Durban is brimming with exciting attractions and activities. Here’s a list of some of the top things to do and places to visit to help you really discover Durban:
uShaka Marine World: Explore Africa’s largest marine theme park, featuring a variety of marine life, water slides, and entertainment options.
Golden Mile Beaches: Relax on Durban’s famous stretch of golden sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Moses Mabhida Stadium: Take a SkyCar ride to the top of this iconic stadium for panoramic views of Durban and enjoy activities like the Big Rush Swing and Adventure Walk.
Victoria Street Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling market, offering a wide range of African crafts, spices, and traditional foods.
Durban Botanic Gardens: Stroll through Africa’s oldest surviving botanical gardens, featuring a diverse collection of indigenous and exotic plant species.
Florida Road: Experience Durban’s trendy dining and nightlife scene on this vibrant street lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Durban City Tour: Discover the rich history and culture of Durban with a guided city tour, visiting landmarks like the City Hall, Durban Art Gallery, and Juma Mosque.
Umhlanga Rocks: Visit this upscale coastal town just north of Durban, known for its picturesque beaches, luxury accommodation, and the iconic Umhlanga Lighthouse.
Durban Natural Science Museum: Explore fascinating exhibits on South Africa’s natural history, including dinosaur fossils, marine life, and indigenous plants.
Inanda Heritage Route: Embark on a cultural journey through the Inanda Valley, visiting historical sites like the Phoenix Settlement, Ohlange Institute, and Gandhi’s House.
The Valley of a Thousand Hills: Take a scenic drive through this breathtaking valley, dotted with traditional Zulu villages, craft markets, and stunning viewpoints.
Wilson’s Wharf: Enjoy waterfront dining and entertainment at this lively marina, featuring restaurants, bars, shops, and regular live music performances.
KwaMuhle Museum: Learn about Durban’s apartheid history and the struggle for democracy at this thought-provoking museum located in the city center.
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple: Marvel at the intricate architecture and serene atmosphere of this Hindu temple, one of the largest in Africa.
Durban Ricksha Bus Tour: Hop on a double-decker bus and explore Durban’s main attractions at your own pace with this convenient sightseeing tour.
Whether you’re interested in nature, history, culture, or adventure, Durban has something to offer for every type of traveler.
Our favourite places to stay in Durban
Depending on where you plan to stay we have suggestions:
One On Chelsea Holiday Home
Experience the essence of self-catering luxury at One On Chelsea Holiday Home in Umhlanga.
Boasting five tastefully appointed bedrooms furnished with Queen-size beds, this holiday home offers comfort and style.
DETAILS: This luxury holiday home in Umhlanga sleeps 10 guest in 5 luxury bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom and all the facilities expected in a luxury villa.Price range: $$$$$
Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House
Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House offers 7 guest suites, each uniquely elegant, designed to capture amazing views of the Indian Ocean and equipped to the highest hospitality standards.
The feel is quietly luxurious and different, the ever-changing play between the sky and the ocean is breath-taking and outdoor dining is encouraged.
DETAILS:The guest house offers 7 elegant guest suites sleeping 14 guests in total. Freshly prepared breakfast is served upstairs and it truly is the breakfast with a view, included in our rates.Price range: $$$$
Caza Beach Guest House
Caza Beach is a luxurious Guest House in La Lucia with an indigenous garden and a beautiful pool.
The Guest House offers a combination of understated hospitality, privacy and comfort. Whatever type of holiday you require Caza Beach is highly recommended.
DETAILS:The luxury rooms overlook the tropical garden and pool. Equipped with satellite television, air-con, mini bar, WiFi, own lounge and easy access from our car park to all rooms.Price range: $$$
Forest Manor Guest House
Forest Manor Guesthouse is a highly recommended guest house, located within walking distance of the beach.
The property features secure parking, a well-maintained garden, and a swimming pool. Breakfast is served daily and included in the rates.
DETAILS:Situated in Umhlanga Rocks, Forest Manor Guesthouse is conveniently located just minutes from La Lucia Mall. Sleeps 17 guests in 7 bedrooms all well equipped. Price range: $$$$
Centre Court Bed & Breakfast
Nestled in the upscale suburb of Durban North, this B&B is conveniently located between Durban’s vibrant CBD and the bustling business hubs of La Lucia and Umhlanga.
Rated a luxurious 4-star establishment by the Tourism Grading Council, Centre Court features seven spacious, air-conditioned rooms, each with en-suite facilities.
DETAILS:Guests can enjoy a delectable English and health breakfast served in the dining room or on the veranda. The guest house sleeps 17 guests in 7 rooms.Price range: $$$
Beside Still Waters Boutique Hotel
Set on an acre of beautiful gardens in La Lucia and conveniently close to all attractions, Beside Still Waters Boutique Hotel is a beautiful, family run boutique hotel where you can unwind in the warm and friendly atmosphere.
DETAILS:Modern rooms are equipped with aircon, fans, bar fridges, hairdryers and DSTV. Single, double or family rooms available, each with well equipped kitchen and private entrance.Price range: $$$
Flamingo Lodge
Flamingo Lodge is a 4 Star establishment situated in the heart of Umhlanga Rocks and is closest of all the Guest Lodges (200 Meters) to the main “Blue Flag” bathing beach and the Beach Front Promenade.
DETAILS:Each of the tastefully decorated bedrooms has their own en-suite bathrooms as well as private patios. All rooms are equipped with Satellite Television, Safes, Tea/Coffee making facilities and individually controlled Air-Cons. and Fans.Price range: $$$
Oyster Schelles 703 Holiday Apartment
Oyster Schelles 703 is a self catering apartment located in the heart of Umhlanga’s beachfront area with stunning views of the sea.
From here you are within walking distance of great restaurants, bars, shops and cafes.
DETAILS:The holiday apartment sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms. Two lifts provide access to reception, the beautiful gardens and two free undercover parking bays.Price range: $$$$
North Star Hotel
You can’t get closer to the beach than at the North Star Hotel, just a few steps away.
Luxury suites offer magnificent sea views while the Belvedere bar provides the perfect spot for drinks with friends.
DETAILS:All rooms on the first and second floor are Sea-Facing rooms with their own patios and with views stretching over the winding coastal road below and the endless horizon. Price range: $$$$
Bentley On The Beach Guest House
Bentley on the Beach is homely and warm, and personifies the feeling you get when you’re in your own private piece of Paradise.
Lounge around the sun-drenched pool in the tranquil tropical garden or take a long leisurely early morning walk on the beach.
DETAILS:All rooms have air-conditioning, a TV with DStv, refrigerator, microwave, kettle, and crockery. Beach and bath towels, tea, coffee, milk and sugar are supplied daily. Price range: $$$
Sugar Beach 5A Holiday Apartment
Sugar Beach 5A is a large three bedroom, two bathroom apartment with great views of the famous Umdloti tidal pool. It is also close to restaurants and is right where all the action is.
DETAILS:This holiday apartment sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms. The comfortable living area is open plan to the kitchen and boasts a comfortable couch and a flat screen TV.Price range: $$$
Blue Waves Lodge
Blue Waves Lodge, situated in Umhlanga Rocks, provides a variety of comfortable, air-conditioned rooms.
Each room features a satellite TV, bar fridge, microwave, kettle, ironing facilities, and a private bathroom.
DETAILS:Guests can enjoy a continental or full English breakfast each morning in the dining pavilion. Relaxation options include sun loungers by the pool, a poolside gazebo, and a terrace offering refreshing drinks with stunning sea views.Price range: $$$