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Where to stay in Umhlanga
Umhlanga has everything from grand beachfront hotels to self-catering apartments with sea views. Here’s how the area breaks down.
Umhlanga Rocks village and the beachfront
The heart of Umhlanga, around Lighthouse Road and the promenade. Hotels, holiday apartments and timeshare resorts sit right above the beach, and you can walk to the restaurants, cafes and the lighthouse.
It is the best choice if you want to be on the sea and do without the car.
Umhlanga Ridge
Up the hill around Gateway and the Pearls, Umhlanga Ridge has modern business and lifestyle hotels, serviced apartments and restaurants. It suits business travellers and shoppers, and the beach is a short drive away.
The north end towards the lagoon
Towards the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve the beachfront is quieter, with resorts and apartments close to the dune forest trails and long empty stretches of sand towards Umdloti.
La Lucia and nearby
Just south, La Lucia is mostly residential with holiday rentals and guest houses close to the beach. For self-catering by a tidal pool in a smaller village, Umdloti is ten minutes north.
Tips for booking
December, Easter and the July school holidays book up early, so plan ahead. Check whether a sea-view room really faces the sea, whether parking is included and how far you are from the main swimming beaches.
Local businesses
Browse the Explore Umhlanga directory. Run a business here? List it for free as one of our founding businesses.
Questions people ask
Is Umhlanga a good place to stay?
Yes. It is safe and walkable, with beaches, restaurants, shopping and nature reserves close together, and it is about 20 minutes from both Durban and King Shaka Airport.
Should I stay in Umhlanga Rocks or Umhlanga Ridge?
Stay in Umhlanga Rocks for the beach, promenade and village restaurants. Stay on Umhlanga Ridge for Gateway, business meetings and newer hotels.
How far is Umhlanga from Durban?
About 20 minutes by car to Durban’s beachfront and city centre, depending on traffic.