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Destinations / South Africa

Durban

eThekwini (Durban)

Warm surf, curry and a Golden Mile beachfront

beachesfoodfamiliesnature
Plan your trip to DurbanSee the top 10
English, ZuluLanguage
ZARCurrency
3 daysIdeal stay
$110-190Typical day

Durban is South Africa's warm Indian Ocean city, with a long beachfront promenade, surf and a large Indian community that gave it its famous curries. It is a base for the Drakensberg and game reserves.

Where to start

Top 10 things to do

Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.

  1. The Golden Mile is Durban's beachfront promenade, lined with beaches, piers and surf spots. It is busy with joggers and families.

    Half a dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Swim only in lifeguard areas with shark nets.
    See on the map

  2. uShaka Marine World is an aquarium and water park set around an old shipwreck. It is good for families.

    Half a dayTime needed
    about $15-23Cost
    noBook ahead

    2026 adult ticket is R267 for one park or R399 for Sea World plus Wet n Wild.

    Tip. Buy tickets online for a lower price.
    Official siteSee on the map

  3. The Victoria Street Market sells spices, crafts and textiles, reflecting Durban's large Indian community. It is lively.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Go with a guide and keep valuables safe.
    See on the map

  4. Moses Mabhida Stadium was built for the 2010 World Cup, with an arch you can ride or climb. It has views of the coast.

    1 hourTime needed
    about $5-15Cost
    noBook ahead

    SkyCar fee.

    Tip. Try the SkyCar for city views.
    See on the map

  5. Hluhluwe iMfolozi is one of Africa's oldest reserves, known for rhinos. It is home to the Big Five.

    Full dayTime needed
    about $18-20Cost
    recommendedBook ahead

    International adults pay R320 per day conservation fee (2025 to 2026).

    Tip. About 3 hours north; leave early.
    See on the map

  6. The Valley of a Thousand Hills is a scenic area of rolling green hills and Zulu villages. It is good for drives and cultural visits.

    Half a dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. About 45 minutes by car.
    See on the map

  7. The Durban Botanic Gardens are among the oldest in Africa, with cycads and orchids. They host concerts.

    1.5 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Go on a weekend morning.
    See on the map

  8. Umhlanga Rocks is an upscale resort town north of Durban, with a lighthouse and promenade. It is calmer than the city.

    Half a dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Walk the promenade in the morning.
    See on the map

  9. The Phansi Museum shows a private collection of southern African art and crafts. It is in a historic house.

    1 hourTime needed
    about $5-10Cost
    noBook ahead

    Entry.

    Tip. Book a visit ahead.
    See on the map

  10. The Sardine Run is a winter migration of fish along the coast, followed by dolphins, sharks and birds. It is a dramatic natural event.

    Full dayTime needed
    recommendedBook ahead

    Tours.

    Tip. It happens around June to July, but timing varies.
    See on the map
Map: OpenStreetMap contributors.
TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access
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Short on time?

Ready-made itineraries

Choose how many days you have.

Durban in three days

Add Hluhluwe and Valley of a Thousand Hills.

  1. Golden MileHalf a day · Free
  2. uShaka Marine WorldHalf a day · about $15-23
  3. Victoria Street Market1 hour · Free
  4. Moses Mabhida Stadium1 hour · about $5-15
  5. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi ParkFull day · about $18-20
  6. Valley of a Thousand HillsHalf a day · Free
  7. Durban Botanic Gardens1.5 hours · Free
  8. Umhlanga RocksHalf a day · Free
  9. Phansi Museum1 hour · about $5-10
  10. Sardine RunFull day
Beyond the city

Day trips

Drakensberg

Mountains and San rock art.

149 mi · Car about 3 hours

St Lucia

Wetlands with hippos.

143 mi · Car about 3 hours

Plan your dates

Weather and seasons

Best: April to June and September to November. Warm, less humid.

Busy and priceyShoulderQuiet and cheaper

Temperature

Daily high and average, by month

32°50°68°86°104°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDaily highAverage

Rain

Typical inches per month

0.00.81.62.43.13.94.75.5JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January

78°F
Typical daily high
Average76°F
Rain4.2 in
About13 rainy days
Sun strength6.2 kWh/m²

Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.

Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.

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Know before you go

At a glance

3/5
Safety

The US State Department rates South Africa at Level 2 (increased caution); crime is a concern, so stay on busy beachfront areas and use ride apps.

3/5
Walkability

The promenade is great for walking; elsewhere use cars.

2/5
Public transport

The People Mover bus runs on the beachfront.

Pick your base

Where to stay

The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.

Map: OpenStreetMap contributors. Shapes where OpenStreetMap has a boundary; dashed circles mark areas it only has a point for.
123

1. Umhlanga

$$$

Best for: families, first-timers

Safe beach suburb.

2. Golden Mile

$$

Best for: budget

Beachfront hotels.

3. Berea

$$

Best for: couples

Guesthouses.

Getting there and around

Main airportKing Shaka International Airport (DUR), 22 mi from the center
To the centerA ride app takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Around townUse Uber or Bolt and the People Mover.
Ride appsUber, Bolt
Taste it

What to eat

Bunny chow

Curry in a hollowed loaf.

Durban curry

Spicy and red.

Samoosas

Fried pastries.

Good to know

PlugsType M and N, 230 V
Tap waterSafe to drink
TippingTip about 10 to 15 percent.
PaymentsCards widely accepted.
EtiquetteGreet people before getting to business, and tip about 10 percent. Durban's Indian and Zulu traditions are both strong.
  • Use ride share after dark.
  • The beachfront is safest by day.
  • Summer is hot and humid, with rain.
  • The airport is about 35 km north.

A short history

The Zulu kingdom ruled the region when British traders set up Port Natal in 1824. It was renamed after Governor Benjamin D'Urban. Indian laborers arrived from 1860 to work sugar estates. Gandhi began his activism nearby.

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Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.

Plan Durban