Durban is South Africa`s third biggest town and is certainly considered one among its main excursion destinations, with many points of interest for visitors. Surfing is likewise one of the extra famous activities in Durban. Long seashores lapped with the aid of using the nice and cozy Indian Ocean, a slightly subtropical climate, and splendid infrastructure trap travelers with the aid of using the millions.
Experience Durban’s wealthy multi-cultural historical past withinside the Zulu and Indian markets and culturally giant points of interest, stroll the superbly manicured parks alongside the water, and flavor scrumptious Indian-motivated cuisine.
In this guide, we have got additionally protected some points of interest that make for a splendid Durban day journey in case you need to break out of the town for a touch while. For extra thoughts on the excellent locations to visit, see our listing of the pinnacle points of interest in Durban.
1. Golden Mile
A top place to begin for a strolling excursion of Durban is the “Golden Mile.” This bustling beachfront prom is covered with high-upward thrust hotels, enjoyment complexes, shops, and restaurants. The broad, golden seashores are a magnet for water sports activities fans who come right here to surf, swim, fish, or simply bask withinside the sunshine. Lifeguards and shark nets shield the maximum of the seashores year-round.
Along the busy oceanfront path, pedestrians jostle with joggers, cyclists, Segways, and skateboarders, making the location sense a touch like California. Other highlights alongside this coastal stretch encompass uShaka Marine World; Moses Mabhida Stadium; and Mini Town, a pint-sized duplicate of Durban, whole with a miniature rail network, airport, and harbor scene.
2. Durban Botanic Gardens
The Durban Botanic Gardens is the oldest surviving botanic lawn in Africa. Set at the slopes of Berea Hill, northwest of the metropolis center, the gardens have been mounted in 1849 for the trial of agricultural crops. Today, site visitors can walk most of the indigenous and extraordinary subtropical plantings, which include majestic history trees, a number of which can be multiple hundred years old.
The fundamental plant collections encompass cycads, orchids, bromeliads, and palms, and site visitors also can enjoy the Garden of the Senses. In addition to the wealthy plant biodiversity, at least fifty specific species of birds are everlasting citizens of the gardens.
3. Umgeni River Bird Park
In the Riverside district, at the north financial institution of the Umgeni River, Umgeni River Bird Park functions extra than two hundred species of birds, and a few are the simplest representatives in their type in Africa.
On a community of paths jogging via lush landscaping and waterfalls, site visitors can take a look at a whole lot of indigenous species, in addition to birds from Southeast Asia and Australia, which includes lories, cockatoos, and aras.
One of the highlights of the park is the hen show, in which site visitors can study extra approximately the special species as they perform.
4. Indian Quarter
Encompassing the Victoria Street Market and Juma Masjid Mosque, the most important withinside the southern hemisphere, Durban`s Indian Quarter is now a multicultural blend of sights, sounds, and unusual aromas.
Chinese, Pakistani, Indian, and Somali road companies haggle alongside the slender pavements, promoting the whole thing from spices and saris to beaded sandals, incense, and elaborate home made jewelry.
Savvy buyers will discover deals here, and the eating places boast a number of the maximum true Indian delicacies in Durban.
5. Mitchell Park and Jameson Park
Mitchell Park, withinside the upmarket suburb of Morningside, is certainly considered one among Durban`s oldest parks. It’s additionally famous for picnics and walks way to its shady lawns, mass plantings of colourful blooms, and extensive wheelchair-pleasant paths.
Children will love the playground, mini zoo, and walk-thru aviary, at the same time as the ones searching for a chew to consume can dine at the alfresco cafe.
Adjoining Mitchell Park is Jameson Park, which shows extra than 2 hundred species of roses.
6. uShaka Marine World
UShaka Marine World, one of the primary points of interest on Durban`s Golden Mile, is a water-themed wonderland full of points of interest. Sea World, set on replicas of 4 shipwrecks, functions as the biggest aquarium withinside the southern hemisphere, wherein site visitors can rise up near marine existence via underground viewing galleries.
Other points of interest right here encompass Dolphin Stadium, Seal Stadium, and Penguin Rookery. Wet ‘n’ Wild is an extravaganza of splash pools, slides, and wonderful tubes, at the same time as uShaka Kids’ World is a paradise for two- to 12-year-olds. Little ones will love the playgrounds, treasure caves, and innovative activities right here.
After a laugh day playing all of the sea-themed points of interest, site visitors can walk a few of the out of doors stores and eating places at Village Walk.
7. Moses Mabhida Stadium
Moses Mabhida Stadium is a world-magnificence carrying and occasion venue on Durban`s Golden Mile. The stadium hosted 8 of the FIFA World Cup Games in 2010. It affords a superb 360-diploma view of Durban from the pinnacle of the stadium’s arch. The Sky Car whisks site visitors to the pinnacle, or they could climb the five hundred steps.
