When you book cheap domestic flights to Durban and sit down to think about your trip, you first thoughts are probably of sand and surf and no-one would blame you.

Durban is an exceptional beach destination and enjoys a somewhat tropical climate all year round. Both north and south coasts in Durban offer the opportunity to while away the hours on the sandy shores of some of the best beaches in the country, but that’s not all that Durban is about. If you take the time to explore what’s beyond Durban’s beaches, you will find that there’s so much more to see and enjoy around the main city and even a little in-land.

Below is a list of our top non-beachy things to do in Durban, so check them out and then book your cheap flights to Durban with Domestic Flights-SA.

Discover Durban’s Best Kept Secrets

Mitchell’s Park & Durban Botanical Gardens

Mitchell’s Park & Durban Botanical garden is hidden in the suburb of Morningside. The history of the park dates back to the early 1900s. The gardens feature beautiful greenery, quiet picnic spots and a Japanese Garden. The park section has several braai areas, a children’s playground, a mini zoo and a tea garden style restaurant called Blue Zoo. Entrance is fairly cheap and the venue offers hours of entertainment and relaxation for the whole family.

Kloof Gorge & Krantzkloof Nature Reserve

Proclaimed and protected since 1950, this particular site is a wonder to see and experience. The gorge and nature reserve offer visitors various view sites from which to see the gorge, greenery and waterfalls. There are 2 picnic sites with braai and ablution facilities where visitors can enjoy some relaxation on the banks of the Molweni River and Nkutu River. There are two entrances to use, the first is on Bridle Road and the second is on Valley Drive (both of which are in the area of Forest Hills). On Sundays there are guided walks and hikes available. There is an entrance fee payable, but it is typically very affordable.

Throw Yourself Off The Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Strings Attached!

The Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, has a variety of exhilarating activities available for adrenaline junkies. Ride the Sky Car which glides up a steel track and rolls down under the arch of the stadium. Soak up a breath-taking view of the city from a 106m vantage point. The Big Swing is an adrenalin junkies’ dream, and is the tallest swing in the world since 2011. Climb to the jump point and swing down it will certainly get your blood pumping! The Big Sky Walk offers the opportunity to climb the arch of the stadium. Look down at your own risk! Certificates are provided after each completed activity.

Take A Step Back In Time 

Enjoy a meal with a difference at

Roma Revolving Restaurant, an institution and must-visit when in Durban. The restaurant offers an authentic 70s dining atmosphere and a rotating dining that gives you a full view of the city from 105m high. The restaurant offers Italian cuisine and is found on the 32nd floor of the John Ross building.

Go Full Steam Ahead To The Valley Of A Thousand Hills

A steam train service offers rides from Kloof (Stokers Arms Pub) to Inchanga village every first and last Sunday of the month. Guests can bring their own picnic baskets and refreshments. There is often a craft market at the Victorian Inchanga station to be enjoyed too. Bookings for this are essential.

Cycle Your Way Through Giba Gorge

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you will love what Giba Gorge at 110 Stockville Road has to offer. The venue has a BMX, Supercross and cycle track. There are running trails, picnic spots, braai areas and space for the kids to play. Want a tasty beverage or meal? There’s an on-site restaurant that’s open too. Bicycles are available for hire if you don’t want to travel with your own.

Work Up A Sweat Trekking To The Mzinyathi Falls & Rasta Caves

The Mzinyathi Falls are fairly unknown to both visitors and locals. The site is about 20 minutes from Gateway Shopping centre by car. There’s not much walking to do to see the falls from the top, but if you want to view it from below and see truly authentic Rastafarian caves along the way, you will need to put on your hiking shoes and get walking. It’s advised to go on a guided walk as permission is required by the Rastafarian community to walk through their sacred living areas. A group called The Green Corridor can arrange this and lead your walk / hike.

Take A Drive On The Wild Side…Through The Lion Enclosure At The Natal Lion Park

The Natal Lion Park plays host to a variety of free roaming elephant and enclosed lions. Visitors are allowed to drive their vehicles through the lion enclosure but are not allowed to get out of the vehicle. There is also a mini zoo garden on the property. Grab a map at reception and go on a self-drive through the park. It’s a beautiful surrounding and the whole family can enjoy the wildlife.

Enjoy A Bush Stroll Or Drive Through Tala Game Reserve

The Tala Game Reserve is an exceptional destination for bush drives or game drives. The reserve is home to over 380 bird species, rhino, wildebeest, warthogs, hippo, giraffe, buck and more. With 7 000 acres of reserve spread across one of the most beautiful Durban landscapes, visitors can enjoy a 2-hour bush walk or 2-hour game drive. If you want to overnight, there are luxury rondavels and cabins available.

Are you ready to get stuck into exploring and enjoying some of these attractions? Book cheap flights to Durban with Domestic Flights-SA and experience the sights and thrills of the city, well away from the sand and surf.