Durban Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Durban, South Africa. Plan your trip and follow our week-long itinerary to make the most of your visit.


Introduction to Durban

Durban, the third-largest city in South Africa, is known for its golden beaches, mild climate, and lush vegetation. Located on the East Coast of South Africa, it is a bustling hub for business, entertainment, and tourism. This city has a diverse population, multicultural heritage, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore some of the best attractions, local cuisine, and where to stay in Durban.

List of Places to Visit in Durban

Durban offers a variety of attractions for every type of traveler. This list includes culturally important attractions, natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, the best things to do, and places to buy souvenirs.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Durban exhibits a rich history of cultural diversity, struggle, and hope. Here are some of the top cultural locations that you must include on your trip.

The Kwa Muhle Museum

Located in the city center, The Kwa Muhle Museum is a former native affairs department building that now displays exhibits that expose the intricacies of South Africa’s apartheid history.

Phansi Museum

Phansi Museum showcases traditional African art and crafts, making it an excellent place to learn about local cultures’ richness and diversity.

The Durban Art Gallery exhibits a mix of classical and contemporary art, showcasing both global and local artists.

Natural Attractions of Durban: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Durban offers a variety of outdoor and indoor activities. From hiking, water sports, and scenic views to theme parks and wildlife, here are some attractions that visitors frequent.

uShaka Marine World

uShaka Marine World is a popular theme park that offers diverse activities from waterpark, a dolphinarium, shark tank, and restaurants.

The Moses Mabhida Stadium

The Moses Mabhida Stadium offers one of the best views of Durban’s skylines, and visitors can walk up to the stadium’s top for an exciting aerial view.

The Durban Botanical Gardens

The Durban Botanical Gardens is the city’s oldest park and a lush, quiet place to take strolls, appreciate nature, and enjoy the city views from its hill.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Durban

Durban has a vast network of trails and bike routes that offer breathtaking views of nature and the city. Here are a few routes that are worth exploring.

The Krantzkloof Nature Reserve

Krantzkloof Nature Reserve has easy hiking routes and is also a place to take a dip in the nature pool while enjoying nature’s serene environment.

The Giba Gorge Trail Centre

The Giba Gorge Trail Centre offers a variety of technical and free-ride mountain bike trails and activities that are perfect for experienced bikers.

Best Things to Do in Durban: Activities and Tours

Durban offers an array of activities and tours to occupants that range from experiencing local cultures to enjoying adrenaline activities. Here are a few of the must-do activities.

Durban Street Art Walking Tour

A walking tour of Durban street art offers a massive range of graffiti art that portrays both local and international themes and art styles.

Victoria Street Market

As a celebrated South African Indian market, the Victoria Street Market has over 180 stalls that offer a range of Indian spices, foods, and crafts that would attract various visitors with a taste for India.

Week-Long Itinerary for Durban

Here’s a seven-day itinerary that you can follow to make the most of your trip to Durban:

Day Activities
1 Explore the Golden Mile
2 Visit the Kwa Muhle Museum
3 Hike the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
4 Visit the Durban Botanical Gardens
5 Visit uShaka Marine World
6 Walk around the Victoria Street Market
7 Experience the Moses Mabhida Stadium SkyCar

Food and Drink Scene of Durban

Durban’s cuisine has a blend of Indian, African, and Western cultures. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages and where to find them.

Must-Try Dishes

Bunny Chow

Bunny Chow is Durban’s signature dish; it is a loaf of bread filled with curry and often served with a side salad or sambals.

Bobotie

As a South African dish, Bobotie consists of spiced mince meat topped with custard and served with rice and salad.

Local Beverages

Zulu Beer

Zulu beer is a local beer brewed from corn and sorghum and is typical in KwaZulu-Natal. It is a non-distilled alcoholic drink and usually served from a large clay-pot.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is a local and organic tea that is very popular in South Africa; it is a caffeine-free tea that is served hot, with or without milk, and is also an excellent option for the non-tea drinkers.

