The 12 essential things to do in Durban

Are you about to travel to South Africa? So here are the essential things to do or see in Durban!

Located by the Indian Ocean, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the city of Durban is the former capital of the colony and the province of Natal, formerly known as Port-Natal. From Indian and colonial influence, it is today a famous tourist and seaside destination. Thus, travellers can come to Durban to enjoy its beautiful beaches and its wild coasts. Third city of the country, it also brings together a wide variety of architecture and culture, with vestiges of the colonial era, interesting museums and picturesque neighbourhoods. To complete this enchanting painting, Durban is also known for its surrounding wildlife, flora and lush vegetation! What about Durban? What must you absolutely see or discover during your stay in this beautiful South African coastal city?

To help you experience an unforgettable journey, we have listed for you the 12 things you need and more to visit in Durban!

1. The Waterfront – Golden Mile Beach

What about Durban? To start your adventure in this seaside town, we can only recommend a charming walk along its emblematic seafront: Golden Mile ! On the beach of the same name, you can enjoy the sun, swim or throw in the construction of a sand castle. The view along the promenade is beautiful, and the athletes can make their joggings or ride it by bike!

2. The uShaka Marine World

If you come to visit Durban, and be accompanied by children or not, uShaka Marine World You should be interested! Located at the end of the Golden Mile, it is an aquatic leisure park, the 5th largest aquarium in the world and the 1st in Africa, also with a dolphinarium. The park has 4 spaces: a water park with slides and attractions, the aquarium, a white sandy beach and a reconstruction of an African village including restaurants, cafés and shops! Among them The Cargo Hold stands out for its atypical decoration: indeed, the restaurant houses a large aquarium, in addition to offering delicious meals to its menu.

3. Hotel de Ville

To discover the city and its heritage, you should start by visiting the most iconic building in Durban: its Hotel de Ville historic. Built in 1910, it is a copy of that of Belfast and is still active. In front of this magnificent building, you can relax in Francis Farewell Square Park and admire the cenotaph commemorating especially the South Africans who died during the two world wars!

4. Local History Museum

What to do in Durban during your stay? Visit the museums of the city, of course! Close to the City Hall is one of the most interesting museums in the seaside town. For a dive in the history of Durban, nothing better than visiting this Natal Museum . Especially since it is located in the old city court, another highly historic building!

5. Try surfing

You planned to visit Durban? So don't miss trying to surf during your stay! It is one of the national sports in South Africa. Thus, Durban’s iconic beach, the Golden Mile Beach, is not just a space for boating, sunbathing or reading a book. Numerous South Africans and future travellers train around this beautiful white sand beach! So don’t hesitate and enjoy your stay to learn how to surf. You will find in Durban several schools and monitors to give you courses if needed.

6. Swimming with sharks

What to do in Durban? Swimming with sharks, of course! Fortunately for travellers, locals and surfers, the local authorities effectively protect the coasts and you will not be able to meet sharks during your surfing sessions. However, you can remedy this inconvenience by booking a dive session in the middle of the sharks! For yes, in Durban, you can dive to see harmless fish but you can also discover in the most terrible depths of the sea – which are, unlike prejudices, of peaceful animals.

7. Durban Botanic Garden

Located in the heart of the city, on the heights of the Berea district, botanical garden is to be discovered absolutely if you come to visit Durban! Founded in 1849 by Dr. Charles Johnston, this 27-hectare space is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Africa. It houses plant species dating from the Prehistory and well before, plants that had been extinct for a long time if they had not been preserved in this place! We recommend visiting this pleasant park.

8. La Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve

Are you still wondering what to do in Durban during your adventure? Then why not explore nature reserve of mangroves ? To discover the fauna and flora of the Natal region, nothing better than this natural and preserved space located in the north of the city! Especially, we recommend you book a guide in advance to easily and safely explore the mangrove.

9. Admire the Umhlanga Lighthouse

Umhlanga is a charming residential town north of Durban. It is known for its beautiful lighthouse that faces the Indian Ocean and for its beautiful white sand beach that borders it. If you plan to visit Durban, don’t hesitate to take a tour of Umhlanga. After exploring the protected mangrove of the nearby Beachwood Nature Reserve, you can relax by taking a glass on the terrace, facing the sea and the Umhlanga lighthouse. The Lighthouse Bar is one of the most friendly bars in the city, with a great view from its terrace: we recommend it!

10. Umgeni River Bird Park

Density trees, cut from the world, the Umgeni River Bird Park is a charming place to relax and admire the different species that populate the trees of the Natal region. It is a perfect complement to the botanical garden of Durban – after discovering the flora, you can discover the flying fauna of the Natal region.

11. Durban Natural Science Museum

Between the City Hall and the Local History Museum, you will find the Durba Natural History Museum n. This is a must-see place if you want to learn more about the region’s fauna and flora, after watching it in its natural environment!

12. The Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World

Located north of the beautiful Golden Mile promenade, Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World is a large complex including many restaurants, cinemas, a casino, as well as its own semi-private beach and an adjoining bar. Amateur or experienced players can come and try their luck in the Suncoast Casino. And if the game doesn't attract you, you can just enjoy the great facilities of this large recreational complex.

How to go to Durban?

To get to Durban by plane from France, you will need at least two stops. From Paris you will find many flights to Paris Johannesburg a compulsory stopover to visit Durban. To discover the best prices and connections, you can visit our partner's website Ulysses which compares and offers the most advantageous rates according to your departure dates. It is also possible to reach Durban by train, by bus or by car from another South African destination like Johannesburg if you have decided to land by air directly in this city.

Once on site, the bus whose routes are provided by the companies Durban Transport bus and Mynah remain the best option to visit Durban. If not, for a more authentic experience, why not try the pushchair? Finally, if taxis are also a way to get around in Durban, you can still there, opt for the car rental as soon as you arrive at the airport or go to one of the city’s rental agencies.

Where to stay in Durban?

If you want to visit Durban, you will not miss options for your accommodation! Many are very charming neighborhoods Where to stay in Durban. We particularly recommend the city centre, the Golden Mile neighbourhood, the Umgeni River area or the Berea district. Have a quiet mind also: Hotels (whose best prices are to be found on this Compare hotels ), accommodation for the inhabitant, Airbnb ... Whatever your budget, you can be sure to find your happiness for your accommodation in Durban!