Durban

Durban Travel Guide

A subtropical city on the Indian Ocean coast, defined by golden beaches and a deep Indian cultural influence. Swim and surf year-round at Golden Mile Beach, and experience the Indian-Zulu cultural mix at Victoria Street Market. Bunny chow and Durban curry are uniquely local dishes, and uShaka Marine World is ideal for families. South Africa's warmest and most multicultural city.

Essential Durban Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Durban

★ 4.3

Golden Mile Beach

Golden Mile Beach stretches roughly 6km along downtown Durban's coast, its golden sands paired with the warm Indian Ocean and year-round mild climate that let visitors swim all year long. The long beachfront promenade is great for jogging, cycling, and walking, and the beach is also a world-renowned surf spot. Shark nets along the shore allow for safe swimming, and restaurants and bars line the beachfront.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationBeachfront, Durban

TipsTo learn to surf, try the surf schools at North Beach. Even in winter (June-August), water temperatures stay above 20C and swimming is possible.

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★ 4.4

uShaka Marine World

uShaka Marine World sits on Durban's beachfront and is Africa's largest marine theme park, packing an aquarium, waterpark, dolphin experiences, and shark dives into one venue. Sea World aquarium is designed around a shipwreck theme, creating a distinctive setting for viewing tropical fish, sharks, and turtles. The Wet 'n Wild waterpark offers thrilling slides and a wave pool ideal for families, and the Village Walk area provides shopping and dining.

HoursDaily 09:00-17:00 (waterpark 10:00-17:00)

LocationPoint Waterfront, Durban

TipsThe park is large enough for a full-day visit, so arrive early. A combined aquarium and waterpark ticket is the best value, and dolphin experiences require advance booking.

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★ 4.2

Victoria Street Market

Victoria Street Market in downtown Durban captures the city's unique mix of Indian immigrant culture and Zulu heritage. The ground floor sells spices, Indian clothing, and jewelry, while the upper floor offers Zulu traditional remedies, beadwork, and leather goods. The surrounding Indian quarter (Grey Street) is packed with Durban's famous curry restaurants, perfect for sampling local specialties like bunny chow.

HoursMonday-Friday 08:00-18:00, Saturday 08:00-14:00, closed Sundays

LocationVictoria Street, Durban

TipsBargaining is essential, and Durban curry spices make a great souvenir from the spice stalls. Always ask vendors before taking photos.

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★ 4.4

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Moses Mabhida Stadium is an iconic Durban beachfront landmark, featuring a 106m arch that also hosts the world's tallest bungee swing. Ride the SkyCar cable car to the top of the arch for 360-degree views of Durban, the Indian Ocean, and the Bluff peninsula, or try the Big Swing bungee jump for a thrill. Stadium tours cover the locker rooms, pitch, and VIP lounges, and the surrounding parkland is ideal for jogging and walks. SkyCar ZAR 80 (about KRW 5,920); Big Swing ZAR 795 (about KRW 58,800). North of Golden Mile Beach.

HoursDaily 09:00-17:00 (SkyCar and tours same hours)

LocationStamford Hill, Durban

TipsRide the SkyCar on a clear day for the best views. Pre-booking is recommended for the Big Swing; the SkyCar alone is thrilling enough for those with a fear of heights.

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★ 4.3

Durban Botanic Gardens

Founded in 1849, Durban Botanic Gardens is Africa's oldest continuously operating botanical garden, showcasing thousands of plant species across 15 subtropical hectares. It is especially famous for its rare cycad collection, with some specimens being 'living fossils' that survived from the age of the dinosaurs tens of millions of years ago. The orchid house, herb garden, and indigenous plant section are also highlights, and picnics on the lawns and weekend concerts are popular with locals. An urban oasis perfect for strolling and relaxation. Free admission. About 10 minutes by Uber from the city centre.

HoursDaily 07:30-17:15

LocationBerea, Durban

TipsFree entry makes it ideal for a relaxed Durban afternoon. The cycad section is a must-see. Weekend mornings feature a farmers' market.

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★ 4.5

Umhlanga Rocks

About 15km north of Durban, Umhlanga Rocks is an upscale beach village marked by its iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse. The roughly 2.2km coastal promenade from the lighthouse to Bronze Beach is one of Durban's most scenic walks, where dolphins and whales are sometimes spotted. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping is one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest malls, and beachfront restaurants serve fresh seafood with Indian Ocean sunrise views. The family-friendly beach is great for surfing and swimming. Free entry. About 20 minutes by car from central Durban.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationUmhlanga, Durban

TipsEarly morning walks offer the best chance of spotting dolphins close to shore. The lighthouse is the most popular photo spot.

