Things To Do

uShaka Marine World

uShaka Marine World, one of the main attractions on Durban's Golden Mile, is a water-themed wonderland packed with attractions. Sea World, set on replicas of four shipwrecks, features the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere, where visitors can get up close to marine life through underground viewing galleries. Other attractions here include Dolphin Stadium, Seal Stadium, and Penguin Rookery. Wet 'n' Wild is an extravaganza of splash pools, slides, and super tubes, while uShaka Kids' World is a paradise for two- to 12-year-olds. Little ones will love the playgrounds, treasure cave, and creative activities here. After a fun day enjoying all the sea-themed attractions, visitors can stroll among the outdoor shops and restaurants at Village Walk.

Durban Botanic Gardens

The Durban Botanic Gardens is the oldest surviving botanic garden in Africa. Set on the slopes of Berea Hill, northwest of the city center, the gardens were established in 1849 for the trial of agricultural crops. Today, visitors can stroll among the indigenous and exotic subtropical plantings, including majestic heritage trees, some of which are more than one hundred years old. The main plant collections include cycads, orchids, bromeliads, and palms, and visitors can also experience the Garden of the Senses. In addition to the rich plant biodiversity, at least fifty different species of birds are permanent residents of the gardens.

Umgeni River Bird Park

In the Riverside district, on the north bank of the Umgeni River, Umgeni River Bird Park features more than 200 species of birds, and some are the only representatives of their kind in Africa. On a network of paths running through lush landscaping and waterfalls, visitors can observe a variety of indigenous species, as well as birds from Southeast Asia and Australia, including lories, cockatoos, and aras. One of the park's highlights is the bird show, where visitors can learn more about the exotic species as they perform.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Moses Mabhida Stadium is a world-class sporting and event venue on Durban's Golden Mile. The stadium hosted eight of the FIFA World Cup Games in 2010. It provides a spectacular 360-degree view of Durban from the top of the stadium's arch. The Sky Car whisks visitors to the top, or they can climb the 500 steps. Thrill-seekers will love the 220-meter Big Rush Big Swing, the world's highest. Segway tours of the stadium are available, and visitors will also find a few restaurants on-site and shops selling sporting merchandise.

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple is Africa's largest Hare Krishna temple. A beautiful lotus-shaped garden surrounds the temple; the temple is an impressive confection of gold-tinged domes, gilded statues, chandeliers, marble tiles, and ceiling frescoes. Besides admiring the lavish architecture, a highlight of a visit here is enjoying a meal at the vegetarian restaurant, Govinda's. Hungry tourists can feast on a vast array of inexpensive Indian vegan dishes and fresh-squeezed fruit juices. The restaurant also provides food for the poor and destitute of the city.

1000 Hills Tourism Information Office

Inland from the popular resort area of Umhlanga Rocks lies the Valley of 1,000 Hills, a beautiful region of gently rounded hills sprinkled with scenic viewpoints, Zulu homesteads, and gorges. The hills rise up along the banks of the Umgeni River as it flows into the Indian Ocean from the distant Drakensberg mountains. The old road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg runs along the valley's southern edge, an area with magnificent views. After passing Hillcrest and Botha's Hill, it comes to Phe-Zulu, a typical Zulu village where visitors can see traditional dance performances and witness the rituals of spiritual doctors.

PheZulu Safari Park

PheZulu Safari Park has an abundance of animals that can be spotted and a Crocodile and Snake Park where visitors can go on a tour by knowledgeable guides. The park also offers accommodations. On the Durban City Tour and PheZulu Cultural Village Day Tour, and the Safari & PheZulu Village Day Tour from Durban, you can experience all that Phe-Zulu and the safari park offers, including landmarks and top attractions in the city.

Umhlanga Rocks

Umhlanga Rocks (pronounced Umhlanga), 16 kilometers north of Durban, is a famous, upscale resort town. Long golden beaches, interrupted by rocky coast, stretch for 200 kilometers north of Durban to the beautiful Isimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing eight interlinking ecosystems; three major lake systems; and Africa's most extensive estuarine system, Lake St. Lucia. In Umhlanga Rocks, water sports enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do. Surfing, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, dolphin viewing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are some of the aquatic pursuits on offer.

Gateway Theatre Of Shopping

Shopping is also a favorite pastime. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping here is one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. Other attractions in the region include championship golf courses, the KZN Sharks Board, nature reserves, and museums, including the former dwelling of Mahatma Gandhi.

Florida Road

Known for well-preserved 100-year-old Edwardian structures, Florida Road, stretching from Sandile Thusi Road to Innes Road, is a happening attraction in Durban. Lined with cafes, boutique stores, galleries, and eateries, the street comes alive after the sun sets with locals and tourists who come to eat, shop, and enjoy Durban's endless summer. Art lovers can enjoy the African Art Centre, Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, and the Artisan Contemporary Gallery.

Victoria Street Market

Visit one of South Africa's premier tourist destinations that are rich in culture and heritage. Experience the hustle and bustle of one of the oldest markets in Durban, featuring a large variety of bags, spices, Chinese wholesale goods, brassware, cellphones, African artwork, curios, and much more, not forgetting our dedicated fish and meat market. Join us for an unforgettable shopping experience.

