Top attractions in Durban
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Top sights in Durban
Top 7 things to do in Durban
Durban provides a glimpse into South Africa's multi-cultural history, with its vibrant Zulu culture, and visible Indian and colonial influences. The beach is hugely important to locals, as watersports enthusiasts and sunbathers lap up the ever present rays of sunshine. Drakensberg mountain range is even more thrilling -- with its prehistoric rock art hidden and engraved in its caves.
1. The Golden Mile
Surf until you drop, take a walk, or cycle along the promenade and explore the surf museum. The risk of shark attacks is minimal as it's protected by shark nets and watched over by lifeguards.
2. Indian District
'Little India' is a bohemian dream with its delightful sights, sounds, and smells. Durban is home to the largest Indian population outside India, and the huge glorious Juma Musjid Mosque.
3. KwaMuhle Museum
It's ironic that a museum documenting the fight against apartheid is the former building where apartheid laws were enforced. Powerful photo and video displays are worth the visit.
4. Botanical Gardens
Blooming with living fossil plants, orchids, bromeliads and palms, this wondrous garden has remarkable heritage trees from all over the world -- some over one hundred years old.
5. uShaka Sea World
Meet dolphins, snorkel among fish, make jaws drop as you're lowered in an enclosed cylinder to the large shark exhibit, and splash around in the fun-fueled waterworld park.
6. Essenwood Market
Every Saturday this expansive market set under a glorious canopy of evergreen trees, offers arts & crafts, handcrafted jewelery, clothes, and diverse food and drink options.
7. Umhlanga Lagoon Hiking Trail
Take a hike through this superb coastal forest, crossing the Ohlange River to the beach and lagoon. It's a sanctuary for over 200 bird species and other smaller mammals.
Planning Your Visit
South Africa can be dangerous. How safe am I here?
As with all places, remain aware of your surroundings, but perhaps more so in South Africa, due its notoriously high crime rates. Suggested advice includes: locking car doors while you're driving, avoiding remote beaches alone, and avoid walking along quiet areas at night and in early mornings -- especially on your own. If you're leaving windows open in your hotel room, make sure there are burglar bars.
Weather
South Africa is in a subtropical location in the Southern Hemisphere, and therefore the coldest days are in June to August, with virtually no rainfall. The east coast is on the Indian Ocean, which has a warm current and the west coast is on the Atlantic Ocean with a cold current. Summer temperatures on the Indian coast can reach up to 90 degrees with high humidity. December, January, and February are the wettest months, while March and April tend to be pleasant with temperatures averaging 80 degrees.
Good to know
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- Language
- Afrikaans and English
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- Currency
- South African Rand (ZAR)
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- Time Zone
- UTC (+02:00)
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- Country Code
- +27
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- Best time to visit
- May through September is the best time to visit as its cooler and the dry season, when wildlife is more active and will provide best chances to see the famous African animals up-close.
Top Attractions in Durban
Things to Do in Durban
Cities in South Africa
- 3 Knysna
- 4 Durban
- 6 St Lucia
- 7 Hazyview
- 10 Johannesburg
- 11 Nelspruit
- 12 Franschhoek
- 13 Graskop
- 14 Richards Bay
- 15 Stellenbosch
- 16 Hermanus
- 18 Pretoria
- 19 Jeffreys Bay
- 20 Simon's Town
Other Sightseeing Options in Durban
Want to discover all there is to do in Durban? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about Durban
It was so fun. It was the best experience I have ever had . And I like how the driver made our experience even more beautiful by taking our pictures while driving. It felt great ❤️❤️
It was lovely sailing in the harbour, however the guide could have been a bit more informative. The directions to find the service provider was accurate. Staff were friendly.
Got more than expected, it wasn't just a tour around the harbour but quite insightful & fun. It will definitely be on our to do list on our next trip to Durban.
The ride was fun and educational. The entire family enjoyed it. The skipper was awesome. Next time we will book an hour-long cruise.
The cruise was excellent l enjoyed every minute of it , l can't wait to come back again before l go back to Johannesburg
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