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 SouthCoast 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.
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, ...