Umhlanga Beach

  • Umhlanga Beach - South Africa
  • Umhlanga Beach - South Africa
    © South African Tourism / CC BY Pinterest
  • Umhlanga Beach - South Africa

Set on KwaZulu-Natal’s Sugar Coast, just north of Durban is the buzzing resort town of Umhlanga. With the golden sand of the beach meeting the warm waters of the Indian Ocean it is little wonder the beachfront here has become home to a number of luxury hotels and apartments. Some of these actually predate the resort; the Oyster Box, a luxury hotel was originally a beach cottage around which the beachfront has grown.

It is this combination of natural assets and the vibrant, upmarket backdrop which make Umhlanga such a popular spot with both locals and visitors. The promenade that runs behind the beach is always buzzing and there are an array of nice cafes and bars to sit out at and enjoy the scene.

There are two instantly recognizable features right on the beach at Umhlanga. The first and oldest is the 21 metre high red and white lighthouse which helps ships navigate into port at Durban. The other is Umhlanga’s iconic pier with its whalebone structure. Recently the US media giant CNN cited the pier at Umhlanga as the most beautiful in the world!

On the activities side of things Umhlanga Rocks is a well known surf spot. There is also some great diving here with the corals of Dolphin reef just offshore and the deeper site of Lighthouse reef which should appeal to more experienced divers.

Nearest town/city

Durban

Submit a correction

More KwaZulu-Natal beaches in South Africa

Current weather (Thu Mar 28th 14:00)

()
17°C / 63°F

Sea temperature

25.3°C
77.6°F

Umhlanga Beach surf forecasts

Umhlanga BeachFull weather & tide times info »