Durban South Africa

Ultimate Travel Guide to Durban, South Africa 🇿🇦

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Places to Visit
    • 2.1 Gold Coast (umhlanga)
    • 2.2 North Beach and Beachfront Promenade
    • 2.3 Durban Harbour and Victoria Embankment
    • 2.4 Umgeni River Bird Park
    • 2.5 KwaMuhle Museum
    • 2.6 Moses Mabhida Stadium
    • 2.7 uShaka Marine World
    • 2.8 Durban Botanic Gardens
    • 2.9 Rickshaw Ride
  3. Activities
    • 3.1 Surfing and Swimming
    • 3.2 Bungee Jumping
    • 3.3 Shark Cage Diving
    • 3.4 Safari Tours
    • 3.5 Cultural Village Tours
  4. Where to Eat
    • 4.1 Café Neo (Modern Cuisine)
    • 4.2 The Fishmarket (Seafood)
    • 4.3 Curry Temple (Indian Cuisine)
    • 4.4 La Lucia Mall Food Court (Variety of options)
  5. Where to Stay
    • 5.1 The Oyster Box Hotel
    • 5.2 Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani
    • 5.3 Protea Hotel Edward
    • 5.4 Hilton Durban
  6. Things to Know
    • 6.1 Local Customs and Etiquette
    • 6.2 Safety Tips
    • 6.3 Weather and Climate
  7. Transportation
    • 7.1 Durban International Airport
    • 7.2 DART (Durban Airport Transfer)
    • 7.3 MyCiTi Bus System
    • 7.4 Metered Taxis
  8. Tips and Other Things of Interest
    • 8.1 Durban Street Art Scene
    • 8.2 Spice Route Wine Estate
    • 8.3 Ushaka Beach Markets
    • 8.4 Rickshaw Run Charity Event
    • 8.5 Umhlanga Farmers Market

Introduction 🌴

Welcome to Durban, a vibrant city on the east coast of South Africa! Known as the “Playground of KwaZulu-Natal,” Durban offers tourists an unforgettable experience with its golden beaches, rich cultural heritage, and exotic wildlife. In this guide, we will explore the top places to visit, activities, where to eat, where to stay, things to know, transportation options, tips, and other interesting aspects of Durban. Let’s dive in! 🐠

Places to Visit 🌍

Gold Coast (umhlanga) 💰

Experience the luxury side of Durban at the upmarket suburb of Umhlanga. Here you can visit the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, one of Africa’s largest shopping malls. Don’t forget to take a walk along the promenade and enjoy stunning ocean views.

North Beach and Beachfront Promenade 🏖️

Stroll along the beautiful North Beach and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. The beachfront promenade is perfect for jogging, cycling, or simply taking a leisurely walk.

Durban Harbour and Victoria Embankment ⚓️

Take a visit to the historic Durban Harbour and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants on Victoria Embankment while watching the ships come in.

Umgeni River Bird Park 🦜

Discover over 200 bird species at this spacious open-air park, which is home to some rare and endangered birds.

KwaMuhle Museum 🏯

Learn about the Zulu culture, history, and traditions at KwaMuhle Museum, located in the Old City Hall building.

Moses Mabhida Stadium ⚽️

Visit this iconic stadium, which was used during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. You can take a walk on the SkyCar or try the Big Swing for an unforgettable experience!

uShaka Marine World 🐳

Discover underwater life at uShaka Marine World, home to a variety of marine creatures such as sharks, dolphins, and seals. You can also enjoy water rides and shows.

Durban Botanic Gardens 🌺

Explore the beautiful Durban Botanic Gardens, the oldest surviving botanical gardens in Africa. The gardens are home to a variety of plant species and offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life.

Rickshaw Ride 🛬

Experience Durban’s rich history and culture on a rickshaw ride through the city’s streets.

Activities 🌞

  • Surfing and Swimming: Durban is famous for its great surf spots, including North Beach and Addington Beach.
  • Bungee Jumping: Take a leap of faith at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
  • Shark Cage Diving: Go on a shark cage diving adventure near Umhlanga Rocks.
  • Safari Tours: Visit nearby game reserves for an unforgettable safari experience.
  • Cultural Village Tours: Learn about Zulu culture and tradition at a local cultural village.

Where to Eat 🍔

  • Café Neo (Modern Cuisine)
  • The Fishmarket (Seafood)
  • Curry Temple (Indian Cuisine)
  • La Lucia Mall Food Court (Variety of options)

Where to Stay 🏨

  • The Oyster Box Hotel
  • Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani
  • Protea Hotel Edward
  • Hilton Durban

Things to Know 🌙

  • Local Customs and Etiquette: Greetings are very important in Zulu culture. Always use the correct greeting for the time of day (Sawubona during the day, Sanibonani at night).
  • Safety Tips: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or at night. Avoid displaying valuable items openly.
  • Weather and Climate: Durban has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year.

Transportation 🚌

  • Durban International Airport: Located approximately 15 km north of the city center, this is the primary gateway to Durban.
  • DART (Durban Airport Transfer): A convenient way to travel between the airport and various points in the city.
  • MyCiTi Bus System: A reliable public transportation option that covers most parts of the city.
  • Metered Taxis: Available throughout the city for door-to-door service.

Tips and Other Things of Interest 🎨

  • Durban Street Art Scene: Explore the vibrant street art scene in Durban’s inner-city neighborhoods.
  • Spice Route Wine Estate: Visit this award-winning winery located about an hour from Durban.
  • Ushaka Beach Markets: Shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and delicious food at these bustling markets.
  • Rickshaw Run Charity Event: Join this epic adventure rally that starts in London, England, and ends in Durban, South Africa, to raise money for charity.
  • Umhlanga Farmers Market: Spend a Saturday morning browsing fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious food at this popular market.

Enjoy your stay in Durban! 🌴🐘🌍🌞