Durban: A Coastal Gem of Culture, Cuisine and Sunshine

Durban, South Africa’s seaside playground, is where golden beaches meet warm Indian Ocean waves, and African, Indian, and colonial influences blend beautifully. Known for its year-round sunshine, laid-back vibe, and rich cultural mix, Durban is the perfect destination for those who love surf, spice, and sea views. Whether you’re here for adventure, food, or just to unwind, this guide will help you make the most of your visit. Combine your Durban citytrip with a safari or road trip using our South Africa itinerary guide.

How to Get to Durban

✈️ By Plane: Durban’s main airport, King Shaka International (DUR), serves both domestic and international flights. It’s well connected to cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Dubai, and London. From the airport, you can reach the city in about 30 minutes by Uber, shuttle, or rental car.

🚗 By Car: If you’re exploring South Africa by road, Durban is easily accessible via the N3 highway from Johannesburg: a roughly six-hour scenic drive through the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal. We rented our car through Sunny Cars for peace of mind and full insurance coverage.

🚌 By Bus: Several long-distance bus companies such as Greyhound and Intercape operate routes to Durban from major South African cities. You can book most buses through 12GO, a reliable online transportation platform.

Safety in Durban – Our Tips

Durban is a lively, friendly city, and while we personally felt safe during our visit, it’s important to stay alert like you would in any large city. The beachfront areas such as Umhlanga, Morningside, and the Golden Mile are generally safe and well-patrolled, especially during the day.

Here are our top safety tips:

🔍 Check with locals or your accommodation for areas to avoid, especially at night.
🚖 Use Uber or Bolt for transport instead of walking long distances after dark.
🌃 Stick to well-lit, populated areas along the beachfront and in the main entertainment zones.
🔒 Keep your belongings close and avoid showing valuables in crowded areas.
🚗 Always lock car doors and keep bags out of sight.
👀 Trust your instincts: if a place feels off, move on.

Your Guide to Durban

Stroll the Golden Mile

The Golden Mile is Durban’s famous beachfront promenade, stretching from uShaka Marine World to the Suncoast Casino. We loved walking (or renting bikes) along this oceanfront path, watching surfers ride the waves and locals enjoy the sunshine. There are cafés, markets, and plenty of spots to grab a cold drink or an ice cream.

Tip: Visit in the early morning for a peaceful walk before the crowds arrive, or in the late afternoon for a spectacular sunset over the ocean.

Visit Durban’s Markets

For a taste of local culture, head to the Victoria Street Market — a bustling bazaar filled with colorful spices, handcrafted jewelry, and African fabrics. The scent of curry powder and incense fills the air, and bargaining is all part of the experience. Another great stop is the I Heart Market at Moses Mabhida Stadium (Saturdays), which features local artists, designers, and street food stalls. We picked up a few handmade souvenirs here and chatted with friendly locals. There are also several guided tours to the different markets in town.

Take in the Views from Moses Mabhida Stadium

Even if you’re not a sports fan, this architectural landmark is worth a visit. You can take the SkyCar or climb the 500 steps to the top of the stadium’s arch for panoramic views of Durban and the coastline. For thrill-seekers, there’s the Big Rush Swing, the world’s tallest stadium swing. We didn’t try it ourselves, but we loved watching brave souls leap from the arch.

Discover Durban’s Indian Influence

Durban has the largest Indian population outside of India, and you can feel it everywhere — in the food, the markets, and the culture. Don’t leave without trying a bunny chow, a half loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with spicy curry. Our favorite spot was CaneCutters in Glenwood, where the portions are generous and the flavors incredible.

For a more refined meal, Capsicum Restaurant at the Britannia Hotel serves up authentic Durban curries in a cozy, nostalgic setting.

Take a Day Trip to the Drakensberg

If you have more time, a trip to the Drakensberg Mountains is an absolute must. Located about a two and a half hour drive from Durban, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches across both the Northern and Southern Drakensberg, each offering a unique experience. In the north, you can visit the spectacular Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls, and even take a trip into Lesotho to explore an authentic Basotho village. The southern region is known for its peaceful scenery, winding mountain roads, and the famous Sani Pass, where you can cross into Lesotho and enjoy a beer at what is said to be the highest pub in Africa.

Explore uShaka Marine World

Located at the southern end of the Golden Mile, uShaka Marine World is one of Durban’s most famous attractions and home to one of the largest aquariums in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a fun place for families and travelers who want to learn more about ocean life, with aquariums, restaurants, and shops all set right on the beach.

