Things To Do
in Durban
Durban, South Africa is a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather. It is a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse population that includes Zulu, Indian, and European influences. The city is famous for its vibrant food scene, featuring delicious curries and seafood dishes.
Durban is also a popular destination for surfing, with several top surfing spots along its coastline.
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you
- "Unjani?" - How are you?
- "Sawubona" - Hello
- "Kodwa" - But
- "Ngicela" - Please
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $25 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a relaxing stroll along the beach promenade. Enjoy breakfast at a local café with ocean views.
Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun on the sandy beaches of Umhlanga. Engage in some water sports like surfing or stand-up paddleboarding.
End your day with a sunset view from the beach or a nearby rooftop bar. Dine at a seafood restaurant and savor fresh catches of the day.
Explore the lush landscapes of the Durban Botanical Gardens. Take a peaceful walk and enjoy the diverse flora.
Visit the nearby Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve for a picnic and wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for impalas and various bird species.
Return to the city and enjoy dinner at a cozy bistro. Relax with a drink while reflecting on the day’s adventures in nature.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and warm climate
- Diverse cultural experiences and rich history
- Vibrant tourism industry with various attractions
- Strong economic growth and opportunities in business
- Accessible public transportation options
- Higher crime rates in certain areas
- Limited infrastructure in comparison to major cities
- Traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons
- Economic disparities and poverty in some communities
- Potential for extreme weather events, such as storms
Best Activities in Durban
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Durban such as uShaka Beach, North Beach, and Addington Beach for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Try out surfing at beaches like Dairy Beach, Battery Beach, and Bronze Beach with good waves for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Explore the diverse flora and fauna of Durban by hiking through nature reserves like Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, Pigeon Valley, and Burman Bush.
Discover the rich marine life by snorkeling or scuba diving at Aliwal Shoal, a renowned dive spot near Durban.
Tours
Uncover the best of Durban with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Durban
Visit one of these nice places.
A panoramic view of the city and coastline from the SkyCar and the viewing platform at the top of the stadium.
Offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the iconic lighthouse, with great opportunities for coastal photography.
A beautiful botanical garden with scenic landscapes and a variety of flora, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Food in Durban
Durban Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hollowed out loaf of bread filled with flavorful curry, a popular and iconic street food dish found throughout Durban. Try Cane Cutters in Glenwood for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
A fragrant and spicy curry enriched with a blend of masalas, often featuring seafood or meat. Sample the sumptuous Durban curry at Little Gujarat in the city center.
Fresh fish marinated with spices and flame-grilled, a delightful seafood dish best experienced at Moyo Pier in uShaka Marine World.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Durban better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can find a variety of spices, fresh produce, and street food. Don't miss out on the tasty samosas, chilli bites, and other Indian snacks.
A weekly food market featuring artisanal food producers, local farmers, and gourmet food vendors offering everything from fresh produce to delectable street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Durban, it is important to greet people respectfully using phrases such as 'Sawubona' (hello) and 'Unjani' (how are you). It is also customary to shake hands with people when meeting them for the first time.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Durban's culture. It is important to address older people with respect and deference, using titles such as 'Mama' and 'Baba' to show reverence.
In Durban, modesty in clothing is generally appreciated, especially in more traditional and rural areas. It is advisable to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothing to show respect for the local cultural norms.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Durban with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Durban
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Durban, South Africa is generally expected in restaurants, cafes, and for other service providers. It is customary to tip around 10-15% of the bill as a gesture of appreciation for good service.
Payment in Durban, South Africa is commonly made using cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment methods. Major credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, and ATMs are easily accessible for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Durban.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is peak tourist season in Durban, characterized by hot and humid weather, perfect for beach activities and water sports. Expect crowded beaches and bustling social scene.
Autumn brings warm and pleasant weather, with fewer crowds compared to summer. It's a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Durban experiences mild winters with comfortable temperatures, making it a good time for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor festivals and events. It's the whale-watching season too.
Spring brings blooming flora and mild temperatures, making it an ideal time for nature walks, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the city's parks and gardens.
Durban at Night
Hiking in Durban
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A well-known hike offering stunning views of the Cape Peninsula and the city. The trails vary in difficulty.
A range offering numerous trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, known for its spectacular scenery.
A popular destination for mountain biking and hiking with well-maintained trails and beautiful views.
Offers a variety of hiking trails with lush forests and great opportunities to see local wildlife.
A coastal reserve with easy walking trails through scenic landscapes and beach access.
Known for its magnificent views and cultural experiences, with a variety of hiking paths available.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Durban through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Durban by plane.
Main international airport serving Durban, located approximately 35 kilometers north of the city.
The largest and busiest airport in South Africa, located in Johannesburg, about 600 kilometers from Durban.
International airport serving Cape Town, approximately 1,600 kilometers from Durban.
Located in Port Elizabeth, this airport is roughly 750 kilometers from Durban.
Situated in George, approximately 1,000 kilometers from Durban, serves the Garden Route region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
This group represents the majority population in Durban, primarily consisting of Zulu speakers.
A significant demographic in Durban, largely consisting of descendants of Indian laborers brought to South Africa in the 19th century.
This group includes people of mixed racial heritage, with a unique cultural identity in Durban.
Primarily descendants of European settlers, this group represents a smaller portion of the population in Durban.
Includes various immigrant populations and individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
The Soul of Durban
Discover the essence of Durban through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is a highly popular sport in Durban, with significant followings for local teams and a vibrant culture surrounding the sport.
Cricket is widely played and followed in Durban, with many local clubs and the presence of major events and tournaments.
Soccer is immensely popular in Durban, with a passionate fan base and numerous local leagues and teams.
Durban's coastal location makes it a hotspot for surfing, attracting both local and international surfers to its beaches.
Field hockey has a strong presence in Durban, with many schools and clubs participating in the sport.
Netball is popular among women and girls in Durban, with numerous clubs and participation at various levels.
Athletics has a good following in Durban, with many events and competitions held throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Durban.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Durban offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, with options like veggie curries, lentil stews, and plant-based variations of local favorites.
While traditional dishes may contain wheat-based ingredients, several eateries in Durban cater to gluten-free diets, offering dishes made with alternative grains or substitutions.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Durban with these cultural adventures.
