Travel to Durban, South Africa with Keytours Vacations

Discover Durban's Wonders

Durban is a coastal city located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It is known for its stunning beaches, warm weather, and diverse culture. Visitors to Durban can enjoy a variety of activities, such as swimming, surfing, and sunbathing on the city's beautiful beaches. The Golden Mile is a popular destination for beachgoers, where visitors can stroll along the beachfront promenade and enjoy street performers and vendors. Durban also has a rich history, and visitors can learn about the city's past at the KwaMuhle Museum and the Durban Natural Science Museum. Foodies will love the city's famous cuisine, including delicious curries and bunny chows, a popular South African street food. Durban is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions, such as the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve and the Drakensberg Mountains.

Current Weather

67.44 °F - Rain Min/Max: 67.01 °F / 67.44 °FFeels: 67.75 °F Humidity: 82%5 Day Forecast

Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Description

Third-largest by population, after Cape Town and Johannesburg, Durban (often called 'Durbs' and eThekwini in Zulu) is known for its mix of African, colonial European and Indian influences. The city boasts the largest Indian community outside of India, evident in neighbourhoods like Phoenix, Chatsworth and Tongaat with their Indian eateries and shops. The northern suburbs serve as refined homes for resort hotels and fine dining restaurants. Areas like Umlazi and KwaMashu predominantly feature African communities, while downtown Durban unites these diverse cultures, creating a multifaceted representation of Africa itself. With its extensive coastline of first-class beaches, it's little surprise that local recreation heavily focuses on water sports, particularly surfing. Places like South Beach and New Pier attract the most surfers. Nearly anywhere along the Golden Mile — as well as some beaches to the north and south of the central area — offers good waves. February marks the surfing high season. Durban also boasts a thriving nightlife and a flourishing arts scene. Places like the BAT Center aim to support local creatives by providing a platform for artistic work. In the evenings, local bars buzz with guests who later head to Durban’s gqom-playing clubs, dancing to the genre's infectious rhythms well into the night.

Useful information

Population:

4 million

Currency:

1 Rand (ZAR) = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

National Emergency Response: 10111

Opening Hours:

Mall shopping hours are generally from 9am until 5pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 9am 2pm on Sundays. Most museums and galleries are closed on Mondays.

Do & See

BAT Centre

The hip home of established local artists, the BAT Centre is the place to go and witness painters, musicians and African dancers at work. There are live shows most nights, and the complex contains several art galleries. You can also shop for authentic South African crafts. The on-site bay view bar is a hit with regulars.

Campbell Collections

The former home of Sir Marshall Campbell and his family, this Cape Dutch building has been converted into a museum complex containing unique artefacts of Zulu and Natal culture meticulously collected by the Campbell family over several decades. Do not miss the on-site William Campbell Furniture Museum and Mashu Museum of Ethnology.

Durban Botanic Gardens

At over 170 years old, the Botanic Gardens aren't just a splash of green in Durban — they're the oldest botanic garden on the continent. This urban oasis is famed for its extensive collection of cycads and orchids, and it's not just about the flora. The gardens double as a cultural hotspot, hosting an array of events and concerts. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxing tea at the on-site garden or a leisurely picnic, this versatile space has you covered.

Golden Mile

Durban is home to some of South Africa's finest stretches of sand. The Golden Mile in central Durban is a collection of multiple well-kept beaches fit for both swimming and surfing and equipped with all necessary amenities; Umhlanga beaches to the north are known for being cleaner and less crowded.

Hare Krishna Temple

A short drive west of central Durban lies the curiously futuristic-looking temple run by the local Society for Krishna Consciousness. Entry is free and granted to all (provided their shoes remain outdoors). Expect ritualistic singing and dancing that takes place every Sunday afternoon. There is a well-regarded vegetarian restaurant on-site.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

The state-of-the art stadium continues to attract guests long after the 2010 World Cup it was originally built to host. A SkyCar takes visitors to the panoramic viewing platform at the stadium's very top. Walking up the several hundred stairs on foot is another alternative. Thrill-seekers must try the Big Swing — an impressive free-fall swing named world's tallest in 2011.

Surfing

Surfing is one of Durban's favourite pastimes, and multiple international tournaments held here serve to show the sport's essential role in local culture. Learn to surf at uShaka Beach or head straight to New Pier and Bay if you are no stranger to the board. North Beach, along with Oasis Beach, are bodyboarding hotspots.

