Kwazulu-natal South Africa Travel Guide
Morning: Start with a stroll along the Golden Mile beachfront. Visit uShaka Marine World, focusing on the Sea World aquarium or Wet 'n Wild water park for a few hours.
Afternoon: Head to Moses Mabhida Stadium. Take the SkyCar to the top of the arch for panoramic city and the sea views.
Experience the best of Durban over a concise weekend trip.
Show up and establish yourself. Spend the afternoon exploring the Golden Mile and uShaka Marine World. Enjoy dinner at the Point Waterfront.
Start at the Durban Botanic Gardens. Visit the KwaMuhle Museum. For the evening, Florida Road for dinner with local nightlife.
Decide between a day trip to the Valley of 1000 Hills, visiting PheZulu Cultural Park for Zulu traditions, or head north to Umhlanga Rocks for its beach and Gateway Theatre of Shopping. Depart in the afternoon.
Combine the 2-plan for the day with extra exploration. Dedicate extra time to specific interests like surfing, museums, or unique neighborhoods.
For an extended stay, focus on neighborhood immersion. Consider living in Morningside or Umhlanga. Explore local markets, hobbies, plus cultural encounters through volunteering or courses in a language.
Consider Morningside or Umhlanga.
Explore markets, hobbies, and heritage activities.
Engage in community work or language lessons.
Tailor your Durban itinerary to your specific passions, whether history, food, adventure, or relaxation.
Explore Durban City Hall and its museums (Natural Science, KwaMuhle, Old Court House). Meander through the Indian Quarter, visit the Juma Masjid Mosque. Follow the Inanda Heritage Route.
Embark on an Indian Quarter food tour. Indulge in a Bunny Chow tasting. Experience a Shisa Nyama (barbecue) in a township (with a reputable tour operator). Dine at Florida Highway and enjoy fresh seafood at Wilson's Wharf.
Experience the Moses Mabhida Stadium Big Rush Swing. Take surfing lessons on North Beach. Go mountain biking at Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park. Join a whale watching tour (seasonal, June-November). Hike in Krantzkloof Nature Reserve.
Spend a full day at uShaka Marine World (aquarium and water park). Enjoy the Golden Mile beaches with lifeguards and shark nets. Visit the Durban Botanic Gardens and Mitchell Park Zoo. Explore Suncoast Casino Entertainment World. Take a day trip to Tala Game Reserve.
Visit the Durban Gallery Of art and the BAT Centre. Take a street art an excursion in parts of the CBD or by the beachfront. Enjoy an architectural walking tour of Durban's colonial buildings. Visit the ornate Hare Krishna Temple of Understanding.
Visit the Juma Masjid Mosque and the Hare Krishna Temple of Understanding for sacred reflection. Enjoy tranquil walks in the Durban Botanic Gardens or Japanese Gardens. Indulge in spa treatments at luxury hotels. Join yoga or classes on meditation.
Durban caters to all budgets, from backpackers to premium travelers.
Affordable accommodation in hostels like Curiocity Durban. Rely on street food (Bunny Chow), self-catering, and area markets. Utilize the People Mover for central areas, minibus taxis (during the day, with caution), and walking.
Choose comfortable mid-range B&Bs or hotels. Enjoy a mix of casual and mid-range restaurants. Use Uber or Bolt for convenience, and consider car rental for day trips. Visit uShaka Marine World, ride the Moses Mabhida SkyCar, take a guided city tour, and enjoy a day trip to a nearby reserve.
Stay in 5-star places like The Oyster Box or Beverly Hills. Indulge in fine dining at top restaurants and exclusive culinary experiences. Utilize private transfers and chauffeured services. Arrange private safari tours, premium spa treatments, and exclusive boat charters.
Travel during the less busy season for better prices. Look for hotel deals and packages. Dine at local restaurants for authentic and affordable meals. Take advantage of Durban's numerous free attractions. Book journeys that combine numerous places for efficiency.
Combine the one-week Durban and KwaZulu-Natal itinerary with additional multi-day excursions. Add a 3-day trip to the Drakensberg Mountains for hiking and San petroglyphs sites. Include a 3-day safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park or iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Use remaining days for specific interests.
Durban's seasonal calendar offers unique experiences throughout the year.
Summer (Dec-Feb) is hot and humid, ideal for beach activities. Winter (Jun-Aug) brings mild, dry weather perfect for outdoor touring, game viewing day trips, and the beginning of the whale watching season.
Durban hosts a calendar of events. The iconic Durban July horse racing event attracts fashion, entertainment, and racing enthusiasts. The East Coast Radio House & Garden Show is a major lifestyle exhibition.
Exploring during the off-the season may offer unique advantages, including fewer crowds and better prices, while nevertheless providing enjoyable the meteorology in a few activities.
The Golden Mile offers iconic beach scenes, notably beautiful at sunset.
Durban's warm beaches provide excellent possibilities for surfing, and the urban area offers diverse luxury dining options.
In summer you'll find humidity and occasional heavy rains; winter is dry and sunny.
For major events like Durban July, book accommodation and tickets well in advance.
