The Oyster Box
9.5Superb · 664 Reviews
2 Lighthouse Road Umhlanga Rocks | Durban, 4320, ZA
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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About Durban
Durban’s warm Indian Ocean shoreline frames a relaxed beach city on South Africa’s east coast, with subtropical weather, surf and a strong Indian influence.
The Golden Mile pairs broad beaches with a coastal promenade, while Durban’s Indian and African influences shape its food and neighborhoods. Families gather at uShaka Marine World, and the Moses Mabhida Stadium SkyCar and Big Rush Swing add an adventurous view over the city.
Bunny chow, curries and shisa nyama bring local flavor to the table. December, January, April and July are peak travel periods, with the Durban Botanic Gardens offering a quieter outing in Berea.
Where to stay
Hotels in Durban
Book direct on our own Durban hotel pages — no booking fee.
Belaire Suites Hotel
9.1Superb · 8,200 Reviews
151 Snell Parade North Beach Marine Parade | Durban, 4001, ZA
Swimming pool
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Suncoast Hotel & Towers
8.5V. good · 842 Reviews
20 Battery Beach Road | Durban, 4056, ZA
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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Garden Court Umhlanga
8.6V. good · 2,083 Reviews
Cnr. Aurora Drive & Centenary Boulevard | Durban, 4319, ZA
Swimming pool
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Royal Majestic Hotel Durban
8.2V. good · 426 Reviews
12-14 Walnut Road | Durban, 4001, ZA
Swimming pool
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Stay like a local in Durban
Places to stay in Durban
Districts
- uMhlanga Rocks43 stays
- Golden Mile29 stays
- Berea17 stays
- Point Waterfront4 stays
- Morningside9 stays
- Durban North8 stays
Popular amenities
Best for
Ranked by verified guest score, then stars. Based on 535 of 588 hotels with verified data.
Best for families
Family rooms listed · 95 hotels qualify
- Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House9.6/10 · 406 reviews · 4-star
- Lavender Moon Guest House9.6/10 · 116 reviews · 4-star
- The Travel Inn Durban9.6/10 · 80 reviews · 4-star
- The Oyster Box9.5/10 · 664 reviews · 5-star
- Maison H Guest House9.5/10 · 161 reviews · 4-star
Best for drivers
Free parking · 107 hotels qualify
- Serenity Place B&B and Conference wedding venue9.5/10 · 70 reviews · 4-star
- Teremok Lodge & Spa9.4/10 · 152 reviews · 4-star
- Ridgeview Lodge9.4/10 · 94 reviews · 4-star
- Lily's Cottage9.4/10 · 55 reviews · 4-star
- Tyne Luxury Apartments9.4/10 · 55 reviews · 4-star
Best for a pool
Swimming pool listed · 128 hotels qualify
- Burnham House B&B9.3/10 · 318 reviews · 4-star
- 5-On-Lindsay9.3/10 · 84 reviews · 4-star
- Sandals Guest House9.2/10 · 229 reviews · 5-star
- The Hamptons Guest House9.2/10 · 215 reviews · 4-star
- 43 Sea Lodge - by Stay in Umhlanga9.2/10 · 110 reviews · 4-star
Durban at a glance
Check-in / check-out
2:00 PM / 10:00 AM
Free parking
220 of 274 hotels (80%)
Pool
315 of 535 hotels
Climate
Subtropical
Languages
English, 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
History, culture and food in Durban
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
Hotel facts in Durban
Based on 535 of 588 hotels with verified data.
| Hotels that list | Hotels | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Free parkingof hotels with verified parking | 220 of 274 | 80% |
| Swimming pool | 315 of 535 | 59% |
| 24-hour front desk | 128 of 535 | 24% |
| Facilities for disabled guests | 101 of 535 | 19% |
| Family rooms | 136 of 535 | 25% |
| Breakfast availablefree or paid depends on the rate | 10 of 535 | 2% |
| Kitchen or kitchenette | 129 of 535 | 24% |
| Airport shuttle2 free | 100 of 535 | 19% |
Pools and room sizes by star rating
| Stars | Pool | Standard room |
|---|---|---|
| 2-star | 12 of 60 | 20 m²usually 17 m²–24 m² · 10 hotels |
| 3-star | 83 of 145 | 21 m²usually 18 m²–25 m² · 53 hotels |
| 4-star | 177 of 237 | 25 m²usually 22 m²–35 m² · 83 hotels |
| 5-star | 24 of 26 | 31 m²usually 27 m²–40 m² · 10 hotels |
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: April and December
Busiest: Dec-Jan, Apr, Jul
-
Jan30
Often avoided: humid summer rain
-
Feb31
Often avoided: humid summer rain
-
Mar28
Often avoided: humid summer rain
-
Apr55
Beach weather (sea 24°C)
-
May41
Mild, dry
-
Jun46
Comrades Marathon
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Jul38
Durban International Film Festival
-
Aug41
Mild, dry, sunny
-
Sep41
Warm, pleasant
-
Oct30
Warm, increasing rain
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Nov48
Cyclone season (Nov-Apr); impacts uncommon
-
Dec58
Beach weather (sea 24°C)
Things to do in Durban
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Relax on the Golden Mile Beaches
Central Beachfront 3 hours
Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and surfing along Durban's famous coastline.