Umgeni River Bird Park

The Umgeni River Bird Park contains one of the world's most extensive collections of indigenous and exotic birds, all showcased in the park's multiple aviaries accessible to visitors. One of the indisputable highlights is the free-flight bird show held twice daily.

Dining

9th Avenue Waterside

9th Avenue Waterside runs under the patronage of a celebrated local chef and serves up offerings of local produce such as fish of the day, free-range duck, grilled beef steaks and lamb shoulder. The wine list provides an extensive selection of South African labels.

Butcher Boys

Heralded as one of Durban's finest, the Butcher Boys steakhouse delivers on counts of excellent food and impeccable service. It is rumoured to serve some of the best steaks in town, with an extensive menu that compliments the meat selection. Special lunch menu available.

Govinda's

Located on-site of the Hare Krishna Temple, Govinda's is a purely vegetarian restaurant that caters to both devotees and outsiders. No garlic or onion is used in food preparation, which does not prevent the restaurant from having dedicated return customers.

Havana Grill

Havana Grill serves some of the finest steaks in town, with meat carefully processed at the in-house butchery. The restaurant offers unbeatable vistas of the sea and Durban shoreline to diners who request panoramic seating at reservation. Serves meats, a plethora of fresh seafood, and dishes with some Italian and Mexican influences.

Olive & Oil

Glenwood's Olive and Oil consistently delivers superb Mediterranean dining, with a meal made up of several appetizers to share and a main — anything from meat and seafood grills to pizza and pasta. Service is impeccable, and outdoor seating available in good weather.

The Cargo Hold Restaurant

Dine within arm's reach of the uShaka shark tank and marvel at graceful marine predators as you tuck into excellent seafood offerings of this one-of-kind restaurant. Book in advance to get the best table. It is not required to pay the Marine World entry fee to attend.

The Little India Restaurant

The well-regarded local restaurant reflects Durban's ethnic heritage, and serves excellent Indian specialties at very affordable prices. One quintessentially local specialty to try is the so-called "bunny chow" — a hollow bread loaf filled with curry.

The Rainbow

Sundays see the restaurant at its busiest, guests enjoying unpretentious local fare and listening to live jazz, whose sounds have been filling the restaurant's air since 1981. See their website for show schedules. Located inland from Durban proper.

Cafes

Cafe Jiran

Beachfront Cafe Jiran serves some of the best coffees on the promenade, with multiple delectable food options to complement the drink list. The cafe doubles as a well-regarded local restaurant in the evenings. Outdoor seating is available.

Circus Circus Beach Cafe

The sweet waterfront cafe is a popular breakfast spot with a total of four locations around Durban. You can choose from several delicious yet incredibly affordable options, from individual dishes to full breakfast sets. Open for lunch and dinner, with pastas, burgers, meats and fish dominating the menu.

Mayfair Cafe

One of our top picks for breakfast and lunch in Durban North is Mayfair Cafe — a trendy locals' favourite serving up a concise lunch menu of internationally-inspired dishes and elevated breakfast classics. Do not leave without having a coffee paired with one of their many sweet treat offerings.

Milky Lane

Milky Lane's several locations across Durban serve decadent ice creams with multiple toppings available, artisan milkshakes, special ice cream blends, waffles, and more. The joint is a popular spot for a sweet breakfast or indulgent daytime dessert.

Spiga

Spiga is a restaurant whose food and service measure up to its prime setting. It serves excellent Italian all through the day, offers a breakfast menu and boast a rather extensive drink list.

Sunrise Chip 'n Ranch

Sunrise Chip 'n Ranch (known locally as "Johnny's") is a local institution, a legendary establishment whose seedy facade should by no means deter you. Locals come here for the one-of-kind atmosphere and, naturally, the delicious stuffed Indian roti rolls too large for a single diner to handle.

Surf Riders Cafe

Its proximity to one of favourite surfer haunts — Durban's North Beach — makes this hip waterfront eatery a favourite for daytime dining within the local surf community. The menu is pleasantly varied, featuring burgers, pizzas, breakfasts, beer on tap and even cocktails.

The Glenwood Bakery

This delightful artisan bakery in Glenwood bakes fresh bread and pastries, and is a sought-after breakfast spot in the neighbourhood. The bakery warrants a visit for either a quick snack (sandwiches and bagels are to die for), a more substantial meal or just a dessert. Bread is hand-formed and made with organic rye. Eggs Benedict served on Saturdays, and buckwheat blinis are a Sunday special. Stop by on Monday and Friday for pizza and pasta evenings (5pm–9pm).

