Umgababa is a rural community area with a large marketplace for tourists in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It forms part of eThekwini.
The river valley's name uMgababa is of Zulu origin meaning My father's wife, its origin from a tribal feud.
The Umgababa River (originally "Umkababa", which means "my father's wife") enters the ocean at Umgababa. Its origin is at an elevation of 51 meters above sea level. Umgababa River is also known as Umtateni River. The name is derived from an ancient Zulu Chief Luthuli who used to live in the valley. The Chief of Umgababa is Phathisizwe Philbert Luthuli.
Litchis are produced in this region.
There once was a large titanium mine here but it closed due to serious sea pollution.
In a few years it has grown from a rural area into a tourist site. The area now hosts the biggest annual year-end event consisting of many popular South African musicians on New Year's Eve. Currently there are plans to build amphitheatres and permanent performance stages.