Umhlanga Beach

Location Spotlight: Umhlanga Beach

Durban Film Office | Filmmakers’ Location Guide

Modern Elegance Meets Coastal Perfection

Few coastal locations in South Africa rival the visual sophistication and pristine natural beauty of Umhlanga Beach. Situated just north of Durban, this upmarket destination offers a visually rich environment filled with golden sands, dramatic waves, luxury backdrops, and the iconic Umhlanga Lighthouse—a perfect setting for filmmakers seeking glamour, romance, aspiration, or coastal drama.

Coordinates

📍 Umhlanga Main Beach (near the lighthouse):
Decimal: -29.726287, 31.084788
DMS: 29°43'34.6"S 31°05'05.2"E

Why Umhlanga Beach Captivates Location Scouts

🌊 Visually Iconic

• The Umhlanga Lighthouse is a film-friendly landmark instantly recognizable and aesthetically timeless—ideal for anchor shots, product placements, or symbolic storytelling.

• The beach features soft dunes, rocky outcrops, and tidal pools that create dynamic visuals across multiple shooting styles and genres.

🏨 Luxury Coastline

• Surrounded by high-end hotels, upmarket apartments, and boutique cafés, Umhlanga is perfect for stories involving wealth, travel, romance, or international intrigue.

• Lavish backdrops for fashion shoots, music videos, or premium ad campaigns.

🚶‍♀️ Film-Friendly Infrastructure

• Scenic coastal walkway runs parallel to the beach, ideal for tracking shots, running sequences, or establishing lifestyle visuals.

• Clean, maintained public access points with nearby parking, accommodation, and crew catering options.

📸 Natural Light Advantage

• East-facing beach allows for breathtaking sunrise scenes and silhouetted moments against the ocean.

• Crystal-clear light with minimal smog for crisp, color-rich visuals—great for drone footage.

Perfect For

• Romantic dramas, honeymoon scenes, and aspirational travel promos

• Fashion and beauty campaigns with ocean and luxury tones

• Drama and suspense films needing upscale, cosmopolitan energy

• Documentaries about South Africa’s coastal developments or marine life

Quick Facts

• Location: Umhlanga, Durban North, KwaZulu-Natal

• Distance from Durban CBD: ±20 minutes

• Distance from King Shaka International Airport: ±15 minutes

• Permit Required: Yes – via Durban Film Office

• Nearby Amenities: Restaurants, 5-star hotels, lifeguard towers, public restrooms

• Best Time to Film: Sunrise (for east light) and golden hour (for glowing luxury shots)

• Weather: Subtropical, mostly sunny year-round

Explore Umhlanga Beach

Whether you need serene ocean vistas, urban elegance by the sea, or an aesthetic-rich destination for premium visuals, Umhlanga Beach is where your scene levels up. Its polished look, cinematic infrastructure, and natural grandeur make it one of South Africa’s most desirable film locations.

Connect with the Durban Film Office to arrange site visits, permits, and production support.