Bars & Nightlife

Club 101

One of the city's favourite haunts for gqom-lovers, Club 101 is a popular local hotspot that teems with partygoers well into the morning hours. Serves moderately priced drinks and food, and is rather popular among the younger demographic.

Cubaña Durban

The longstanding Cuban bar and eatery is most attractive at sundown, when visitors flock here to wine and dine to Latin beats. Serves American cuisine, a wide array of cocktails, and has an on-site cigar lounge to complete the Cuban experience.

Distillery 031

Distillery 031 is rather unique in that it specializes in craft alcoholic drinks, all made with prime local ingredients. Alongside signature rum, vodka, gin, cachaça and even absinthe, Distillery 031 serves an incredible selection of creative dishes, original pub grub , and brunch specials. Give their take on Italian "aranchini" a try!

Egagasini

The beachfront Egagasini is a restaurant, bar, and lounge all at once. Started a few decades ago back in the current president's (Jacob G. Zuma) native village of Nkandla, it has now relocated to this favourable waterside spot, where sounds of house and R'n'B fill the air.

Eyadini Lounge

Located outside the city proper in the neighbouring township of Umlazi, Eyadini Lounge is a hugely popular nightlife hot spot of impressive capacity, where young and older gather under open skies and have a good time listening to music spun by a a changing line-up of DJs.

Havana Music Cafe

The low-key cafe is a bar by day and dance club by night. Join local partygoers on the compact dance floor after sundown, or some during daylight hours to savour a drink on the outdoor terrace.

Lucky Shaker

Lucky Shaker isn't just another cocktail bar. Run by a well-established mixologist, the venue and its extraordinary team of professionals aren't afraid to take on a challenge, and produce some unparalleled, innovative, custom-crafted creations on the spot.

The Panorama Bar

Southern Sun hotel's Panorama Bar is one of the town's best locations for an evening drink with a view, the view being that of rolling waves washing over the palm tree-dotted coastline. Serves cocktails and a pleasant selection of drinks, both alcoholic and otherwise.

Shopping

8 Morrison Street

The unique space of 8 Morrison Street is a concept relatively new to Durban, but one enthusiastically supported by local creatives, who now have a space to showcase and sell their products. A few of the offices are occupied by artisan craft stores and cutting edge fashion boutiques.

African Art Centre

Support local artists by shopping at the fair trade African Art Centre. The shop and gallery showcases modern arts and crafts hand-made by local creators from across the KwaZulu-Natal province. Interior decor items, artwork, jewellery, and more are available for purchase.

Cécile & Boyd

The tasteful designs showcased at Durban's instalment of the interior design boutique Cécile & Boyd are a treat for the eyes and (potentially) an excellent memory from a trip to Durban. Browse stylish decor items, art, accessories, and more.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping

Just a few kilometres north of Durban lies the fittingly named Gateway Theatre of Shopping. It is, reportedly, on of the subcontinent's best one-stop shopping centres, and one that enjoys a convenient location just off the main highway. It houses a multitude of clothing stores, various boutiques, a food court, cinema, bowling alley, and other shopping and entertainment spots.

I Heart Market

Each first Saturday of the month sees a raucous gathering of street food, clothing, and jewellery vendors at Sugar Rush Park, Ballito. Items on sale will equally suit a plethora of different tastes, from casual to more sophisticated ones.

Ike's Bookshop

Ike's Bookshop was once conceived by a political activist and anti-apartheid fighter, whose story is detailed through many of the pieces showcased in the store. Years later, Ike's still stands, offering a large selection of second-hand books for those who take a particular interest in African literature.

The Space

Located in Westville, inland from Durban proper, this pavilion is one address to write into your itinerary if South African-designed and tailored clothing is what you're after. A large collection of various types of clothing is showcased here, with multiple local talents' work represented.

Victoria Street Market

Also known as Indian Market, the Victoria Street Market is a meeting place for dozens of vendors selling everything from Indian spices to clothing and colourful trinkets. It's a great place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs to bring home. Haggling is acceptable.

Tourist Information

Passport & Visa

Citizens of multiple world countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. These include: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Citizens of a further 28 countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Eswatini, Gabon, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Jordan, Lesotho, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Peru, Poland, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey. For nationals of countries not listed above, visa requirements apply. Please contact your local consulate for further details on required documentation. Passport holders of Cameroon, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Uganda can apply for eVisas online provided they will land at O. R. Tambo International Airport. Travellers aged less than 18 years old must provide a birth certificate complete with both parents' details and, if flying with only one of the parents, a parental consent statement signed by the other parent.

