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South Africa's playground
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Durban by night
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
Durban's harbour is the busiest in South Africa and one of the 10 largest ports in the world.
Durban is South Africa’s self-styled 'playground', where year-round warm weather encourages visitors to make the most of the province’s outdoor lifestyle.
It is also known as 'surf city' for its magnificent bathing and surfing beaches, which stretch along the city beachfront from Durban harbour in the south to Umhlanga in the north.
An expansive paved promenade offers access to the best of these beaches – the Golden Mile – where joggers, cyclists, dog owners, surfers, bodyboarders and walkers enjoy early-morning and late-afternoon exercise.
Visitors cannot miss Durban’s striking Moses Mabhida Stadium, host venue to top-notch sporting events, Segway tours, a city-viewing skycar and bungee swing.
Closer to the harbour, uShaka Marine World, a world-class water park, aquarium – fish, dolphins, seals, penguins and others – and restaurant complex overlooks the ocean and offers hours of entertainment for the whole family.
Culturally, Durban exhibits a mix of Indian, Zulu and colonial influences, reflected in the city’s architecture and cuisine. Curries, seafood and fusion food are popular at beachfront restaurants, Wilson’s Wharf and at the gourmet hot spots and coffee shops that line Florida Road and Helen Joseph Road.
The art-deco style Suncoast Casino complex, flanking the promenade, houses seafood and curry restaurants, movie theatres, a casino and coffee shops – with secure onsite parking and semi-private beach access.
Shopping is best enjoyed at Durban’s out-of-city malls: Gateway in Umhlanga; the Pavilion in Westville; and the Galleria in Amanzimtoti. An overwhelming choice of shops in air-conditioned comfort makes spending money a most enjoyable pursuit.
Half an hour inland from the city, the Valley of a Thousand Hills promises a taste of African culture, while further into the countryside the Midlands Meander features about 150 arts and crafts outlets for city-dwellers in search of fresh air and home-made fare.
Adventure activities are well catered for in and around this coastal city, with deep-sea fishing charters, dolphin viewing, jet skiing, shark cage diving, quad biking, scuba diving, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, boat cruises and much more readily available.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Durban Tourism information
Tel: +27 (0)31 322 4164
Email: funinsun@iafrica.com
How to get here
Fly in via Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, located 45 minutes north of Durban at La Mercy. Or take the N3 from Johannesburg, a trip of about 580km.
Around the area
Take in the promenade, Suncoast Casino, uShaka Marine World, Moyo on the Pier restaurant, the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, and the Midlands Meander.
Tours to do
Tour the uShaka Sea World aquarium facility; or take a township tour followed by a traditional township meal at Max’s Lifestyle in Umlazi or Sbu’s Lounge in Inanda.
Get around
Durban offers a range of car hire services, chartered buses, shuttle services and People Mover buses.
Length of stay
Three days or more would provide an opportunity to explore the city, its nightlife, restaurants, beaches and more popular tourist destinations.
What to pack
Sunscreen, a hat, walking shoes, backpack and camera.
Where to stay
Durban has a fine range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury.
What to eat
Durban is famous for 'bunny chow' (a hollowed out half-loaf of bread filled with curry), samoosas (triangular fried savoury pastries with various fillings) and shisanyama (freshly cooked meat prepared on an open street fire).
Best buys
Take a ride to the Indian market in Grey Street (Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street) for fresh spices, curry powders and shiny bolts of fabric.