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Durban

South Africa

Pace: balanced Coastal Multicultural Relaxed Sunny
Ideal trip length
3 - 7 days
Busiest
Dec-Jan, Apr, Jul
Durban
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Durban

Book direct on our own Durban hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Subtropical
Languages
English and Zulu and Afrikaans
Local currency
ZAR (ZAR)
Local time
(GMT+2)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Umhlanga
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
10-15% expected

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 80 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Bunny Chow Curry Boerewors Roll Shisa Nyama

When to visit Durban

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: July Busiest: Dec-Jan, Apr, Jul
  1. Jan
    70

    Hot, humid, rainy

  2. Feb
    65

    Hot, humid, rainy

  3. Mar
    75

    Warm, less rain

  4. Apr
    85

    Warm, pleasant

  5. May
    80

    Mild, dry

  6. Jun
    85

    Mild, dry, sunny

  7. Jul
    90

    Mild, dry, sunny

  8. Aug
    85

    Mild, dry, sunny

  9. Sept
    80

    Warm, pleasant

  10. Oct
    75

    Warm, increasing rain

  11. Nov
    70

    Hot, humid, rainy

  12. Dec
    80

    Hot, humid, rainy

Things to do in Durban

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Relax on the Golden Mile Beaches

Central Beachfront 3 hrs

Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and surfing along Durban's famous coastline.

Outdoors Good for children

Explore Victoria Street Market

Central Durban 2 hrs

Immerse yourself in a sensory overload of spices, crafts, and traditional goods.

Indoors Good for children

Stroll through Durban Botanic Gardens

Berea 2.5 hrs

Discover ancient trees, orchid house, and serene landscapes in Africa's oldest botanical garden.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Savor Authentic Bunny Chow

Various 1 hr

Taste Durban's iconic hollowed-out bread loaf filled with spicy curry.

Indoors

Any time of day

3 places

Moses Mabhida Stadium SkyCar & Big Rush Swing

Stamford Hill 1.5 hrs

Ascend the iconic arch for panoramic views or brave the world's tallest swing.

Outdoors Good for children

uShaka Marine World

Point Waterfront 4 hrs

Explore aquariums, water slides, and a shipwreck-themed village.

Indoors Good for children

Day Trip to Valley of 1000 Hills

Outer West 6 hrs

Experience Zulu culture and breathtaking views of rolling hills and valleys.

Outdoors Good for children

Durban itineraries

View All itineraries
First-timer highlights

3 Days in Durban — First-Timer Highlights

Uncover the best of Durban, from golden beaches to vibrant markets and accessible wildlife encounters.

This 3-day itinerary is meticulously crafted for first-time visitors eager to experience the diverse charms of Durban. Explore its iconic beachfront, delve into rich cultural history, savor local flavors, and venture into nearby natural wonders. Perfect for those seeking a dynamic blend of urban excitement and accessible nature.

3 Days 11 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Durban

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Bunny Chow 95 · Outstanding
Curry 87 · Outstanding
Boerewors Roll 78 · Very good
Shisa Nyama 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Moses Mabhida Stadium SkyCar & Big Rush Swing 95 · Outstanding
UShaka Marine World 91 · Outstanding
Relax On The Golden Mile Beaches 87 · Outstanding
Explore Victoria Street Market 83 · Very good
Savor Authentic Bunny Chow 78 · Very good
Stroll Through Durban Botanic Gardens 74 · Good
Day Trip To Valley Of 1000 Hills 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Families 95 · Outstanding
Couples 89 · Outstanding
Friends 83 · Very good
Adventure 76 · Very good
Budget 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Use reputable transport services like Uber/Bolt for safety. 95 · Outstanding
Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in crowded areas. 83 · Very good
Explore the Golden Mile during the day for its vibrant atmosphere. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Durban

Straight-line distance from the centre of Durban.

Getaways from Durban

Places people from Durban travel to, from our own travel research.

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