Warm and interesting Durban makes for a very special kind of travel destination in South Africa.
The list of great things to do when you fly in to Durban is long and varied enough to keep just about anyone happy.
Durban North Beach
For many visitors to Durban from other parts of South Africa it is the warm waters and the long beach that gets them excited about arriving here. The North Beach is a spectacular place to get some sun, swim and generally just live the good life for a while.
This is far from the only great beach in and around Durban. However, if you want to enjoy the best that the city has to offer then this is a fine place to start.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars here, with the Golden Mile just a short stroll away. Otherwise, just soaking in the Indian Ocean is a brilliant way to relax and enjoy being here.
The Golden Mile
Nothing makes a visitor feel the buzz of being in Durban like a trip to the fantastic Golden Mile beachfront area. This part of the city is packed with big attractions such as uShaka Marine World, the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World and lots more.
Arts and craft vendors, restaurants, shops and plenty of entertainment options make this a fun place to pass some time. The Golden Mile covers many of Durban’s top attractions, so coming here on your first day after arrival is a great way to get settled in.
Durban Botanic Gardens
For enjoying a peaceful and natural spot in Durban you are definitely recommended to head to the Botanic Gardens. This is oldest botanic garden in the continent and covers an impressive 15 hectares (37 acres).
There are some great collections here to look at, such as the cycads, the ferns and the orchids. A number of special events like music shows and tea parties are held here regularly.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping
A trip to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping can be a real treat when you fly in to Durban for a break. This is the biggest mall in Africa and one of the top 50 in the world.
This shopping centre is located in Umhlanga, to the north of the city. Over 2 million people come here every month to check out the massive range of national and international stores.
Away from the shopping, there are numerous cinemas and restaurants in the Gateway Theatre of Shopping. There are also several family-oriented entertainment options such as a skate park and an arcade.
uShaka Marine World
The exciting uShaka Marine World is the kind of place where the whole family can have an amazing time while in Durban. The centre covers a huge are and includes 4 differently themed sections, known as uShaka Wet ‘n Wild, uShaka Sea World, uShaka Beach and uShaka Village Walk.
The Sea World part has 32 tanks and is currently classed as the 5th biggest aquarium on the planet. It has a number of shipwrecks and restaurants, as well as a dolphin stadium and a seal stadium.
Among the most interesting things to do here is the prospect of snorkelling in the lagoon with hundreds of fish and shark cage diving.
Durban Mitchell Park Zoo
The zoo in Durban is the attractive Mitchell Park Zoo. This former ostrich farm is located in the Morningside part of town and contains mainly smaller animals these days.
The highlights include the South American monkeys, the giant tortoises and the numerous birds. The kids can enjoy the playground while the walk-through aviary is also a treat.
Umgeni River Bird Park
This pretty bird park is located in what used to be a quarry. It now contains an impressive variety of birds of many different types, as well as waterfalls.
The biggest attraction here is arguably the Free Flight Bird Show that charms visitors twice each day. It also plays a part in encouraging conservation, as a number of threatened species of birds are bred here.
A trip to Durban is sure to lift your spirits and put a smile on your face. Take a glance at some of our current top deals to find out how easy it is to get here whenever it suits you.