King Shaka International Airport (DUR)

King Shaka International Airport (DUR) is located approximately 35 kilometres north of Durban's city centre in La Mercy. Opened in 2010, it serves as the main international and domestic gateway to Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal region. The airport is part of South Africa's "Golden Triangle," connecting it with Cape Town International Airport and O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Named after the legendary Zulu king, Shaka, the airport boasts modern amenities like shops, restaurants, and lounges. With numerous airlines operating here, it offers flights to various destinations both domestically and internationally. Convenient transport options such as shuttle buses and taxis make the journey between the airport and the city centre seamless, usually taking around half an hour.

Public Transport

A local means of leisurely transport is the colourful, man-pulled rickshaw — an integral part of the local culture as much as a convenient way of getting around. The Durban People Mover shuttle offers a convenient way to explore the city. Operating on several routes, from uShaka Marine World to Suncoast Casino, it has multiple stops downtown and runs from early morning until 10pm daily. Tickets are available for purchase onboard and may include options like single-use or day passes. The Mynah bus service extends to various residential areas and stops at multiple locations outside the downtown area, including North and South Beaches, Botanic Gardens, and Kensington Road, among others. For those looking to reach the broader metropolitan area, Aqualine buses are an efficient option, although further details about their service may vary.

Taxi

Metered taxis and rideshare apps like Uber are the safest ways to get around. Taxis are available at major hotels; otherwise you have to phone for pickup. The fare should be confirmed with the driver at the outset. Inquire with a local what an average fare for your drive distance would be.

Electricity

You might encounter four types of power plugs in South Africa: types C, D, M and N. The power grid operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Plug type C is the plug with two round pins. Plug type D is the plug with three round pins in a triangular pattern. Plug types M and N both have three round pins.

Pharmacy

Popular and trusted pharmacy chains in South Africa are Dis-Chem and Clicks. Pharmacies have a rota system for out-of-hours service. Most hospitals and clinics with an ER will also have a 24/7 pharmacy on-site.

Post

Postal services within and from South Africa are cheap and efficient. Valuables or important documents should be sent by registered post. The post boxes are red, and there are multiple post offices around the city.

Telephone

Country code: +27 Area code: 31

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Durban?

The best time to visit Durban is during the winter months from June to August. During this period, the weather is mild and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities and beach visits. Summer months (December to February) can be hot and humid, but they are also vibrant with festivals and events.

How many days should I spend in Durban to see the main attractions?

A stay of 3 to 4 days in Durban is ideal to explore the main attractions. This timeframe allows you to visit the beautiful beaches, explore the uShaka Marine World, stroll through the Durban Botanic Gardens, and experience the vibrant culture of the city.

What are the must-see attractions in Durban?

Durban offers a variety of must-see attractions including: - uShaka Marine World: A marine theme park with an aquarium and water rides. - Durban Botanic Gardens: Africa's oldest surviving botanical gardens. - Moses Mabhida Stadium: Known for its iconic arch and adventure activities. - Golden Mile: A bustling beachfront promenade ideal for walks and cycling.

What local dishes should I try when visiting Durban?

Durban is famous for its Indian-influenced cuisine. Be sure to try Bunny Chow, a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. Other local favorites include samoosas, a type of fried pastry filled with meat or vegetables, and the spicy peri-peri chicken.

How can I get around Durban?

Getting around Durban is convenient with various transportation options. You can use the local minibus taxis for short distances, or opt for metered taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber for more comfort. Renting a car is also a good option if you plan to explore areas outside the city.

Are there any cultural events or festivals in Durban worth attending?

Yes, Durban hosts several vibrant festivals. The Durban International Film Festival, held annually in July, showcases films from around the world. The Durban July, a renowned horse racing event held in July, is a highlight on the social calendar, known for its fashion and entertainment.

What are some recommended day trips from Durban?

There are several exciting day trips from Durban. Consider visiting the Valley of a Thousand Hills for stunning landscapes and cultural experiences, or the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park for a chance to see the Big Five. The Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer breathtaking scenery and hiking opportunities.

Trips

Cape Town & Durban Collection Aboard Rovos Rail

Durban Pre or Post Cruise

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