Durban
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Top attractions in Durban

See all tours & things to do 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.

The Golden Mile

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.

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.

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.

Botanical Gardens

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.

uShaka Sea World

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.

Essenwood Market

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. 

Umhlanga Lagoon Hiking Trail

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 Durban 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

  • Language
    Afrikaans and English
  • Currency
    South African Rand (ZAR)
  • Time Zone
    UTC (+02:00)
  • Country Code
    +27
  • 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.

Things to Do in Durban

  1. 1Tours
  2. 2Sightseeing Tours
  3. 3Culture & History
  4. 4Nature & adventure
  5. 5Activities
  6. 6Bus & Minivan Tours
  7. 7Day Trips
  8. 8Theme Tours
  9. 9Wheelchair Accessible
  10. 10Birdwatching

Top Attractions in Durban

  1. 1Shakaland
  2. 2uShaka Marine World
  3. 3Phansi Museum
  4. 4KwaZulu-Natal Society of the Arts
  5. 5Markets of Warwick
  6. 6CaneCutters Restaurant, Glenwood

Cities in South Africa

  1. 1Cape Town
  2. 2Johannesburg
  3. 3Port Elizabeth
  4. 4Swellendam
  5. 5Knysna
  6. 6Stellenbosch
  7. 7Franschhoek
  8. 8Hermanus
  9. 9Gans Bay
  10. 10Graaff-Reinet

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

Stunning scenery, new friends & cultural insights

Everything from pick up at the Zulu Safari Office to our arrival in Lesotho and back to SA worked out well. We first of all went to PMB to see Ghandi’s Statue and hear a little bit more about KZN’s capital. Then we picked up a nice couple from Boston, who we spend the day with. Our guide Nduduzo NeNe was superb in explaining the landscape and culture to us. He was helpful getting nice pictures and kept up to our wishes and questions. It was good to have an experienced 4x4 driver for the Sani Pass and he led us through customs both sides. After visiting the Basotho people of Lesotho we went to the Highest Pub in Africa at Sani Pass and had a light lunch and some beers and ciders. The way back was as rough but we had spent a lovely day with newly made friends and an awesome local. 13hrs were quite exhausting but we were happy to have seen that stunning scenery!

From Durban: Sani Pass and Lesotho by 4WD Vehicle Reviewed by Sarah, 02/20/2019

Worth the day trip for solo traveler or group

I only had a few days in Durban alone & wasn’t sure what I really wanted to do. I saw this day trip & I’m glad I decided to do it. My guide picked me up at my hostel as well as another traveler and set out. He packed water for us, made several stops to allow us to take photos, use the bathroom, and get food. He explained interesting facts about the areas as we went. Was cool to stop in the city (starts with a P) where Ghandi started his active non-violence. The pass is a steep climb to a beautiful view. It was cool to get to experience a bit of Lesotho by visiting some locals and stopping by at the highest pub in the world. Professional & knowledgeable guide. He was a good driver & the vehicle was comfortable. Would recommend this company and trip. It does make for a long day though so I definitely fell asleep in the car on the way home.

From Durban: Sani Pass and Lesotho by 4WD Vehicle Reviewed by Troy, 08/06/2018

It is a pity they make the pick up a saga

You ask for a pick up at your hotel so they change it to their office then tell you to wait for 2 hours in 2 different places. This has now happened on 3 trips and you have ask why use this site if they cause so much hassle and anxiety!

From Durban: Sani Pass and Lesotho by 4WD Vehicle Reviewed by David, 08/30/2019

Guter Überblick über Durban und die Geschichte Südafrikas

Thanks to Frank. Yout did a good tour and showed us durban and explained us the historie of southafrika (which seems to be a little bit complicated) ;-). We can recommend this tour when your time of visiting is limited.

Durban Half-Day City Tour - Golden Mile, Botanical Gardens Reviewed by Hanspeter, 12/13/2017

Ever professional and a excellent guide who made our day so enjoyable

The content of our tour was comprehensive in every way and our guide Chris Le Roux was so informative. Excellent experience.

Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift Battlefields Tour Reviewed by Andrew, 08/18/2016
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