Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Umhlanga Rocks Lighthouse

Fl (3) W 20s🇿🇦Eastern South Africa, ZAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Umhlanga Rocks Lighthouse

This lighthouse features a white, round concrete tower topped with red. Completed in 1954, the structure stands 21 meters tall with a focal height of 24 meters. It emits a flashing white light with a geographic range of 24 nautical miles. Additionally, a fixed red light is visible between 010 and 030 degrees. The tower is unmanned and actively operational.

Why it matters: The fixed red light assists vessels approaching Durban Harbor by indicating proximity to the shore.

Background
The uMhlanga Rocks Lighthouse was completed in 1954 and stands on the beach in uMhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal. It is unmanned and active. The round concrete tower is white below and red above. The lighthouse is 21 m high and has a focal plane of 25 m above the high water mark. The tower has a 600,000 CD electric light, which is mounted on a rotating system and can be seen 24 nautical miles away, as well as a fixed red light. The red light enables ships outside Durban Harbor to monitor their position. If the red light can be seen, the ship is too close to shore.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) W 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
24m
Geographic Range
24NM

Location

City
Eastern South Africa
Country
🇿🇦ZA
Latitude
-29.7286°
Longitude
31.0881°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
21m
Tower Shape
round
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: White round concrete tower, red top; 69. F.R. 10 Visible 010°-030°

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
D6480
NGA No.
D 6480
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q13036249 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Umhlanga Rocks Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near ZA, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Umhlanga Rocks Lighthouse at night?+
Umhlanga Rocks displays the characteristic Fl (3) W 20s — 3 white flashes every 20 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Umhlanga Rocks Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Umhlanga Rocks Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Durban at 9.7 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Island View (9.7 NM SSW), New Germany (11.5 NM WSW), Pennington (44.2 NM SSW), Sezela (46.4 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Umhlanga Rocks Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Umhlanga Rocks Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Umhlanga Rocks Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Umhlanga Rocks Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.