South Africa is a country rich in natural riches, blessed with a pleasant environment, and a human population that is unlike any other in the world. Durban is one city that embodies everything that South Africa stands for! The city enjoys a pleasant environment all year and many natural resources, allowing it to thrive for generations. It has also witnessed key events in contemporary history that have had a profound impact on the world we live in today. With this, There. are many places to go in Durban to learn more.
Durban (eThekweni in Zulu) is South Africa’s third largest city and one of the country’s most popular vacation spots, featuring numerous top attractions. It’s also a surfer’s paradise. Long beaches lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, a pleasant subtropical climate, and good infrastructure all attract tens of millions of visitors each year. This dynamic city is located in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) region and can be reached by plane in an hour from Johannesburg and two hours from Cape Town.
Durban’s rich multi-cultural legacy may be found in the Zulu and Indian marketplaces, as well as culturally significant attractions, beautifully groomed parks along the water, and exquisite Indian-influenced cuisine. To know more about the city, Mrpocu.com has put together top places to go in Durban during your visit in South Africa.
Places To Go In Durban
Golden Mile
The “Golden Mile” is a fantastic place to start a walking tour of Durban. High-rise hotels, entertainment complexes, stores, and restaurants flank this busy beachside promenade. The wide, golden beaches attract surfers, swimmers, anglers, and sunbathers who come to surf, swim, fish, or simply relax in the sun. The majority of the beaches are protected year-round by lifeguards and shark nets.
Pedestrians jostle with joggers, bikers, Segways, and skateboarders along the bustling beachside walkway, giving the area a California vibe. uShaka Marine World, Moses Mabhida Stadium, and Mini Town, a miniature copy of Durban with a miniature train network, airport, and harbor scene, are among the other attractions along this length of coastline.
Durban Botanic Gardens
The Durban Botanic Gardens are Africa’s oldest surviving botanical garden. The gardens were constructed in 1849 for the testing of agricultural products on the slopes of Berea Hill, northwest of the city center. Visitors can now stroll amid the indigenous and exotic subtropical plantings, which include grand historic trees that are over a century old. If you are looking to have some best travel experience in Durban, the garden is one of the best places to go.
Cycads, orchids, bromeliads, and palms are among the principal plant collections, and tourists can also visit the Garden of the Senses. The gardens are home to at least fifty different species of birds, in addition to the rich plant biodiversity.
Umgeni River Bird Park
The Umgeni River Bird Park, located in the Riverside region on the north bank of the Umgeni River, is home to over 200 kinds of birds, some of which are the only ones of their kind in Africa. Visitors can see a variety of indigenous species as well as birds from Southeast Asia and Australia, such as lories, cockatoos, and aras, on a network of walkways that wind through beautiful landscaping and waterfalls. The park’s bird show is one of its highlights, with visitors learning more about exotic species as they perform.
Indian Quarter
Durban’s Indian Quarter, which includes the Victoria Street Market and the Juma Masjid Mosque, the largest in the southern hemisphere, is today a cosmopolitan blend of sights, sounds, and unique fragrances. Along the small walkways, Chinese, Pakistani, Indian, and Somali street vendors barter over everything from spices and saris to beaded sandals, incense, and elaborate handcrafted jewelry. Savvy shoppers will find great deals here, and the restaurants serve some of Durban’s best Indian cuisine.
UShaka Marine World
uShaka Marine World was originally conceived as an amusement park for children, but it has since evolved into a marine park for the enjoyment of the entire family, while still catering to children aged 2 to 12. It has South Africa’s largest jungle gym as well as various sandpits for family to play in and relax in. There is also a dedicated cinema stage area for movie enthusiasts to watch some of the top children’s films from across the world. UShaka Marine is one of the best places in go in Durban with your kids.
The Valley Of A 1000 Hills
The valley isn’t one of those places where you can stand and admire the scenery. It is better known as a scenic driving route. This valley, located 40 minutes from Durban, is named after the 1000 tiny hills it passes through. The valley is lush green all year, making it one of the most beautiful roads in the area. The Durban City Authority, in collaboration with local tribes, hosts an English-narrated dance show that is a must-see for all tourists visiting Durban. Additionally, if you are a collector, there is an antique shop nearby where you may purchase mementos as a memento of a wonderful vacation.
Moses Mabhida Stadium
When it hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches, this newly-built stadium swiftly rose to the top of the list of the world’s most famous stadiums. The stadium, which is known for its all-weather playing pitch and multi-utility, has a capacity of over 62000 spectators, including VVIP seating. The stadium is a modern architectural marvel, with visitors gasping at the sight of the unique roof covering, which converts the football stadium into an indoor stadium in 20 minutes and covers over 90% of the whole ground. The stadium is arguably one of the fun places to go in Durban.
Phezulu Safari
Phezulu Safari, one of the Rainbow Nation’s best-kept safari parks, mixes the adventure of a safari with the amenities of a five-star resort stay. The jungle routes have been carefully designed for the protection and enjoyment of tourists, so you may feel absolutely comfortable. The safari’s accommodations are first-rate, with specific facilities for family stays. The local Zulus also put on a cultural presentation, which is always a sell-out with the crowds.
Victoria Street Market
This place is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations, as well as one of the town’s principal markets. The market is characterized by the typical city center hustle and bustle that one would anticipate in a busy city like Durban. The market is most known for its extensive bag variety. The Victoria Street Market, on the other hand, sells Chinese items, brassware, antiques, and cellphones. At the market, there are also shops selling African artwork, which are frequently visited by tourists. If you are looking for free tour inside the city of Durban, this is one of the best places to go.