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★ 4.4

Valley of a Thousand Hills

About 45km west of Durban, the Valley of a Thousand Hills unfolds as an expanse of countless green hills along the Umgeni River. At the PheZulu Safari Park, visitors experience Zulu culture firsthand — traditional warrior dances, beadwork, and traditional beer brewing. The African Raptor Bird of Prey Show features flight demonstrations by hawks, eagles, and owls. Adventure activities like ziplining and canopy tours are also popular. Zulu village tour about ZAR 120 (about KRW 8,900). About 45 minutes by car from Durban.

HoursZulu village: Daily 08:30-16:00

LocationBotha's Hill, Durban

TipsThe most popular option is a half-day tour including Zulu cultural experiences and lunch. Book a guided tour if you don't have a rental car.

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★ 4.2

Florida Road

In Durban's Morningside district, Florida Road is a street lined with beautiful Victorian and Edwardian buildings that serves as the city's liveliest dining and nightlife hub. A dense mix of South African, Indian curry, Italian, and Japanese restaurants makes it a foodie destination, and weekend evenings come alive with live music. Durban's multicultural character is reflected perfectly in the food, letting you taste world cuisines along a single street. The blend of historic architecture and modern dining creates a unique atmosphere. Free to stroll. About 10 minutes by Uber from the city centre.

HoursRestaurants 12:00-23:00 (varies); bars 17:00-02:00

LocationMorningside, Durban

TipsFriday and Saturday evenings have the best atmosphere; walk-ins may face a wait. 9th Avenue Bistro and Cargo Hold are popular choices.

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Things to Do in Durban

Nature

Golden Mile Beach Walk

Walk along Durban's famous Golden Mile beachfront, enjoying surfing and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean waters.

Price FreeDuration 1-2 hours

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Shopping

Victoria Street Market Visit

Explore Durban's largest Indian market selling spices, crafts, and traditional medicine. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and haggle for bargains.

Price Free entry (items vary)Duration 1-2 hours

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Adventure

uShaka Marine World

Africa's largest aquarium combined with a water park, featuring shark tanks, dolphin shows, and water slides.

Price ZAR 250-350 (about USD 14-19)Duration Half day to full day

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Culture

Zulu Cultural Village Experience

Visit a Zulu cultural village near Durban to experience traditional dance, food, and crafts while learning about Zulu history and lifestyle.

Price ZAR 300-500 (about USD 16-27)Duration 2-3 hours

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Adventure

Surfing Lessons

Learn to surf in the warm Indian Ocean waves. North Beach and New Pier areas are ideal spots for beginners.

Price ZAR 400-600 (about USD 22-33)Duration 1.5-2 hours

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Tour

Moses Mabhida Stadium SkyCar

Ride the SkyCar to the top of the 2010 World Cup stadium arch for 360-degree views of Durban. Bungee swing also available.

Price ZAR 60 (SkyCar) / ZAR 695 (bungee swing)Duration 30 min to 1 hour

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Must-Try Food in Durban

Samoosa

🍢 Street Food

An Indian-influenced Durban snack of triangular fried pastries filled with curried fillings. ZAR 15-30 each. Available from stalls around Victoria Street Market.

Malva Pudding

🍰 Dessert

A traditional South African dessert of apricot-jam sponge cake drenched in a creamy sauce. ZAR 30-60 per slice. Served as dessert at Durban restaurants and cafes.

Bunny Chow

🍢 Street Food

Durban's original street food — a hollowed-out loaf filled with curry. ZAR 40-80. Try Hollywood Bets Bunny Bar or Gounden's on Grey Street.

Bunny Chow (Durban Original)

🍱 Traditional

Durban's original: curry served in a hollowed-out bread loaf. ZAR 50-90 (about USD 3-5). Hollywood Bets Bunny Bar on Florida Road is famous.

Durban Curry

🍱 Traditional

Spicy traditional curry created by Durban's Indian community, the city's signature dish. ZAR 80-140 (about USD 4-8). Britannia Hotel in Greyville is a curry institution.

Umqombothi

🍵 Drink

Traditional Zulu fermented beer made from maize and sorghum. ZAR 20-40 (about USD 1-2). Try it at Durban traditional markets or Zulu cultural experiences.

Kohlrabi Kebab

🍢 Street Food

Spiced lamb kebabs from Durban's Indian Quarter spice market. ZAR 30-60 (about USD 2-3). Authentic from stalls near Victoria Street Market.

Durban Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Durban?

April-September (winter dry season) is best. The climate is mild year-round and the Indian Ocean stays warm.

How much does it cost to travel in Durban?

Daily budget approx. $50-105 (lodging $30-55, food $15-20, transport and admissions $7-30)

How do I get around in Durban?

About 20 minutes by taxi or Uber from King Shaka Airport to downtown. Get around the city by inrail trains, taxis, and Uber. SIM cards available at the airport. Cards accepted at the beachfront and malls; cash needed at markets. Tipping 10-15%.

Do I need a visa to visit Durban?

Korean passport holders may stay visa-free for 30 days.

Is Durban safe for tourists?

The beachfront is relatively safe, but keep an eye on belongings. Use taxis or Uber at night.

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