Thrill-seekers will love the 220-meter Big Rush Big Swing, the world’s highest. Segway excursions of the stadium are available, and site visitors can even discover a few eating places on-site, in addition to stores promoting carrying merchandise.
8. The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (Hare Krishna Temple)
The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple is the most important Hare Krishna temple in Africa. Surrounded through manner of approach of a beautiful lotus-common garden, the temple is an tremendous confection of gold-tinged domes, gilded statues, chandeliers, marble tiles, and ceiling frescoes.
Besides admiring the lavish architecture, a highlight of a visit proper right here is gambling a meal at the vegetarian restaurant, Govinda`s. Hungry tourists can feast on a exceptional array of less expensive Indian vegan dishes and fresh-squeezed fruit juices. The restaurant moreover affords food for the horrific and destitute of the city.
9. Valley of 1000 Hills & Phe-Zulu
Inland from the well-known hotel region of Umhlanga Rocks lies the Valley of 1,000 Hills, a beautiful vicinity of gently rounded hills sprinkled with scenic viewpoints, Zulu homesteads, and gorges. The hills upward thrust up along the banks of the Umgeni River as it flows into the Indian Ocean from the faraway Drakensberg mountains. The antique street between Durban and Pietermaritzburg runs along the southern edge of the valley, an area with impressive views.
After passing Hillcrest and Botha`s Hill, it entails Phe-Zulu, a mean Zulu village wherein site visitors can see traditional dance performances and witness the rituals of witch doctors.
PheZulu Safari Park has an abundance of animals that can be spotted, and a Crocodile and Snake park wherein site visitors can byskip on a tour with the resource of the use of knowledgeable guides. The park moreover offers accommodations. On the Durban City Tour and PheZulu Cultural Village Day Tour and the Safari & PheZulu Village Day Tour from Durban, you could experience all that Phe-Zulu and the safari park have to offer, which incorporates landmarks and top attractions withinside the city.
10. Umhlanga Rocks
Umhlanga Rocks 16 kilometers north of Durban, is a popular, upscale hotel town. Long golden beaches, interrupted through a manner of rocky coast, stretch for 2 hundred kilometers north of Durban to the cute Isimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing eight interlinking ecosystems; three predominant lake systems; and Africa`s largest estuarine system, Lake St. Lucia.
In Umhlanga Rocks, water sports activities sports fans will find plenty of things to do. Surfing, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, dolphin viewing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are some of the aquatic pursuits on offer.
Shopping is also a favorite pastime. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping proper right here is truly taken into consideration as one of many of the maximum critical withinside the southern hemisphere. Other factors of hobbies withinside the vicinity embody championship golf courses, the KZN Sharks Board, nature reserves, and museums, which include the preceding living of Mahatma Gandhi.
Where to Stay in Durban for Site seeing
Durban offers an array of hotels, from five well-known characters and family-best to a fee variety of properties, without problem placed close to the city`s major attractions. You will find out pricey accommodations withinside the upscale vicinity of Umhlanga Rocks, and more fee variety-best hotels on the glistening seashore lines of the Indian Ocean, along the Golden Mile beachfront.
Luxury Hotels:
- Re-opening in December 2022, Hilton Durban is a landmark hotel with newly renovated guest rooms located near the Durban International Convention Center. This five-star luxury property has 328 guest rooms with gorgeous views of the coastline and city. It has an outdoor swimming pool, ballroom space, fitness center, and three restaurants. The hotel is currently taking bookings for when it reopens.
- In the upscale neighborhood of Umhlanga Rocks, two top hotels, The Oyster Box and Beverly Hills, compete with superb service and views of the lighthouse overlooking pristine beaches. The Oyster Box is known for its elegant rooms, traditional High Tea, and a one-of-a-kind curry buffet. It has two swimming pools, a spa, a library, luscious tropical gardens, and a 24-seater movie theater. Beverly Hills hotel is located right on the beach and has guest rooms with modern facilities.
Mid-Range Hotels:
- Situated on the Golden Mile and the Indian Ocean, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani features comfortable and spacious rooms. The property offers restaurants, event spaces, and beautiful views.
- The Garden Court Marine Parade is a family-friendly property with 352 spacious and comfortable sea-facing rooms.
Budget Hotels:
- Close to the popular entertainment strip of Florida Rood, The Benjamin has unique rooms that open to balconies and gardens. Breakfast is served in the glass conservatory-style restaurant.
- Garden Court South Beach, located close to the Durban International Convention Center, South Beach, and uShaka Marine World, is ideal for families and business travelers.
