Durban, known as eThekweni in Zulu, is South Africa's third-largest city and a prime vacation spot, famous for its surfing opportunities, warm Indian Ocean, and a mild subtropical climate. It's easily accessible from Johannesburg and Cape Town and offers a rich multi-cultural experience, with vibrant markets and Indian-influenced cuisine.
For those looking to explore beyond the city, there are several attractions within reach for a day trip. Below is a list of the top attractions in Durban.
1. Golden Mile
The "Golden Mile" is a beachfront promenade with hotels, shops, and restaurants, popular for water sports and relaxation. Key attractions include uShaka Marine World, Moses Mabhida Stadium, and Mini Town.
2. Durban Botanic Gardens
The Durban Botanic Gardens, Africa's oldest surviving botanic garden, offers a look at indigenous and exotic plants, a Garden of the Senses, and a variety of bird species.
Official site: www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za
3. Umgeni River Bird Park
Umgeni River Bird Park houses over 200 bird species and offers bird shows for an educational experience.
Official site: www.umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za
4. Indian Quarter
The Indian Quarter, including the Victoria Street Market and Juma Masjid Mosque, offers a mix of cultures with vendors selling spices, clothing, and jewelry, and restaurants serving authentic Indian cuisine.
5. Mitchell Park and Jameson Park
Mitchell Park features shady lawns, a playground, mini zoo, and an aviary, while Jameson Park is known for its rose collection.
6. uShaka Marine World
uShaka Marine World offers an aquarium, dolphin and seal shows, water slides, and a children's playground, with shopping and dining at Village Walk.
Official site: www.ushakamarineworld.co.za
7. Moses Mabhida Stadium
Moses Mabhida Stadium offers tours, a Sky Car, the Big Rush Big Swing, and on-site dining and shopping.
Official site: www.mmstadium.com
8. The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (Hare Krishna Temple)
The largest Hare Krishna temple in Africa, featuring a vegetarian restaurant, Govinda's.
Official site: http://iskcondurban.net/
9. Valley of 1000 Hills & Phe-Zulu
The Valley of 1000 Hills offers scenic views, Zulu homesteads, and the PheZulu Safari Park with traditional dance performances and wildlife.
Official site: http://www.zulu.org.za/experience/routes/1000-hills
10. Umhlanga Rocks
Umhlanga Rocks is a resort town with beaches, water sports, shopping, and the Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
11. Kwamuhle Museum
Kwamuhle Museum showcases Durban's history during apartheid with photographs and sculptures.
12. Florida Road
Florida Road is known for its Edwardian architecture, cafes, galleries, and the African Art Centre.
13. New Pier Beach
New Pier Beach, also known as Dairy Beach, is a top surf spot and a place to relax on the sand.
14. Inanda Township and Heritage Trail
Inanda Township is historically significant, with the Inanda Heritage Route highlighting key locations.
15. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is a wildlife reserve known for the Big Five and rhino conservation.
16. Midlands Meander
The Midlands Meander is a scenic driving route with craft shops, eateries, and outdoor activities.
A Brief History of Durban
Durban's diverse culture stems from its history of British, Zulu, and Boer influences, as well as a significant Indian community established by laborers who remained after their contracts on sugar plantations expired. Durban is also notable for its role in the lives of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
Where to Stay in Durban for Sightseeing
Durban offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts in Umhlanga Rocks to budget-friendly options along the Golden Mile.
