Umhlanga Lighthouse
An iconic red and white lighthouse on the coast, offering stunning promenade walks and ocean views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light and fewer crowds
Umhlanga Lighthouse
Best Time
Magical light and fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic red and white lighthouse on the coast, offering stunning promenade walks and ocean views.
"Magnificent! You get a nice view of it from the whalebone pier."
🌅 Sunrise/Sunset Magic
Experience breathtaking views and a calmer atmosphere during sunrise or sunset.
🚶♀️ Promenade Strolls
Enjoy walking, jogging, or skating along the well-kept promenade with ocean breezes. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Umhlanga Lighthouse
Umhlanga Rocks
Iconic red and white beacon, still operational, offering a picturesque landmark against the ocean backdrop.

Whalebone Pier
Umhlanga Beach Promenade
A scenic pier offering stunning views of the lighthouse and coastline, perfect for a leisurely walk.

Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve
Adjacent to the promenade
A tranquil coastal forest with hiking trails, offering a natural escape with diverse wildlife and birdlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Exploring the Umhlanga Promenade
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunrise/Sunset Magic
Experience breathtaking views and a calmer atmosphere during sunrise or sunset.
🚶♀️ Promenade Strolls
Enjoy walking, jogging, or skating along the well-kept promenade with ocean breezes. :athletic_shoe:
🐾 Pet-Friendly Paths
Leashed pets are welcome on the promenade for a shared outdoor experience. :dog:
☕ Nearby Refreshments
Grab snacks and drinks from stalls along the promenade for a convenient break. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunrise/Sunset Magic
Experience breathtaking views and a calmer atmosphere during sunrise or sunset.
🚶♀️ Promenade Strolls
Enjoy walking, jogging, or skating along the well-kept promenade with ocean breezes. :athletic_shoe:
🐾 Pet-Friendly Paths
Leashed pets are welcome on the promenade for a shared outdoor experience. :dog:
☕ Nearby Refreshments
Grab snacks and drinks from stalls along the promenade for a convenient break. :coffee:
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be busy; arrive early, especially during peak hours or weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Umhlanga Lighthouse area for its stunning coastal beauty and the iconic lighthouse itself. The well-maintained promenade and Whalebone Pier are highlighted as perfect spots for leisurely walks, enjoying ocean breezes, and capturing beautiful sunrise/sunset views. It's considered a must-visit for its scenic appeal and relaxed atmosphere.
"Magnificent! You get a nice view of it from the whalebone pier.
The lighthouse is still operational. You can see three flashes every 20 seconds or so."
Wesley Govender
"Beautiful view of the lighthouse, and you can go out onto Whalebone pier. There is a lovely path to walk on, and there are little stalls where you can get something to drink and eat. Pet friendly for pets on a leash."
Sheariah Ailès
"Such a beautiful place to walk/ jog/ run/ skate with beautiful sunset and views. And add to that, the landmark lighthouse of umhalanga.
If you're in Durban, this is a must to go and take a stroll along the beach. Well kept and clean area.
No tickets. Free to walk. Parking also available."
Ammar Majeed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Umhlanga Lighthouse is located in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby. It's also a central point along the Umhlanga Promenade, accessible by foot if you're staying in the area.
While specific bus routes directly to the lighthouse might vary, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Umhlanga and can take you to the promenade area.
Walking or cycling along the Umhlanga Promenade is highly recommended for the best experience, allowing you to enjoy the coastal views and access various points of interest.
Yes, you can drive to the vicinity of the Umhlanga Lighthouse. There is parking available along the promenade, though it can get busy during peak times.
The Umhlanga Promenade is generally flat and well-paved, making it accessible for most. However, specific areas might have slight inclines.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the Umhlanga Lighthouse or walk along the promenade. It's a free public space.
The Umhlanga Promenade and the area around the lighthouse are generally accessible at all times, though specific amenities like shops may have their own operating hours.
Currently, public access inside the Umhlanga Lighthouse is not typically offered. Visitors can admire it from the outside and the surrounding promenade.
Parking fees may apply in designated parking areas along the Umhlanga Promenade. It's advisable to check local signage for current rates.
The promenade is generally safe, especially when well-lit and populated. However, as with any public space, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks on the promenade, admire the lighthouse, visit the Whalebone Pier, and explore the nearby Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve.
Yes, the Umhlanga Lighthouse is still operational and emits three flashes every 20 seconds, serving as a navigational aid.
The Whalebone Pier offers excellent vantage points for photos with the lighthouse. The promenade itself provides beautiful coastal backdrops, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Yes, there are numerous shops and cafes along the Umhlanga Promenade where you can buy snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
The nearby Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve is known for its diverse birdlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Umhlanga Rocks area boasts a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries along the promenade and in the nearby village, offering diverse culinary experiences.
Yes, many restaurants in Umhlanga cater to families, offering varied menus and a welcoming atmosphere.
While there aren't designated picnic areas directly at the lighthouse, you can enjoy a picnic on the beach or in the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve. Remember to clean up after yourself.
Yes, Umhlanga offers sophisticated high tea experiences, such as those at the Radisson Blu's Firelake restaurant, often featuring live music.
Umhlanga offers a diverse culinary scene, including local South African flavors, seafood, international cuisine, and fine dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Golden hour provides a warm glow, while the blue hour after sunset can create stunning silhouettes.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse with its surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or wildlife in the nature reserve. A drone offers unique aerial perspectives.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and ensure you have any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.
Yes, the lighthouse is illuminated and its flashing light can be captured at night, creating interesting long-exposure shots.
Beyond the lighthouse, consider capturing the Whalebone Pier, the waves crashing on the beach, the coastal forest of the nature reserve, and the vibrant sunsets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Fitness Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Umhlanga Lighthouse
Many visitors are drawn to its photogenic qualities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The lighthouse is a central feature along the popular Umhlanga Promenade, offering a picturesque backdrop for strolls and activities. While you can't typically go inside, its exterior presence is a significant draw for tourists and locals alike.
Its history is tied to the maritime importance of the region, guiding ships safely along this stretch of coastline. The lighthouse's presence adds a sense of history and charm to the modern coastal town of Umhlanga.
Exploring the Umhlanga Promenade and Whalebone Pier
Connecting to the promenade is the Whalebone Pier, an architectural marvel that extends into the ocean. Its unique design, inspired by whale skeletons, provides a fantastic vantage point to admire the Umhlanga Lighthouse and the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. It's a popular spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset, and offers a tranquil escape from the bustling beach.
Along the promenade, you'll find various amenities, including coffee shops and stalls selling refreshments, making it convenient to spend an extended period enjoying the coastal atmosphere. The area is also pet-friendly for leashed animals, allowing everyone to share in the beauty of Umhlanga.
Nature's Embrace: Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve
Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, from coastal bush to mangrove areas, and are likely to encounter various bird species, small mammals, and reptiles. The trails are generally well-marked, offering opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and simply immersing oneself in the tranquility of the natural environment.
It's an ideal spot for those seeking a bit of adventure and a connection with nature during their visit to Umhlanga. The reserve is best explored in the early morning to witness the vibrant life and enjoy the cooler temperatures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit