Things to Do in Durban, South Africa This Year
Durban surprised me within an hour of arriving. I expected a beach town, and it is that, but it is also a city with a strong Indian heritage, a serious food culture, and a coastline that runs for miles. The warm Indian Ocean water alone sets it apart from Cape Town. I spent a lazy long weekend here and came away full of seafood and convinced that Durban deserves far more than a single night. These are the things to do in Durban that made my trip.
Walk the Golden Mile Seafront
The Golden Mile is Durban’s long stretch of beach and promenade, and I started every morning with a walk along it. The paved path runs for several kilometers past the beach, pools, and a casino complex, with the warm water on one side and the city skyline on the other. It is busy with joggers, surfers, and families from first light, and the atmosphere is genuinely joyful.
Spend a Day at uShaka Marine World
Built around a decommissioned ship wreck, uShaka Marine World combines a big aquarium with a water park and a walk through the hull where the tanks sit. I had low expectations and was won over. The winding passages of the aquarium put you nose to nose with sharks and rays, and the water slides kept both me and the kids in my group happy for hours. Give it at least half a day.
Eat Your Way Through the Victoria Street Market
Durban has the largest Indian community in the country, and the food proves it. At the Victoria Street Market I wandered past stalls of spices, herbs, and fabric before settling on a bunny chow, a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry that is the city’s signature dish. I ate mine sitting in the shade, watching the traders go about their morning, and it ranks among the best meals of my trip to South Africa.
Climb the Moses Mabhida Arch
The stadium built for the 2010 World Cup has a huge arch above it, and you can take a cable car to the top. The SkyCar delivers you to an opening in the arch with panoramic views across the ocean and the city. Braver visitors try the swing that arcs out over the edge from the platform. I stayed firmly inside the railing, but the view was worth every rand.
Surf at Addington Beach
Durban is one of the most reliable surf spots in the country, and the gently rolling waves at Addington are friendly to beginners. I hired a board and a wetsuit, took one shaky lesson, and managed to stand up a few times in the warm water. Even if you never ride a wave, watching the longboarders from the sand as the sun sets is entertainment in itself.
Ride to the Valley of a Thousand Hills
Within an hour of the city, the road climbs into a region of green hills and traditional villages that locals call the Valley of a Thousand Hills. I joined a small tour that included a village welcome, a chance to try local dishes, and a walk through the spectacular scenery. It is a completely different side of KwaZulu Natal and pairs well with the beach days in town.
Take the Drive to Umhlanga
For a change of pace, head twenty minutes up the coast to Umhlanga. Its lighthouse marks a beach of quiet swells, and the promenade here is lined with upmarket restaurants. I went for an evening stroll and a seafood dinner and found it far calmer than the Golden Mile. If you want a slower sunbather crowd, this is your spot.
Visit the Botanic Gardens and Grey Street
Durban’s Botanic Gardens are among the oldest in the country, and I spent a peaceful hour among its giant trees and orchid house. From there, the historic Grey Street district threads through the old Hindu temples and mosques that anchor the local faith communities. The area is lively and full of character, and it shows that Durban is far more than a beach resort.
Discover the Durban Food Trail
Beyond bunny chow, Durban cooks up a storm. I tried a full breyani with its layers of rice and spiced meat, fresh oysters on the seafront, and a street snack called samoosas that I returned for twice. The indoor food markets and the restaurants on the waterfront are where the scene is liveliest, and prices are lower than in the Cape.
Get Out on a Boat or a Kayak
If you want the ocean from a different angle, a kayak trip around the harbor or a boat ride toward the underwater reef at Aliwal Shoal are both easy to arrange. I took a short sailing cruise and saw dolphins break the surface off the bow. With its warm water and rich marine life, Durban is one of the few cities in the world where the beach works year round.
Sort the Practical Details
The beach water is warm almost all year, which makes Durban an oddity among seaside cities. Summer brings humidity and the chance of afternoon storms, while winter is dry and pleasant. Rent a car if you want the hills, or rely on the beachside promenade and the walkable waterfront if you are in town for a short stay. Give yourself room to slow down, because that is the point of the place.
