Durban Attractions
Durban's beautiful subtropical climate means the city enjoys a relaxed outdoor lifestyle that makes it a great destination to visit at any time of the year. Renovations for the FIFA World Cup in 2010 have given its tourist infrastructure a sparkling new finish, and ensure that there's always plenty to see and do in Durban.The first place to start for Durban sightseeing is definitely the beach, with its famed Golden Mile stretching four miles (6km) from the neon-lit Suncoast Casino in the north to uShaka Marine World in the south. The Golden Mile is famous for its mild water temperatures, great surfing, and beautiful setting. There are plenty of beach bars and restaurants to choose from when enjoying a sundowner cocktail or local beer. The beaches are patrolled by colourful Zulu rickshaw pullers, who will give you the royal treatment and a ride over the short distance of the promenade.
uShaka Marine World in South Beach is Durban's newest major tourist attraction, with massive aquariums displaying fish and marine life from all over the world, and a Wet n' Wild Waterpark with eight water rides ranging from gentle to extreme. You can even go shark diving or snorkelling for an up close and personal experience. It's a relatively short walk from the Golden Mile, and opens right onto the beach.
Durban's Botanic Gardens, centrally located in Greyville and accessible by bus or taxi, are beautifully-maintained, and have one of the best collections of plants in the world. They host regular Sunday afternoon concerts, and are a great place to take the kids for a relaxed picnic. The Gardens are popular for wedding pictures as well, and bridal parties of all cultures can be spotted there on Saturdays.
More adventurous travellers will want to take advantage of the plethora of water sports available in Durban, including surfing, swimming and kiteboarding from the Golden Mile; snorkelling and scuba diving among the shipwrecks at Aliwal Shoal; or just going for a boat cruise in the harbour. Those more comfortable on land can enjoy hikes through the Mangrove Swamp or spotting zebras, rhinos, hippos, and other game in the Kenneth Steinbank Reserve or Tala Valley.
Most attractions in Durban are relatively safe, as long as travellers refrain from wearing expensive jewellery and clothing and showing expensive cameras. It is always best to stay in a group when walking around in urban areas.
Francis Farewell Square
This historic square in the middle of Durban is the spot where the city originated as a tiny settlement of itinerant traders and hunters in the early 19th century. It is named for Henry Francis Flynn, one of the prominent inhabitants of the... see full details
KwaMuhle Museum
The KwaMuhle Museum is dedicated to the history of race laws in KwaZulu-Natal, showing through multimedia presentations the experiences of local people during Apartheid. It is housed in the building that was once the Department of Native Affairs, from which the infamous labour system... see full details
Juma Masjid Mosque
The grand Juma Masjid Mosque was the first mosque to be built in KwaZulu-Natal, starting construction in 1881 and continuing with renovations and improvements until 1943. One of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, its minarets dominate the central Indian district of downtown Durban,... see full details
Durban Botanic Gardens
Durban's Botanic Gardens are renowned for having the finest collection of plantlife anywhere in Africa. Established in 1851, the gardens, on Sydenham Hill Road west of the Greyville Race Track, are the city's oldest natural attraction, providing a relaxing spot to stroll among huge... see full details
The BAT Centre
On the Victoria Embankment beside the Durban harbour is a haven for artists and musicians known as the BAT Centre (an acronym for Bartle Arts Trust, the organisation that helped to found the centre). The centre features a studio where traditional artists can work;... see full details
Moses Mabhida Stadium
The Moses Mabhida Stadium was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is one of South Africa's most picturesque stadiums. With its iconic 'arch of triumph', the waves of the Indian Ocean crashing in the background and an amazing view of Durban's... see full details