Where to Stay in Durban: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Durban offers a range of accommodations that fit different travel styles and budgets. Here are some of Durban’s best accommodation options.

Hotels

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani

The Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani hotel offers luxury accommodation and spectacular coastal views.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga

Located in Durban’s upmarket area, the Protea Hotel offers elegant rooms and scintillating sea views.

Hostels

Curiocity Durban

Curiocity Durban offers travelers a fantastic backpacker hostel suitable for both solo and group travelers.

Happy Hippo Accommodation

Happy Hippo is a friendly hostel with a pleasant atmosphere and low prices, located within walking distance from the beach and other key attraction sites.

What to Buy in Durban: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Durban has a unique selection of souvenirs and local products worth bringing back home that illustrates the city’s rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the items to buy.

African Beads and Artwork

Durban is well known for its African beadwork, pottery, and hand-carved artwork that provides unique souvenirs options that showcase the diverse African cultures.

South African Wines and Spices

Durban’s markets sell an array of South African wines, spices, and nearly everything you need to prepare traditional meals at home.

Local Culture and Customs of Durban

Durban has a multicultural society, most of which have stayed true to their traditions, practices, and beliefs. It is common for visitors to try and understand the local customs, social etiquette, and the cultural diversity of the region.

Best Time to Visit Durban

Durban is an excellent travel destination all year round. The best time to visit Durban depends on the traveler’s preference and travel style.

Summer Season (December - February)

The summer weather in Durban is ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, tanning, and surfing.

Winter Season (June - August)

The Durban winter season is mild, making it an excellent time for exploring the city without the high temperatures of the summer season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Durban

As with any other city, Durban has its set of etiquettes that visitors should observe throughout their stay.

Do:

  • Try local cuisine and drinks.
  • Respect the locals’ culture and customs.
  • Carry sunscreens and hats during the summer season.
  • Venture into the markets and explore what they have to offer.

Don’t:

  • Over dress, Durban is a warm place, and over dressing will just make you uncomfortable.
  • Walk alone at night or in insecure neighborhoods.
  • Littering is frowned upon; keep the environment clean.

Safety and Health

Durban is generally a safe city, but visitors should stay alert throughout their stay.

Safety in Durban

To keep yourself safe, avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night and secure your belongings in safe locations while in public places.

Health in Durban

Ensure to have your vaccines and immunization certificates up to date as mosquitoes carry diseases such as Malaria, and exposure to other parasitic infections could also affect your health.

Getting to Durban: Transportation Options and Logistics

Durban is well connected with a variety of transportation options that include flights, buses, and hired vehicles. Here are some of the options that visitors use to get to Durban.

Airports Near Durban

The King Shaka International Airport is the primary airport that serves Durban and is located in La Mercy.

Bus Stations Near Durban

Durban has multiple bus stations that travel throughout South Africa, with the main station being the Durban Transport Station in the city center.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire private drivers from airport pickups and/or use Uber for transportation within the town.

How to Get Around in Durban

Durban has a flexible transport system that includes buses, shuttles, taxis, hired cars, and Ubers/lyfts.

Local Buses and Trains

Local buses and trains are cheap and often used by the locals to travel around the town.

Taxis and Shuttles

Visitors can hire taxis and shuttles from various locations or timeshare resorts at affordable rates.

Where to Go Next from Durban: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Durban’s proximity to various travel destinations makes it an excellent hub for travelers who want to explore South Africa’s diverse attractions.

Umhlanga Rocks

Umhlanga Rocks, located North of Durban, offers spectacular coastal views and an unforgettable beach experience.

The Drakensberg Mountains

The Drakensberg Mountains, which are located 3-hours from Durban, offer an excellent opportunity to explore South African’s landscape and wildlife.

Conclusion

Durban is a unique travel destination filled with rich history and culture, scenic sites, and an array of restaurants and markets that offer an enriching experience for any traveler. Following the suggestions in this comprehensive travel guide will help you make the most of your trip to Durban, South Africa.

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