10 Top-Rated Attractions for Visitors in Durban

 16 Top-Rated Attractions for Visitors in Durban

The third-largest city in South Africa is Durban (eThekweni in Zulu), which is also one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. One of the more well-liked activities in Durban is surfing. Millions of tourists are drawn here by the area's long, warm-water beaches, pleasant subtropical climate, and first-rate infrastructure.

This bustling metropolis is found in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), which is an hour's flight from Johannesburg and two hours' flight from Cape Town.

Discover Durban's diverse cultural legacy by visiting the Zulu and Indian markets and other historically significant sites, strolling through the immaculately kept parks along the water, and dining on delectable Indian-influenced food.

In our book, we've also mentioned a few attractions that are great day trips from Durban if you want to take a quick vacation from the city. For additional ideas on where to go, check out our list of the top attractions in Durban.

1. Golden Mile.

The "Golden Mile" is a great site to start your Durban walking tour. Along this crowded beachfront promenade are high-rise hotels, amusement parks, shopping malls, and restaurants. People who appreciate water sports come to this region to surf, swim, fish, or just to relax on the expansive, golden beaches. The majority of beaches are constantly guarded by lifeguards and shark nets.

Runners, cyclists, Segway riders, and skateboarders share the crowded beachside walk with pedestrians, giving the area a faint Californian vibe. uShaka Marine World, Moses Mabhida Stadium, and Mini Town—a miniature version of Durban that includes a rail system, airport, and harbour scene—are among the other features along this length of coastline.

2. Durban Botanic Gardens

The oldest botanical garden still in existence in Africa is the Durban Botanic Gardens. The gardens were established in 1849 with the purpose of testing new agricultural products. They are located on Berea Hill's slopes, northwest of the city centre. Today, guests can take a stroll among the native and exotic subtropical plantings, which include imposing historic trees, some of which are more than a century old.

Cycads, orchids, bromeliads, and palms are among the principal plant collections, and guests can also explore the Garden of the Senses. The gardens are home to at least fifty distinct bird species in addition to a diverse array of plant life.

3. Umgeni River Bird Park.

More than 200 kinds of birds, some of which are the only ones of their kind in Africa, can be seen in the Umgeni River Bird Park, located in the Riverside neighbourhood on the north bank of the Umgeni River.

Visitors can see a variety of native species, as well as birds from Southeast Asia and Australia, including lories, cockatoos, and aras, on a network of walkways that wind through beautiful landscaping and waterfalls.

The park's bird show, where guests can learn more about the unusual species while they act, is one of its highlights.

4. Indian Quarter

Durban's Indian Quarter, which includes the Victoria Street Market and the Juma Masjid Mosque, the biggest in the southern hemisphere, is today a cosmopolitan mash-up of sights, sounds, and unique scents.

Along the constrained sidewalks, street merchants from China, Pakistan, India, and Somalia wrangle over the sale of everything from spices to saris to beaded sandals, incense, and beautiful handmade jewellery.

Here, savvy shoppers will find discounts, and the eateries serve some of Durban's most authentic Indian food.

5. Jameson Park and Mitchell Park

One of Durban's oldest parks is Mitchell Park, located in the affluent neighbourhood of Morningside. Due to its shaded lawns, extensive plantings of vibrant flowers, and broad, wheelchair-friendly paths, it is also well-liked for picnics and walks.

The playground, tiny zoo, and walk-through aviary are great for kids, and the outdoor cafe is a great place to get a bite.

Jameson Park, which is next to Mitchell Park and features more than 200 varieties of roses, is nearby.

6. uShaka Marine World.

One of the primary attractions on Durban's Golden Mile is uShaka Marine World, a water-themed wonderland jam-packed with activities. The largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere is located at Sea World, which is built on reconstructions of four shipwrecks and allows guests to view marine life up close through underground viewing tunnels.

There are also dolphin stadiums, seal stadiums, and penguin rookeries in this area. While uShaka Kids' World is a haven for kids aged two to twelve, Wet 'n' Wild is a splash pool extravaganza complete with slides, super tubes, and other attractions. The playgrounds, treasure cave, and other activities here are perfect for kids.

After having a great time at all the sea-themed attractions, guests can wander around Village Walk's outdoor shops and eateries.

7. Moses Mabhida Stadium.

On Durban's Golden Mile, Moses Mabhida Stadium is a top-notch athletic and event site. The venue held eight FIFA World Cups Olympics in 2010. From the top of the stadium's arch, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Durban. Visitors can use the Sky Car or the 500 steps to the top.

The highest swing in the world, the 220-meter Big Rush Big Swing, will appeal to thrill-seekers. There are Segway tours of the stadium available for guests, and there are a few cafés and shops offering sporting goods there as well.

8. The Hare Krishna Temple, or Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

The largest Hare Krishna temple in Africa is the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple. The temple is an astonishing confection of gold-tinged domes, gilded statues, chandeliers, marble tiles, and ceiling frescoes that is surrounded by a lovely lotus-shaped garden.

A visit here is not complete without appreciating the opulent architecture or dining at Govinda's, a vegetarian restaurant. Tourists in need of food can gorge on a wide selection of low-cost vegan delicacies from India and freshly squeezed fruit juices. The eatery also donates food to the city's homeless and disadvantaged.

9. Valley of 1,000 Hills & Phe-Zulu 

The Valley of 1,000 Hills, a stunning landscape of gently rounded hills dotted with magnificent lookout spots, Zulu homesteads, and gorges, is located inland from the well-known tourist destination of Umhlanga Rocks. As the Umgeni River runs into the Indian Ocean from the faraway Drakensberg Mountains, hills build up along its banks. The southern portion of the former route connecting Durban and Pietermaritzburg The valley's rim is a beautiful location.

Hillcrest and Botha's Hill are passed before arriving in Phe-Zulu, a typical Zulu hamlet where visitors can enjoy traditional dance performances and take part in witch doctors' rites.

PheZulu Safari Park features a variety of species that can be viewed, as well as a Crocodile and Snake park where guests can take guided tours. The park also provides lodging.

10. Umhlanga Rocks.

A popular and posh vacation town, Umhlanga Rocks (pronounced Umshlanga), is located 16 km north of Durban. The picturesque Isimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies 200 kilometres north of Durban and contains eight interconnected habitats, three significant lake systems, and Lake St. Lucia, Africa's biggest estuarine system. The long, golden beaches are broken up by rocky coast.

Fans of water sports can find much to do near Umhlanga Rocks. Surfing, deep-sea fishing, whale and dolphin viewing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are a few of the water sports accessible.

Shopping is one of my favourite pastimes. This shopping centre, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, is one of the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. Other local attractions include championship golf courses, the KZN Sharks Board, nature preserves, and museums, one of which is located in Mahatma Gandhi's former house.