Durban · South Africa · KwaZulu-Natal · Indian Ocean

Durban

Durban’s Indian Ocean beaches, in the eThekwini metro, run along the central Golden Mile promenade at North Beach, South Beach and uShaka Beach, with Umhlanga Rocks Main farther north.

Golden MileNorth BeachUmhlanga Rocks Main

Choose your stretch

  • North Beach — The easiest beach on the Golden Mile promenade for a first visit · on eThekwini’s Central bathing list
  • South Beach — Central corridor · eThekwini Central list · harbour / Addington orientation
  • uShaka Beach — Central corridor near uShaka Marine World / Addington · municipal UShaka
  • Umhlanga Rocks Main — Northern eThekwini bathing stretch · separate from the Golden Mile promenade walk-off

Full stretch cards

Parking at a glance

North Beach (Golden Mile): The easiest beach on the central promenade for a first visit. It is on eThekwini’s Central bathing list, and South African Tourism features the Golden Mile and North Beach. Check the parking signs when you arrive.

South Beach / uShaka Beach: Same central corridor (eThekwini Central: South / UShaka). uShaka Marine World tickets are park attraction fees. Check the parking signs when you arrive.

Umhlanga Rocks Main: Northern municipal bathing stretch (eThekwini North list). It is a separate trip from the central promenade. Check the parking and access signs on the day.

eThekwini Beach Water Quality · SA Tourism — Golden Mile · SA Tourism — uShaka · KZNSB nets / drumlines

Best stretches and who they’re for

North Beach

The easiest beach on the Golden Mile promenade for a first visit. It is on eThekwini’s Central beach water quality list, and South African Tourism features the Golden Mile and North Beach. The city beach portal shows which beaches have lifeguards and shark nets. Check the hours and signs on the day.

South Beach

Central corridor; eThekwini Central list (South). Harbour / Addington orientation nearby. The same city portal covers water quality and lifeguards. Check the signs on the day.

uShaka Beach

Central corridor (municipal UShaka); Includes uShaka Marine World and Addington Beach. Marine World tickets are park attraction fees. It is on the same Central bathing list. Check the street and lot signs on the day.

Umhlanga Rocks Main

Northern eThekwini bathing stretch (municipal Umhlanga Rocks Main on the North list). It is a separate trip from the central promenade. Check parking and whether swimming is open on the city beach portal and the signs on site.

Notes before you pack

  • Flags / lifeguards: Follow on-site lifeguards and KZNSB shark-net notices when present. Use the eThekwini Beach Water Quality Ideal / Acceptable / Poor markers and open/closed swimming status (fortnightly).
  • North, South and uShaka beaches sit together on the central Golden Mile, while Umhlanga Rocks Main is a separate trip north.
  • uShaka Marine World charges its own park fees. Check the current prices if you plan to visit the park.
  • Check the parking signs when you arrive.
  • Tide: use SANHO / South African Tide Tables when you need heights (Durban is included).

FAQ

What is there to do near Durban?

Near Durban: sunset sails and cruises, dolphin and wildlife tours, and diving. See Off the sand for tours and tickets.

Beach safety — who to trust