Looking for an adventure? Durban, South Africa’s famed coastal city, has a lot to offer for any traveler seeking to explore. From sandy beaches and world-class surfing to cultural museums and lush parks, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, some quiet relaxation, or a bit of both, Durban’s got you covered. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best attractions and things to do in Durban, so let’s dive in and start exploring this incredible city!

The 6 Best Things To Do In Durban

1. Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari and Emdoneni Wild Cat Project Day Tour
2. Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari and Dumazulu Cultural Village Day Tour
3. Private 4 Hour Durban City Sightseeing Tour
4. Full Day Durban City Tour
5. Durban Shore Excursion Durban City Tour
6. Durban City Sightseeing Tour

The 6 Best Things To Do In Durban

1. Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari and Emdoneni Wild Cat Project Day Tour

Explore the wild side of Durban with a full-day Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari and Emdoneni Wild Cat Project Day Tour. This tour is designed to provide a hassle-free day trip with convenient round-trip transport from your Durban hotel. Start the adventure at the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, where you will embark on a thrilling safari to spot Africa’s Big Five, including Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, and Rhinoceros. After lunch at your own expense overlooking the park, head over to Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary to experience a more intimate encounter with Cheetahs, Serval Cats, African Wildcats, and Caracal. Maximize your time in Durban by visiting two top attractions in one day and capturing incredible up-close photo opportunities. All entrance fees, a qualified tour guide, food and drinks, and gratuities are included. Select your pickup point and start time, with pickup available at
1st Zulu Safaris at Tropicana Hotel85 OR Tambo Parade.

2. Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari and Dumazulu Cultural Village Day Tour

Discover South Africa’s cultural heritage and spot the Big Five as you visit two popular attractions in one day—the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve and DumaZulu Cultural Village. The tour begins in the morning with a thrilling safari at Hluhluwe Imfolozi, where you will have the opportunity to look out for the Big Five—Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhinoceros. After a morning of exciting animal sightings, enjoy lunch (own expense) overlooking the park. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Zulu tribe at the DumaZulu Cultural Village. This part of the tour includes handicraft demonstrations and traditional dancing. The tour includes entrance fees, qualified tour guide, and hassle-free hotel pickup and round-trip transport from Durban. Maximize your time by visiting two top attractions in one day and have an unforgettable South African experience.

3. Private 4 Hour Durban City Sightseeing Tour

Explore the vibrant city of Durban with a private 4-hour sightseeing tour. Your professional local guide will pick you up at your preferred location in private transportation. Enjoy a hassle-free journey to some of Durban’s top attractions, all while enjoying the comfort of traveling in a private vehicle. Entrance fees to all attractions are included in the tour package, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

You’ll have the opportunity to visit some of Durban’s must-see sites, including its stunning beaches, the bustling Victoria Street Market, and the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Take a stroll through the city’s streets and learn about its history and culture from your knowledgeable guide. Along the way, you will stop for a delicious lunch at a local eatery.

This private tour is perfect for groups of any size, as it can be tailored to your interests and preferences. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group of friends or family, this tour offers an intimate and personalized way to discover Durban.

Please note that this is a private tour and will only include your group. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate. The tour will operate rain or shine, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Book your private Durban city sightseeing tour today and discover all that this vibrant city has to offer!

4. Full Day Durban City Tour

Get ready to experience Durban’s highlights and landmarks on this full-day tour. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insight into the history, culture, architecture, and environment of this South African city as you visit key locations such as the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Umhlanga Rocks Promenade, Ushaka Village Walk, City Hall, Victoria Street Market, Durban Botanic Gardens, and more. Perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time, transportation will be provided from your hotel or a central meeting spot. Lunch and drinks are not included in the tour, but you can head directly to the meeting point at 85 Marine Parade or request pickup. Don’t miss out on this comprehensive overview of Durban’s best attractions during your visit to South Africa.

5. Durban Shore Excursion Durban City Tour

Experience the vibrant city of Durban on a shore excursion tour that showcases the very best of this coastal city. Your expert guide will take you on a journey along the famous Golden Mile where you will experience the sights, sounds and smells of Durban. Explore the Durban Botanic Gardens, bursting with exotic plants, before visiting top city attractions such as the iconic Durban City Hall. Learn about the local cultures, customs and traditions that make Durban so unique. You will enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium, an iconic landmark of the city. Your round-trip transport from Durban port is included in this comprehensive tour. Optional for purchase is a Bunny Chow lunch, a delicious local dish. This tour is available to guests arriving at the MSC Cruises KwaZulu Cruise Terminal meeting point in South Beach, Durban.

6. Durban City Sightseeing Tour

Take a half-day Durban City Sightseeing Tour to discover the diverse history and culture of the city. Your expert guide will take you down the Golden Mile beachfront, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Learn about the contributions of Zulu tribes, colonial settlers and Indians who came to work as indentured servants during the 19th century, and how the combination of these influences has shaped Durban. You’ll also visit top attractions such as the Phansi Museum and Durban’s Botanic Gardens, and have the opportunity to explore the African and Indian markets at Warwick Triangle. Hotel pick-up is included from select Durban hotels. Food and drinks are not included, but can be specified for an additional cost.

When booking the tour, you have the option to head directly to the meeting point at the Hilton Durban or request a pick-up from a select location. The tour begins at 9:00AM and ends back at the meeting point. Hotel drop-off is also included. Don’t miss out on this chance to explore one of South Africa’s most vibrant and diverse cities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Durban

Durban, a coastal city located in the eastern part of South Africa, attracts millions of tourists every year due to its warm climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. The city is bustling with activities, restaurants, and attractions that cater to travelers of all types. If you’re planning a trip to Durban, you may have many questions that need answering. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions by tourists about the city of Durban.