Hluhluwe Umfolozi Safaris

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, Is a Big5 Game Park in the KwaZulu Natal Regine Of South Africa. The oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa. Still Wild, With 96000 Hectares of Wilderness Awaiting for you. 4x4s Dusty Roads Rolling Hills Of Sunsets, Magnificent Big 5 Sightings & Photographs Everywhere. Time To Safari, In The Bush Felt Of Zululand

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Tugela River

The Tugela Falls in the Drakensberg is the highest waterfall in Africa. It is also regarded as the second highest waterfall in the world. There is, however, an ongoing debate that it could be the world's tallest waterfall, as opposed to Angel Falls in Venezuela. Even if it is universally acknowledged that Angel Falls is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall.

Drakensberg

Drakensberg, the main mountain range of Southern Africa. The Drakensberg rises to more than 11,400 feet (3,475 metres) and extends roughly northeast to southwest for 700 miles (1,125 km) parallel to the southeastern coast of South Africa. Rock and cave art several thousands of years old has been found in the range. There are many game reserves and parks. In 2000 uKhahlamba/Drakensberg Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Oribi Gorge

Oribi Gorge is the highest gorge in the world and is as famous for its dramatic scenery as it is for its exhilarating wilderness activities. If you’re in KwaZulu-Natal and you’re not only craving adventure but all the beautiful scenery that comes with it too, then you need to go to Oribi Gorge. Forget the Big Five; here you can push yourself to the limits with South Africa’s Wild Five.

South Africa

More about tourism in South Africa

Isandlwana

Visit the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift in KwaZulu-Natal while taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. This is the area where two of the most famous battles fought between the Zulu and British Armies took place.

The Kwazulu Natal Society of the Arts

This modern, airy building is an inviting space. Along with upcoming and experimental artists, the gallery has an extensive collection of well-known South African artists such as Penny Siopis and Isaac Sithole. Enjoy a snack in the gallery café which spills out into the garden. Entrance is free.

Hakuna Matata Charters

Watch the powerful east coast sun set over tropical Durban aboard a catamaran sundowner cruise. Hakuna Matata Charters offer half-hour and one-hour sunset cruises.

The Sardine Run

Nearly every year between June and July, billions of sardines travel along the east coast of South Africa attracting an abundance of dolphins, whales and sharks. If you are lucky enough to see the sardine run while in Durban it will be worth renting a boat to get a closer look. For a less pricey option, hire a kayak from Ocean Ventures uShaka. You’ll launch in front of uShaka and paddle to the Vetjies Reef, past the shark nets and out to the limestone reef where there’s a 1940s shipwreck. If you’re exceptionally lucky and the timing is right, you’ll catch the hundreds of dolphins tailing the sardine run.

Ricksha Bus City Tour durban

Take a three-hour whirl around Durban on the top deck of a Ricksha bus. It’s practically always blazingly sunny so enjoy the sun on your face as you pass all of Durban’s major attractions. There are two tours per day, seven days a week. The morning tour starts at 09:00 and ends at midday and the afternoon tour starts at 13:00 and ends at 16:00. They accept cash only.

Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve

This mangrove reserve is a national monument and contains three species of rare mangroves – black, red and white. Walk along the sturdy wooden platforms to catch a glimpse of mudskippers, fiddler crabs and rare kingfishers among the muddy water and white sand.

Inanda mountain or INGUDLA

Drive 50 mins out of the CBD to Inanda Mountain for Durban’s most incredible view. The road ends practically at the edge of the cliffs that plunge down to Inanda Dam. Photographers and birders will appreciate the Lanner falcons and banded Harrier hawks that ride the thermals every morning.

Mzinyathi Falls

A 20-minute drive from Gateway, Mzinyathi falls is relatively unknown. The dramatic sandstone amphitheatre makes this a popular rock climbing spot. In summer after heavy rain, the falls have an impressive volume.

Umhlanga

CNN has crowned Umhlanga Pier the most beautiful pier in the world. The whale-bone skeleton structure is striking and the favourite of sunset Instagrammers. The pier also performs an important function as an extension of an underground culvert that helps disperse excess stormwater into the sea.

I heart Market

The I Heart Market is a curated collection of Durban’s thriving maker community. For twelve years, we’ve been curating a platform for local creatives to showcase their one-of-a-kind creations and give small businesses a leg-up. At I heart, you’ll bump into old friends, make some new ones, stroll through the stalls and become a part of a community that’s all about unique experiences, exciting activities and everything local. As you stroll through the stalls and trade your rands for one-of-a-kind creations, you can rest easy knowing that you’re helping to grow the local creative scene.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Get a chance to see first hand where Nelson Mandela was captured before he started his 27–year sentence at Robben Island.

iSithumba Adventure Park

Welcome to Isithumba, a small majestic village situated in The Valley of 1000 hills. Isithumba is one of the eleven villages of this area and has been a hot spot for tourists from around the globe for the past 20 years. It continues to host international visitors though its different initiatives. Travelers come for get aways, tours, hiking, kayaking, biking, cultural experiences, or even to simply enjoy the amazing climate. Here the summer days are warm while the winter days are crisp and clear.