We decided not to visit uShaka Marine World because of the dolphin and seal shows, which involve animals in captivity. Some animal welfare organizations have raised concerns about these practices, and we prefer to support experiences that focus on wildlife in their natural habitat. If you do go, you can still enjoy the educational exhibits or the vibrant beachfront atmosphere around the complex.

Even if you skip the shows, the area itself is lively and worth exploring, with great ocean views, local food, and a fun seaside vibe.

Go Diving or Snorkeling at Aliwal Shoal

For an unforgettable marine adventure, head about 50 kilometers south of Durban to Aliwal Shoal, one of the world’s top dive sites. This underwater wonderland is famous for its vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and the chance to see sharks in their natural environment.

We did several dives here and were lucky enough to see lots of ragged-tooth sharks, a bull shark, and plenty of other marine life. Some operators also offer snorkeling trips with or without a cage, giving you the chance to safely see oceanic blacktip sharks up close. The snorkeling focus here is mostly on the sharks rather than the reef, making it a thrilling experience even for beginners.

Most dive and snorkel operators in Umkomaas follow responsible, conservation-focused practices, so you can enjoy the adventure knowing it is done sustainably. For more details and tips on diving across South Africa, check out our Ultimate Diving Guide for South Africa.

Tip: Book your dives or snorkel trips in advance and check the weather and ocean conditions before heading out. Bring a warm layer for the boat ride and reef-safe sunscreen.

Take a Trip to St. Lucia

About three hours north of Durban, St. Lucia is a fantastic destination for either a day trip or an overnight stay. We spent the day cruising the estuary, spotting hippos and crocodiles, and wandering along the shoreline, and it was an incredible experience. If you have more time, staying overnight lets you enjoy early morning wildlife drives, longer walks in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and the chance to really soak in the natural beauty without feeling rushed.

The town itself is charming, with plenty of restaurants, cafés, and local shops to explore. Wildlife is abundant in the surrounding park, so bring your camera and be prepared for some unforgettable encounters. For all the details on planning your visit, where to stay, and the best activities in St. Lucia, check out our St. Lucia Guide.

Take a Trip to Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park

If you’re craving a true safari experience, a trip to Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park is an unforgettable addition to your Durban itinerary. Located about three hours north of Durban, this is one of South Africa’s oldest and most iconic game reserves, famous for its Big Five and its successful rhino conservation program.

You can visit on a guided day tour from Durban or drive yourself — the roads are well maintained, and the park is easy to navigate. Early morning is the best time to spot wildlife such as elephants, lions, rhinos, and buffalo. The landscape is beautiful, with rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and sweeping savannahs that make every game drive scenic.

If you have more time, consider staying overnight inside the park at Hilltop Camp for classic self-catering chalets or at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge for a luxurious, all-inclusive safari experience. Both offer incredible views and early access to the park before day visitors arrive.

Adventure at Oribi Gorge and Lake Eland

About two hours south of Durban, the Oribi Gorge area offers dramatic scenery, forested cliffs, and plenty of adventure. We did a short 30-minute hike to Samango Falls, a peaceful waterfall surrounded by lush forest. The views were beautiful, though not as impressive as the Blyde River Canyon. It’s worth it if you have an extra day, but we wouldn’t recommend paying for a guided tour.

For thrill-seekers, Wild Five Adventures offers abseiling, zip-lining, and the Wild Gorge Swing, one of the world’s highest. Nearby, Lake Eland Game Reserve provides a more relaxed way to enjoy the gorge, with a scenic suspension bridge, viewpoints, and self-drive routes.

Where to Eat in Durban

Durban is a foodie’s dream, especially if you love bold flavors and spicy dishes. These were our favorite spots:

🍛 CaneCutters (Glenwood): The best bunny chow in town — authentic, hearty, and affordable.
🍹 The Oyster Box (Umhlanga): A luxurious spot for sundowners or a seafood dinner with ocean views.
🥗 Surf Riders Café (South Beach): Perfect for brunch or a light lunch right on the promenade.
🍴 Butcher Boys (Morningside): A must for steak lovers — we had one of the best meals of our trip here.

Where to Stay in Durban

Durban offers a wide range of accommodation, from relaxed guesthouses to luxury oceanfront hotels. For great value and comfort, Blue Waters Hotel is a classic choice right on the beachfront, while Goble Palms Guest Lodge & Urban Retreat and Maison H Guest House offer a more personal, boutique experience in quieter neighborhoods.

If you’re looking to treat yourself, stay at the iconic Oyster Box in Umhlanga. This five-star hotel is one of South Africa’s most famous, known for its elegant setting, ocean views, and outstanding restaurant.