Mitchell Park and Jameson Park
Mitchell Park, in the affluent Morningside neighborhood of Durban, is one of the city’s oldest parks. Because of its shady lawns, large plantings of bright blossoms, and wide wheelchair-friendly paths, it’s also a favorite spot for picnics and walks. The playground, tiny zoo, and walk-through aviary will delight children, while the outdoor cafe will satisfy adults. Jameson Park, which is adjacent to Mitchell Park, has over 200 different types of roses.
The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple
The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple in Africa is the world’s largest Hare Krishna temple. The temple is an astonishing confection of gold-tinged domes, gilded statues, chandeliers, marble tiles, and ceiling murals, surrounded by a stunning lotus-shaped garden.
A lunch at Govinda’s, a vegetarian restaurant, is a highlight of a visit here, in addition to seeing the magnificent architecture. Tourists can eat a wide variety of low-cost Indian vegan cuisine as well as fresh-squeezed fruit drinks. The restaurant also serves food to the city’s underprivileged and destitute.
Umhlanga Rocks
Umhlanga Rocks (pronounced Umshlanga) is a prominent, affluent resort community 16 kilometers north of Durban. The picturesque Isimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains eight interconnected habitats, three main lake systems, and Africa’s largest estuarine system, Lake St. Lucia, stretching 200 kilometers north of Durban and interrupted by rocky coast.
Water sports lovers will find enough to do in Umhlanga Rocks. Some of the water activities available include surfing, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, dolphin watching, scuba diving, and kiteboarding.
Shopping is another popular pleasure. One of the largest shopping malls in the southern hemisphere is the Gateway Theatre of Shopping. Championship golf courses, the KZN Sharks Board, wildlife reserves, and museums, including Mahatma Gandhi’s former home, are among the region’s other attractions.
Kwamuhle Museum
Exhibits on life in and around Durban during and before apartheid may be seen at Kwamuhle Museum. Photographs of township life and exhibitions on the contributions of people responsible for the city’s growth are among the exhibits. The Shadows of the Past sculpture, designed by Durban-born artist Ledelle Moe in the museum’s courtyard, depicts three naked migrant workers, symbolizing their vulnerability. Kwamuhle Museum is one of the best places to go in Durban during your trip in South Africa.
The museum is located in the former Native Affairs Department headquarters, which was notorious for implementing apartheid laws. It’s now a sanctuary of hope, where those who fought injustice are remembered and diversity is cherished.
Florida Road
Exhibits on life in and around Durban during and before apartheid may be seen at Kwamuhle Museum. Photographs of township life and exhibitions on the contributions of people responsible for the city’s growth are among the exhibits. The Shadows of the Past sculpture, designed by Durban-born artist Ledelle Moe in the museum’s courtyard, depicts three naked migrant workers, symbolizing their vulnerability.
The museum is located in the former Native Affairs Department headquarters, which was notorious for implementing apartheid laws. It’s now a sanctuary of hope, where those who fought injustice are remembered and diversity is cherished.
Kingsmead Ground
This is a sporting ground that may not be among the most well-known in the world, but it has a devoted following among cricket fans, notably in the Indian subcontinent and among the Indian diaspora in South Africa. This is one of South Africa’s largest stadiums, with a seating capacity of 25000. This stadium is known for holding International Test, Limited-Over International, ICC Cricket World Cup, and World T20 matches, as well as being the finish line for one of the world’s toughest ultra marathons, The Comrades Marathon.
SunCoast Casino
SunCoast is an iconic building complex on the Golden Mile with a wealth of entertainment alternatives, and it is Durban’s top-most entertainment destination.
SunCoast will more than meet your expectations if you’re trying to have a good time. The casino is the most well-known feature of this spectacular entertainment complex, but there are also various high-end retail establishments, restaurants, movie theaters, and even a private beach. SunCoast is one of South Africa’s best casinos, with over 1000 slot machines and over 50 gaming tables.
When you’ve had your fill of gaming, the Lounge Bar has a superb selection of beverages and drinks. Aside from fast food restaurants, restaurants, and retail businesses, youngsters can spend time at the arcade, which has a variety of activities. This magnificent Art Deco structure is the largest property investment on the famous Golden Mile, as well as a must-see.
Dairy Beach
This is one of Durban’s most well-known beaches, as well as one of South Africa’s most well-known surfing spots. This is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Durban if you appreciate surfing. Alternatively, you may simply lie in the sun or take a stroll along the promenade, where you will undoubtedly find a place to eat.
Inanda Township
Inanda is a township about 20 minutes northwest of Durban that played a significant role in the history of South Africa. This is where Mahatma Gandhi formulated his passive-resistance ideology while traveling as a lawyer in 1904. Dr. John Dube, president of the African National Congress (ANC), was born here in 1871, and it was here that he founded the Ohlange Institute, where Nelson Mandela voted in the country’s first democratic elections in 1994.
With this in mind, it goes without saying that you should consider visiting the Inanda Heritage Trail, which includes a number of significant historical monuments. Gandhi’s Phoenix Settlement, where he used to live and where his printing press, which he used to spread his anti-racism message, can still be found, and Inanda Seminary, one of the country’s oldest institutions for females, which was founded in 1869 by American missionaries, are both highlights.
For a more in-depth experience, consider attending a guided tour.
Tala Game Reserve
Phinda Game Reserve, about 3.5 hours north of Durban, is my favorite destination for safaris in KwaZulu Natal. If you don’t have time to travel all the way there but still want to see the African bush, you may visit Tala Game Reserve, which is about an hour away.
You may see 380 different bird species (including the famed African fish eagle), as well as big wildlife such as rhinos, hippos, and giraffes, as well as oxen, wildebeests, and warthogs. You have the option of going on a guided bushwalk or a game drive (self guided or with a ranger). Alternatively, you can join this Durban-based guided trip. Tala Game Reserve is one of the top places to go in Durban.