Durban is one of South Africa’s best-loved holiday destinations. The postcard perfect beaches, year-round sunshine, uniquely Afro-Indian culture and fascinating historical heritage are waiting to be discovered. Our Durban guide includes useful travel tips, delicious dining destinations, a Durban spa guide, local’s favourite Durban attractions, suggestions on the top Durban hotels and the best beaches on the Golden Mile. Discover what makes Durbs so special and why the New York Times rated Durban as a top 10 ‘must-visit’ destination.
Local Knowledge
Language
South Africa has 11 official languages with English spoken throughout the country. Up to 50% of the population of Durban have English as a first language.
Say Hello!
"Sawubona" – Zulu
"Molo" – Xhosa
"Goeie dag" - Afrikaans
Local Lingo
With its mix of cultures and languages it is no surprise that Durban has its own special sound.
‘now now’ can mean anytime from now to two weeks’ time
‘hundreds’ is less about a number and more about something being just right
‘bru’ or ‘bra’ can be anyone from a friend to a cousin to your actual brother
‘bunny’ or ‘bunny chow’ is a Durban-Indian food-speciality. Try one for yourself at a classic spot like Jeera.
Currency & Prices
Durban generally offers even more value than Johannesburg and Cape Town. From shopping and dining to entertainment and hotel stays, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy excellent value without compromising on service or quality.
South African Rand
ATMs can be found throughout the city and main tourist locations
Hotel rates offer great value in Durban
Stay Safe
It’s always good to be cautious when exploring a new city, and Durban is no exception. But don’t be paranoid, just use good common sense.
Avoid walking around the city at night, although some suburbs have safe areas for you to explore between bars and restaurants.
Don’t flash your valuables around or leave valuables on display in your car.
Durban beachfront is part of a Southern Sun supported policing initiative.
Weather
Durban has a very pleasant year round climate and it’s not unusual to enjoy a ‘beach day’ any time of the year. Expect some rainy days during spring and summer but don’t expect an extended non-stop rainy-season.
Summer (Mid October – February) 25 °C average temp.
Autumn (Mid February – April) 22 °C average temp
Winter (June to August) 17 °C average temp.
Spring (August – October) 18 °C average temp.
Travel Tip Bring your shorts even if you’re visiting in winter.
Transport
Hire a car at the airport or in the city for the easiest way to explore Durban and the surrounds. The airport has a choice of international car hire companies such as Avis and First.
Durban does have a bus network, but it is limited and can be difficult to navigate for a first-time visitor
Uber is relatively new to South Africa but a quick and affordable way to get from point-to-point in the city (Download the app and request a driver)
Ring ahead and book a taxi. Ask at your Southern Sun reception to book one for you.
Try Something Different
Take a helicopter ‘flip’ over the city for a birds-eye view
Ride a rickshaw for an undeniably unique ride on the beachfront
What To Do In Durban
Durban Beaches
Durban’s Golden Mile runs along some of the best swimming and surfing beaches in the country. The natural bay in which it lies along with the layout of its many piers and the protection of shark nets, makes it one of the safest stretches of coastline to enjoy your beach holiday. Have fun in and out of the water, hire a surfboard for the day or join the kids in building their dream sandcastle.
South Beach - Smaller surf for beginners and located near uShaka Marine World and Moyo on the pier for drinks and snacks. This is a great family beach.
North Beach - Arguably Durban’s most popular beach (especially during December school holidays), North Beach is great for bodyboarding, paddle boarding and swimmers who don’t mind bigger waves.
New Pier / Dairy Beach - Reliable surf at this Durban favourite that can get a little crowded in the water.
Bay of Plenty - As popular as it is for fishing as it is for sunbathing. The pier (especially very early morning) is a great place to catch the local fishermen in action.
Beyond Durban - If you fancy a change from the Golden Mile then head south and discover tourist friendly beaches such as Margate and Ramsgate (a little over an hour from Durban) or North to uMhlanga Rocks (just 20 minutes from Durban) for an upmarket beach vibe.
Shopping & Markets
Pavillion Mall – a Durban landmark with 245 stores just 5kms from the centre. The Pav, as it’s known, is one of the best shopping spots in the city.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping – A little out of the city in uMhlanga is Africa’s largest mall. Gateway has everything from a skate park to big brand flagship stores.
Rivertown – part of a new urban regeneration initiative the area has its first major player with 8 Morrison, a design hub for creatives.
Station Drive – a transformed industrial area is becoming one of the hottest spots in the city and home to a micro-distillery, vintage shops, trendy dining and a selection of handcrafted goods from designer clothes to wooden sunglasses.
Victoria Street Market – authentic Afro-Indian market experience in the city centre (08h00 – 18h00 Monday to Saturday & 10h00 – 16h00 Sunday)
All Ages Attractions
uShaka Marine World – home to one of the world’s largest aquariums, a water park, shops and more at the south end of the Golden Mile
Suncoast - a world of entertainment, with movies, shows, dining, gaming and much more
Moses Mabhida Stadium – take a Segway or bike tour around this tourist friendly stadium. If you are feeling extra brave get harnessed into the world’s tallest swing at the top of the stadium.
Durban Botanic Gardens – have a picnic in Africa’s oldest botanical gardens
Helicopter Flight – book a tour from above and fly from Durban to uMhlanga and back. (Sky Adventures / +27 73 334 7911)
Diving – 30 minutes’ drive from Durban (in Umkomaas) is the starting point for one of the World’s top 10 dive spots – The Aliwal Shoal. This is cage free scuba diving in an area renowned for its shark diversity. (Aliwal Dive Centre / 039 973 2233)
Cycling – hire a bike at Moses Mabhida Stadium or on the beachfront and spend some hours cruising the bike friendly Golden Mile.
Inner City Tour – jump on the Durban Ricksha Bus and enjoy a 3-hour guided city tour.
Durban Natural Science Museum – this charming museum is set in the beautiful Durban City Hall and is perfect for school age learners or anyone looking for something educational and a little different. (+27 31 311 2242 / Durban City Hall)
KZNSA Gallery – The KwaZulu Natal Society of Arts gallery is a nonprofit gallery showcasing contemporary local art in a leafy Durban suburb. (+27 31 277 1705 / 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood)
Dining In Durban
Durban is known for its spicy dishes, but there is no shortage of culinary picks for foodies looking for a taste to remember. From melt-in-the-mouth sushi to reinvented South African home-cooking and plenty of familiar European style classics, the Durban menu is most definitely a global one.
Daruma – sushi, sashimi, tempura and other tantalizing Japanese and Asian dished all expertly prepared with fine ingredients at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani hotel in Durban. Grill Jichana – traditional grill house favourites combined with flavours of the African East Coast spice route. The Sugar Club – culinary excellence, unsurpassed service and an award winning wine list. Lingela – guests return again and again to Lingela, Durban’s favourite interactive buffet restaurants. Lingela has everything from seafood and vegetarian dishes to prime cuts and mouth-watering desserts. Lingela is located at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani hotel in Durban. Vigour & Verve – a hip coffee-bar style café on the Durban beachfront. Great coffee, tasty cakes and a choice of light meals for a lazy way to spend some hours. Elements Café Bar – eclectic informal dining, light snacks, cocktails and more at uMhlanga’s famous Beverly Hills hotel. Panorama Bar – sit at the bar or around the pool and enjoy one of the best views in Durban.
