stays are available. For larger groups, ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Redlands Hotel and Lodge
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Pietermaritzburg
20.1km from Umlaas Cycad CentreAll rooms have access to 11 TV channels. Internet access is provided at no additional cost. All units have baths and showers. Apart from two Parkview Lodges, all rooms have airconditioners …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Sleeping Bao B&B
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Pietermaritzburg
20.3km from Umlaas Cycad CentreAvailable are 7 individually and elegantly, fully furnished rooms overlooking well established gardens. Rooms have air conditioning / fans, all rooms are fully heated in winter. Each of the rooms have tea and coffee making facilities and TV's. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Camperdown (2.72km)
- Cato Ridge (8.16km)
- Eston (13.90km)
- Pietermaritzburg (17.97km)
- Drummond (18.97km)
- Alverstone (21.55km)
- Assagay (22.46km)
- Summerveld (22.78km)
- Botha's Hill (24.12km)
- Hillcrest (25.72km)
- 1000 Hills Area (26.41km)
- Shongweni (26.79km)
- Hilton (27.20km)
- Richmond, KZN (27.74km)
- Winston Park (28.09km)
