DURBAN

Durban

Durban brings amazing weather, glorious tropical nature and is truly one of the best destinations in South Africa. Make sure it is firmly on your travel list!

Durban in a nutshell

Everybody loves Durban. The weather is glorious year-round, it’s a tropical paradise with plenty of entertainment options and beautiful beaches, dining out is a dream and the people are warm and friendly. An eclectic, laidback surfer’s paradise, Durban is a dream come true for a holidaymaker, with its inimitable charm, stunning tropical vegetation and the ever-present Zulu culture.

It’s more colonial than anywhere else in South Africa, which adds to its very special charm, a mix of African, colonial European and Indian influences evident in the markets and the food wherever you go.

It’s hard to choose which beach to visit, because the Durban coastline is filled with lovely surprises. But the most popular ones are found along the Golden Mile as well as in Umhlanga further north. And when you tire of basking in the sun, you can visit historic homes, amazing art galleries or the impressive uShaka Marine World theme park, swim with sharks or try your luck at a casino. And that’s just the start…

Tropical beach vibes in Durban are amazing.

Best time to visit: With its year-round glorious weather, Durban is a great place to visit during any season. June to August, in the winter months, is the most temperate.

Best Area for Sightseeing: There’s so much to see and do, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Take a look at Things to do in Durban below for some good ideas.

Shopping in Durban: The choices are endless… from charming authentic handicrafts to arts and crafts, high fashion and everything in between. Durban’s I Heart Market takes place on the first Saturday of the month at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, and there’s also the fascinating Victoria Street Market, or Indian Market, for anything and everything Indian. Authentic handicrafts abound at the African Art Center, a fair trade shot and gallery where locals sell their wares.

Food & Restaurants in Durban: Durban’s dining scene is excellent, with a choice of fine dining or local dishes, Indian curries and everything in between. 

Nightlife: The city’s lively nightlife offerings include plenty of music and entertainment at various hotels, clubs and casinos around town and along the coast.

Beaches: Beautiful beaches abound in the city, especially along Durban’s Golden Mile, offering superb swimming and surfing options. South Beach is great for beginner surfers and families, North Beach offers bodyboarding, paddle boarding and swimming, New Pier, or Dairy Beach is another surfers’ favoriteand the Bay of Plenty is great for swimming and fishing. Umhlanga in the north offers more glorious golden sand.

Things to do in Durban:

• See the largest collection of marine animals on earth including seals and dolphins at the exceptional uShaka Marine World theme park. 
• Soak up the sun or go surfing on an endless choice of gorgeous golden beaches.
• Take the SkyCar to the panoramic viewing platfrom at Moses Mabhida Stadium for jaw-dropping scenery.
• Enjoy the tranquil tropical splendor of the Durban Botanic Gardens.
• View a host of indigenous and exotic birds at the iconic Umgeni River Bird Park.
• Have a bite to eat at bustling Wilson’s Wharf.
• Visit the fascinating Hare Krishna Temple of Understanding just outside the city.

Best way to get around: If you don’t intend renting a car, make use of the public transport, or take a taxi. Along the Golden Mile, you can enjoy a ride on a colorful rickshaw pulled by a man in traditional Zulu clothing.

Best Area for Families: The Golden Mile With all the lively entertainment offerings on the Golden Mile as well as gorgeous beaches, families flock here. And for good reason. Aside from dining and loads of entertainment, there are numerous hotels lining the beachfront where you can stay.