Things To Do
in Westville
Westville is an established, leafy suburb of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, known for its family-friendly residential streets, shopping centres and convenient access to Durban’s beaches and the M13 motorway. It sits on a ridge offering pleasant suburban views and is popular with commuters who work in Durban or nearby industrial hubs. The area blends residential neighbourhoods, parks and small commercial nodes with a mix of South African cultural influences, including strong Indian and Zulu communities in the wider Durban metro.
Westville makes a comfortable base for exploring Durban’s coastline, nearby nature reserves and the Valley of a Thousand Hills.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Westville Heritage Centre, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the area. Enjoy a guided tour showcasing local artifacts and community stories. Don't forget to take photos of the beautiful gardens that surround the center.
After lunch at a local café, head to the Westville Community Market to explore local crafts, food stalls, and handmade goods. Engage with local artisans and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir to remember your trip. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly locals will enhance your shopping experience.
As the sun sets, unwind with a leisurely stroll through the Westville Botanical Gardens, a serene space filled with indigenous plants and scenic walking paths. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy amidst the natural beauty or dine at a nearby restaurant that offers traditional South African cuisine. End your day with a relaxing evening, reflecting on the cultural experiences you've had.
Begin your day with an energizing hike in the Palmiet Nature Reserve, where you can immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscape. The trails wind through lush vegetation, and you may spot various local wildlife along the way. Capture the tranquility of the morning as the sounds of birds fill the air.
After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch at one of the picnic spots within the reserve, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Spend the afternoon birdwatching or simply relaxing in the shade, taking in the peaceful surroundings. If you're feeling adventurous, consider trying your hand at some light rock climbing in designated areas.
After a fulfilling day in nature, head back to Westville for dinner at a local restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere. Try some traditional South African dishes like bunny chow or bobotie, paired with a refreshing drink. Conclude your evening with a stroll through the town, enjoying the local nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi / ride-hailing (5 km) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-120 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient base close to Durban beaches and city attractions
- Pleasant suburban atmosphere with parks and family-friendly amenities
- Good access to nature reserves and scenic drives like the Valley of a Thousand Hills
- Diverse culinary scene with strong Indian and coastal influences
- Suburban layout means a car is useful for full independence
- Occasional traffic congestion during peak commute times
- Petty crime can be an issue if basic precautions aren’t taken
- Hot, humid summers with afternoon storms may be uncomfortable for some
- "Sawubona" - Hello (Zulu, to one person)
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you (Zulu)
- "Baie dankie" - Thank you (Afrikaans)
- "Please" - Please / polite English usage common
- "Where is the beach?" - Ask in English — widely understood
Places to Visit in Westville
Visit one of these nice places.
Wooded reserve with rivers, indigenous forest patches and historic homestead — great for nature, birdlife and early-morning light.
Scenic vantage points offering sweeping views of rolling valleys and traditional homesteads — excellent for landscape photography at sunrise or sunset.
Established gardens with palms, cycads and flowering plants — good for macro, botanical and relaxed portrait shots.
Coastal promenade, piers and the iconic stadium provide dynamic urban and seascape photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Food in Westville
Westville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy Durban curry — an essential Durban street-food experience commonly available in Durban markets and many casual eateries.
Must-Try!
A distinct, spicy Indian-influenced curry style that is fragrant and often hotter than other South African curries; try it with rice or as a bunny chow.
A South African barbecue tradition: freshly grilled meats served at communal braai spots and specialised shisanyama joints in and around Durban.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market in Durban CBD offering spices, Indian sweets, crafts and street-food stalls; ideal for trying local curries, samosas and fresh produce.
Small weekend markets near Westville and nearby suburbs sell fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal snacks and coffee—great for sampling local flavors and pick-me-ups.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake and eye contact are common. Use polite greetings and thank-yous; a simple 'Hello' or 'Sawubona' (Zulu) is appreciated.
Be respectful when visiting cultural or religious sites — dress modestly where appropriate, ask before photographing people and follow local hosts’ guidance.
Avoid making assumptions about race, politics or the legacy of apartheid; if discussing sensitive topics, be respectful and listen.
Safety
Tipping in Westville
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping of around 10–15% in restaurants is customary if service is good; rounds up or small amounts for taxi drivers, hotel porters (R10–R30) and cleaners are appreciated.
South African rand (ZAR) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted at shops and restaurants; contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common. Carry some cash for small markets and minibus taxis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
November to March: hot, humid and sunny with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; perfect for beaches and water activities but pack sunscreen, light rain gear and stay hydrated.
April to May: warm days and cooler evenings with lower humidity; good weather for outdoor exploration and hiking with fewer insects than summer.
June to August: mild, dry days and cool nights. Winters are generally pleasant (rarely freezing) — ideal for walking and sightseeing without summer crowds.
September to October: warming temperatures and flowering landscapes; good for hiking and photography as nature comes alive after winter.
Westville at Night
Hiking in Westville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local reserve with short to moderate trails through indigenous forest and grassland; suitable for birdwatching and gentle hikes.
Scenic gorges and trails near Kloof offering waterfalls, viewpoints and moderately challenging hikes.
A bit further out but highly regarded for longer trails, dramatic cliffs, indigenous forest and waterfall routes.
Various short trails and lookouts in the valley area, offering cultural experiences and panoramic views across rolling hills.
Airports
How to reach Westville by plane.
Main international airport serving Durban, located near La Mercy roughly 30–45 minutes’ drive north of Westville depending on traffic; offers domestic and international flights and good car-rental and shuttle connections.
Smaller regional airport serving Pietermaritzburg about an hour’s drive inland; useful for regional connections though services are more limited than King Shaka.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest cultural and linguistic group in KwaZulu-Natal, with strong cultural traditions and community life across the region.
Durban has one of the largest Indian communities outside India; this influence is visible in food, festivals and businesses in the metro area.
English- and Afrikaans-speaking communities involved in business, services and suburban life; multicultural interactions are common in daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is popular across KwaZulu-Natal with strong local support for club and provincial teams.
Widely followed at both community and professional levels; Durban hosts professional clubs and league matches.
Cricket has a broad following and Durban’s coastline is popular for surfing and other water sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Westville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and curry houses (many Indian restaurants offer vegetarian curries and samosas); ask for no ghee if avoiding animal fats.
Major cafés and some restaurants cater to vegan and gluten-free diets but options are more limited than in larger cities — check menus ahead, and supermarkets stock speciality items.
Durban has a large Muslim community and many halal eateries; in Westville and nearby suburbs you can find halal-friendly restaurants and butchers.