Upscale beachside suburb with hotels, restaurants, and the Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

About Umhlanga Rocks

Umhlanga (pronounced \'um-SHLANG-a\') has become Durban\'s most desirable address, a sophisticated beach town with luxury apartments, international restaurants, and the photogenic red-and-white Umhlanga Lighthouse standing on the rocky shore. The main beach is sheltered by shark nets and patrolled by lifeguards, making it one of the safest and most popular swimming beaches on the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

The Gateway Theatre of Shopping is the largest mall in the Southern Hemisphere by total area, featuring over 400 stores, an indoor wave pool, a climbing wall, and numerous restaurants. The Umhlanga Promenade, a beautiful boardwalk stretching from Bronze Beach to Lagoon Beach along the coast, is perfect for morning walks with ocean views. The nearby Hawaan Forest is a rare coastal forest sanctuary with walking trails. Umhlanga\'s restaurant scene includes Chris Saunders Park\'s bistros, Chartwell Drive\'s cafés, and award-winning establishments along the beachfront.

Nearby Landmarks

Umhlanga Lighthouse Gateway Theatre of Shopping Umhlanga Promenade Bronze Beach Hawaan Forest

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $15-22
Time 15-25 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $10-15
Time 15-25 min

Arrivals exit

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take Uber from King Shaka Airport to Umhlanga Rocks (ZAR 200–350, 15–25 min).
2. Follow the M4 South to the Umhlanga off-ramp.
3. Airport shuttle services also run to Umhlanga hotels.
4. Many Umhlanga hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle.
5. Metered taxi: approximately ZAR 300–450.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $15-22 15-25 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $10-15 15-25 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Uber and taxis operate 24/7 between the airport and Umhlanga (ZAR 200–350). Umhlanga's restaurants along Chartwell Drive and the promenade are open until 10:00–11:00 PM. The area is generally safe for evening walks along the main streets and promenade. After midnight, transport options are limited to Uber and pre-booked taxis.

Luggage Tips

The short airport transfer makes luggage easy to manage. Umhlanga's hotels and guest houses (Oyster Box, Beverly Hills, Teremok Marine) offer luggage storage and bell service. Gateway Mall has luggage lockers if needed. The flat promenade is fine for wheeled bags.

Accessibility

The Umhlanga Promenade is a modern boardwalk with ramps, making it one of Durban's most accessible coastal walks. Gateway Theatre of Shopping is fully accessible with elevators, accessible parking, and restrooms. Beach access involves sand—some beaches have matted pathways at certain points. Hotels in Umhlanga generally meet modern accessibility standards.