1. What’s the weather like in Durban?

Durban has a warm, subtropical climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. The city experiences rain throughout the year, with more rainfall from October to March. The temperature in Durban rarely drops below 15°C, even in winter. The best time to visit Durban is between March and May and then between September and November when the weather is warm, and there is less rainfall.

2. What are the best beaches in Durban?

Durban is famous for its beaches, and there are plenty to choose from, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot or a secluded stretch of sand. Some of the best beaches in Durban include:

Umhlanga Rocks Beach:

This beach is perfect for families with young children as it has a tidal pool and lifeguards on duty.

South Beach:

South Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

North Beach:

North Beach is ideal for those who are looking for a lively atmosphere as it’s filled with restaurants, bars, and shops.

Golden Mile Beach:

This beach stretches for four miles along the Durban coastline and is perfect for long walks, swimming, and surfing.

Anstey’s Beach:

This beach is popular with surfers due to its consistent waves.

3. What are the best things to do in Durban?

Durban offers plenty of activities and attractions for travelers to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Durban:

Visit uShaka Marine World:

This marine park is home to an aquarium, a waterpark, and a dolphin show.

Explore the Moses Mabhida Stadium:

This stadium is an architectural wonder and offers a sky car ride to the top for panoramic views of the city.

Take a stroll through the Durban Botanic Gardens:

This botanical garden is home to a vast array of flora and fauna and is a peaceful retreat from the city.

Visit the Victoria Street Market:

This market is a vibrant cultural experience where you can buy traditional South African crafts, clothing, and food.

Go to the Durban Natural Science Museum:

This museum has a vast collection of dinosaur fossils, taxidermy animals, and displays on natural history.

4. What cuisines can you find in Durban?

Durban is known for its flavor-packed Indian cuisine, and the city is home to a substantial population of Indian descent. You’ll find many restaurants offering local specialties including bunny chows, samosas, and biryani. Seafood lovers should try the grilled prawns and fresh fish from local markets. South African barbecue, also known as braai, is also a must-try.

5. Is Durban safe for tourists?

Like any big city, Durban has its fair share of crime. However, tourists who take precautionary measures and stay in safe areas should have a trouble-free trip. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking around at night, and keep your valuables hidden. Stick to well-traveled areas, especially if you’re a solo traveler.

6. How can I get around Durban?

Durban has an extensive public transport network, including buses and taxis. However, for visitors who want to explore the city independently, renting a car or using ride-hailing apps like Uber is recommended. Biking and walking are also excellent options for getting around Durban, particularly in the beachfront areas.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Durban

Durban, a vibrant city located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, is a place that offers a plethora of activities for tourists who visit. With warm weather, stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and an abundance of wildlife, Durban is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. Here is our detailed guide on how to spend your time in Durban and make the most out of your trip!

1. Visit The Golden Mile

The Golden Mile, a picturesque stretch of beach that runs along the city’s coast, is a popular destination for tourists. With its smooth sand and clear blue waters, the beach is perfect for a swim, sunbathing, or a leisurely stroll. The promenade adjacent to the beach offers a variety of facilities, including restaurants, shops, and amusement parks, making it a perfect spot for a family day out.

2. Explore uShaka Marine World

If you are a marine life enthusiast, then visiting uShaka Marine World located on the southern end of the Golden Mile is a must-do activity. The park is home to numerous sea creatures and offers various activities like snorkeling, diving with sharks, and watching dolphins perform. You can also enjoy the water slides and pools in the water park section of uShaka Marine World for a fun-filled day.

3. Take a Trip to the Markets

Durban is known for its bustling markets that offer a wide range of crafts, spices, and foods that reflect the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Visiting markets like the Victoria Street Market, which offers a wide range of handmade crafts, or the Warwick Junction Market, which is recognized as the largest outdoor market in South Africa, is a great way to explore local culture and sample local delicacies.

4. Experience The Culture at The Phansi Museum

The Phansi Museum is a unique cultural institution that celebrates the heritage and traditions of South Africa. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts representing art, religion, and daily life in Southern Africa, making it an informative and educational experience for tourists.

5. Explore The Reserves

Durban is home to some of South Africa’s most stunning and diverse natural reserves. The Umgeni River Bird Park, which is home to a wide variety of birds, or the nearby Tala Game Reserve, where you can observe wildlife like zebras, giraffes, and rhinos, are some of the places you should consider visiting for an enjoyable day of exploration.

6. Take a Tour of The City

A tour of the city is a perfect way to explore Durban’s rich history and cultural heritage. You can book a guided tour that includes a trip to the city’s landmarks like The Durban Botanical Gardens, The Kwa-Muhle Museum, and The Moses Mabhida Stadium, which offers a breathtaking view of the city from the top.

7. Enjoy the Food

Durban has one of the most diverse culinary scenes in South Africa, and experiencing it is a must-do for food lovers. The city is famous for dishes like Bunny Chow, Durban Curry, and Gatsby Sandwich. You can explore the city’s food scene by visiting local restaurants or taking a food tour that lets you try a variety of dishes.

Book Your Tour Now

Durban is a city that offers something for everyone. From stunning beaches to cultural attractions and wildlife reserves, there is no shortage of things to do for tourists. By following our recommended activities, you can make the most out of your trip to Durban and experience the best this South African gem of a city has to offer.