Durban's Beachfront Promenade

Join the strollers on Durban's beachfront promenade.

© Christine Marot

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Durban (eThekwini) is justifiably proud of its Golden Mile – a stretch of some of the safest swimming beaches in South Africa.

A wonderful legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is the imposing Moses Mabhida Stadium, from which a meandering brick-paved promenade stretches north to Blue Lagoon and south to Addington Beach.

Durban’s beachfront promenade is well patronised by early morning joggers, cyclists, pram-pushing mums, dog-walking seniors and a host of walkers who love taking in the fresh, salt-laden morning breeze.

From Addington Beach, just north of Durban harbour, the promenade passes a laidback African-style restaurant overlooking the beach with a quaint pub on the pier that gives patrons a bird’s eye view of surfers and bathers.

To the south is Vetch's Pier, with its great snorkelling opportunities, and a sheltered region popular among kayakers, windsurfers and jetski enthusiasts.

Next stop is uShaka Marine World, an impressive shipwreck-themed aquarium incorporating a Wet 'n' Wild water park. The aquarium is home to a diversity of Indian Ocean marine species and includes 2 excellent restaurants, one of which looks into a shark tank. A number of curio and clothing shops, along with daily dolphin and penguin shows, complete this premier tourist attraction.

Both southern and northern beaches attract thousands throughout the year with waves ideal for swimming, surfing and body-boarding.

You’ll pass a number of piers along Durban’s beachfront, most of which are used daily by anglers. You’ll also see a host of hotels overlooking the beachfront, many offering excellent accommodation and restaurants. There are also more relaxed beer and burger spots, and a couple of trendy coffee shops worth a visit.

Travellers with small children might prefer to spend time at the paddling pools, where slides and fountains add to the kids’ enjoyment. There’s also the Rachel Finlayson salt-water swimming pool, as well as fast food eateries in and around North Beach.

Further north, you’ll pass the Suncoast Casino, with its array of restaurants and private beach access, complete with rolling green lawns.

Heading north, you’ll pass more swimming beaches and paddling pools manned by lifeguards, before reaching Blue Lagoon, a popular fishing spot where the uMngeni River flows into the sea.