Best Things to Do in Durban, South Africa
Durban is South Africa's third-largest city and the busiest port on the African continent, a warm, subtropical city on the Indian Ocean coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Famous for its Indian Ocean beaches, the largest Indian community outside of India, an extraordinary food culture (bunny chow), and the gateway to the Drakensberg mountains and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi game reserve.
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The unmissable in Durban
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Durban sits on the Bight of Natal in KwaZulu-Natal province, a city of 3.5 million with a warm climate (rarely below 15°C in winter, often 28-30°C in summer) that makes it South Africa’s most popular domestic beach destination. The things to do in Durban are shaped by its beach frontage, its Indian heritage, and its proximity to exceptional game reserves and mountains. The Golden Mile beachfront runs 6 km from North Beach to South Beach with a boardwalk, surf breaks, and warm Indian Ocean swimming year-round. uShaka Marine World, at the southern end of the beachfront, is the fifth-largest aquarium in the world. The Durban Botanic Gardens (the oldest surviving botanic garden in Africa) has a cycad collection of international significance. The Victoria Street Market is the center of the city’s Indian spice and fabric trade. The Moses Mabhida Stadium (built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup) offers a cable car and zipline. The Drakensberg Amphitheatre, 3 hours west, is one of South Africa’s great mountain scenery experiences.
Best time to visit
May through August (austral winter) is the best time — dry, warm (20-25°C), and lower humidity. This is South Africa’s whale watching season (humpback whales migrate north along the KwaZulu-Natal coast June-November). The Sardine Run (annual migration of billions of sardines northward along the coast) occurs June-July and draws enormous numbers of predators (sharks, dolphins, gannets) that can be observed by boat. December through February is hot and humid (32-35°C) with the heaviest rain; the beaches are at their most active with domestic holidaymakers.
Getting around
King Shaka International Airport is 35 km north of the city center (about 45 minutes by car). Within Durban, the Durban People Mover bus runs the beachfront. Uber and Bolt are available and recommended over metered taxis. A car is needed for the Drakensberg, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, and the Valley of a Thousand Hills. The N2 north leads to the Elephant Coast and iSimangaliso Wetland Park (2-3 hours).
What to eat
Durban has one of South Africa’s most distinctive food cultures, shaped by its Indian community. Bunny chow — a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry — is Durban’s signature dish, invented in the city’s Indian community during apartheid. Emmanuel’s on Grey Street or Britannia Hotel in Greyville are the most cited original sources. Durban curry is hotter and more aromatic than Cape Malay curry. Mutton bunny, bean bunny, and quarter chicken bunny are the most common orders. Roti and samosa are widely available in the Victoria Street Market area. For seafood, the Golden Mile promenade restaurants offer fresh prawns and grilled crayfish.
Frequently asked questions
Is Durban safe for tourists?
With precautions, yes. Durban has high levels of petty crime; the beachfront and tourist areas are reasonably safe during the day with reduced risk at night. The Victoria Street Market area and some inner-city neighborhoods require more caution. The Berea, Umhlanga, and Ballito areas north of the city are safe residential and commercial zones. Use Uber/Bolt over street taxis, don't display expensive items, and avoid isolated areas at night.
What is the Drakensberg and how do I get there from Durban?
The Drakensberg (“Dragon Mountains” in Afrikaans, uKhahlamba in Zulu) is a mountain range forming the border between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho. The Amphitheatre at Royal Natal National Park, with the 5km basalt cliff face and the Tugela Falls (the world's second-highest waterfall at 948m), is the most dramatic feature. The Cathedral Peak, Champagne Valley, and Drakensberg Gardens areas have hiking trails ranging from 2-hour walks to multi-day passes into Lesotho. The drive from Durban to the Amphitheatre takes approximately 3 hours.