Like Melbourne, Vancouver and Zurich, Durban is the city of choice for its country’s citizens seeking the best quality of life. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. As visitors are now discovering, fun-loving ‘Durbs’ is not only the gateway to the natural wonders of KwaZulu-Natal, but also a place to savor Indian Ocean beaches, cosmopolitan cuisine, culture, and outdoor adventures.
Beaches and More
The shore of Durban features golden sands, but its famed Golden Mile is so much more. For starters, the beaches combine to stretch well beyond a mere mile – they run for more than three times that distance. In contrast to the chilly waters off Cape Town’s beaches, those of Durban are delightfully warm from the Indian Ocean, making them perfect for swimming year-round.
Each beach offers unique experiences. To assist first-time visitors, the city has provided excellent signage and maps detailing permitted activities. For instance, at Laguna Beach, you can jet-ski, while the consistent waves at Dairy Beach create an ideal surfing environment. If swimming is your preference, head to South Beach, or for dry activities, Bay of Plenty Beach is perfect for sports. Families adore the sheltered waters of uShaka Beach, where kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are also possible. If you wish to lounge in the sun, stroll to Suncoast Beach.
Adventure Activities
The city’s natural and architectural landscape offers unforgettable opportunities for adventure. For adrenaline seekers, the renowned Moses Mabhida Stadium is a must-visit. Constructed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, its striking Y-shaped arch provides both gentle and extreme options to defy gravity. Those craving thrills can try the Big Swing, a 106-meter bungee jump over the stadium below. Visitors can also take the SkyCar to the top of the arch for breathtaking views or walk 550 steps up the Adventure Walk for a rewarding view of the coastline.
For a longer fall, experience Skydive KZN for a scenic free-fall over the picturesque coast—just be sure to keep your eyes open! The same applies to the Natal Sharks Board Boat Tour, where you may spot great whites while witnessing personnel tag and release trapped sharks. For PADI-certified divers, Durban offers some of the best shark diving sites worldwide.
Moreover, the waters off Durban are ideal for adventure activities with lessons available for surfing, kiteboarding, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Under the Sea
With a plethora of aquatic life offshore, it’s essential that Durban educates visitors about marine conservation. Designed with this in mind, uShaka Marine World features one of the world’s largest aquariums, housing the largest collection of sharks in the southern hemisphere along with a variety of marine exhibits.
Moreover, uShaka Marine World is also home to the Wet’n’Wild waterpark, offering exhilarating rides that are sure to leave you dripping with excitement. Above the water, visitors can enjoy ziplines, belays, and swinging bridges at the Chimp & Zee Rope Adventure Park. Families can explore Kids World, where countless activities guarantee amusement for young visitors.
Art(efacts) and Culture
With the aim to ‘treasure, share and inspire’, the Phansi Museum showcases an exceptional collection of ubuntu art. Its collection includes tribal beadwork, sculptures, and both historic and contemporary artwork displayed within the stunning Victorian house of Roberts House. Each year, the museum hosts major openings featuring new exhibits in its main gallery.
Durban Botanic Gardens
The beaches aren’t the only natural retreat from the cityscape, and first-time visitors will appreciate this 2000-sq-meter botanical garden. While some plant life here is quite rare, visitors can admire their enchanting beauty as they stroll through this tranquil escape. Before planning your trip, check if it coincides with the annual concert series featuring the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Food and Drink
With vibrant experiences awaiting in Durban, you’ll likely develop a hearty appetite. Fortunately, the city boasts a rich cosmopolitan cuisine. Fresh seafood takes center stage in numerous restaurants, enhanced by the local population’s rich Indian heritage that adds diverse flavors to many menus.
If there’s one culinary delight you cannot miss, it’s bunny chow—served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread, this delectable curry made with lamb, chicken, or beans reigns supreme. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also practical; you can consume the bread container, making it the ultimate South African takeaway. Depending on your hunger, you can order it as a quarter or half-loaf, with the smaller size being sufficient for most diners. A legendary spot for this iconic Durban meal is Hollywood Bets.
Additionally, explore the trendy Station Drive precinct, where you’ll find a plethora of new cafes, restaurants, and distilleries, including the award-winning Distillery 031.
Make It Happen
The subtropical climate in Durban makes it an enticing year-round destination. However, the most pleasant time to visit is between May and November, which also coincides with optimal safari conditions in KZN. Expect humid weather and short daily rain showers from November through February.
The most convenient way to reach Durban is by flying into King Shaka International Airport. To get into the city, which lies 40 kilometers south, a taxi ride costs around R450. Some hotels and hostels offer competitive shuttle services as well.