Explore Victoria Street Market
Central Durban 2 hours
Immerse yourself in a sensory overload of spices, crafts, and traditional goods.
Stroll through Durban Botanic Gardens
Berea 2.5 hours
Discover ancient trees, orchid house, and serene landscapes in Africa's oldest botanical garden.
Best in the afternoon
1 place
Savor Authentic Bunny Chow
Various 1 hour
Taste Durban's iconic hollowed-out bread loaf filled with spicy curry.
Any time of day
3 places
Moses Mabhida Stadium SkyCar & Big Rush Swing
Stamford Hill 1.5 hours
Ascend the iconic arch for panoramic views or brave the world's tallest swing.
uShaka Marine World
Point Waterfront 4 hours
Explore aquariums, water slides, and a shipwreck-themed village.
Day Trip to Valley of 1000 Hills
Outer West 6 hours
Experience Zulu culture and breathtaking views of rolling hills and valleys.
Durban itineraries, day by day
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.
With the family
3 Days in Durban — Family with Kids
Sun-kissed adventures and wild discoveries await your family in Durban!
This 3-day Durban adventure is tailor-made for families with kids, blending thrilling marine encounters with lush botanical explorations and exciting wildlife visits. Discover golden beaches, iconic city views, and engaging attractions designed to captivate both young and old, ensuring a memorable South African getaway.
For couples
2 Days in Durban — Romance
Experience the vibrant coastal charm of Durban with your loved one.
This intimate 2-day itinerary is crafted for couples seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights in Durban. From sun-kissed beaches to cultural explorations and romantic dining, it promises unforgettable moments for two.
Culture and history
3 Days in Durban — Culture & History
Uncover the vibrant tapestry of Durban's past and present, from colonial grandeur to Zulu heritage.
This immersive 3-day itinerary delves deep into Durban's rich cultural and historical landscape. Explore significant landmarks, vibrant markets, and poignant museums, perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts eager to understand the city's diverse influences and resilient spirit.
Food and drink
2 Days in Durban — Food & Wine
A culinary journey through Durban's vibrant flavors and coastal charm.
This itinerary is designed for foodies and wine enthusiasts eager to explore Durban's unique culinary landscape, from spicy curries to fresh seafood and local craft beverages. Discover the city's rich cultural influences through its diverse gastronomic offerings, perfect for those seeking an authentic taste of South Africa's east coast.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Durban
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Activity tour
Authentic Zulu food
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Bar Crawl in Durban
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Drakensberg Giant's Castle Cave Art & Mandela Capture Site Tour from Durban
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Full Day Hluhluwe Imfolozi Private Game Reserve from Durban
Free cancellationFind deals
Multi day tour
Isimangaliso Wetlands Park & Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game R 2 Day Tour From Durban
Free cancellationFind deals
Multi day tour
Drakensberg Mountains & Hiking 2 Day Tour From Durban
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Sani Pass Lesotho Full Day 4 x 4 Tour From Durban
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Tala Game Reserve, Phezulu Safari & Natal Lion Park Full Day Tour From Durban
Free cancellationFind deals
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Before you go to Durban
Our own ratings and notes on eating out, signature experiences, who the city suits and planning ahead.
Near Durban
Straight-line distance from the centre of Durban.
Swipe for more places near Durban
Getaways from Durban
Places people from Durban travel to, from our own travel research.
Cape Town
South Africa
Johannesburg
South Africa
Pretoria
South Africa
Port Elizabeth
South Africa
Kruger National Park
South Africa
Maputo
Mozambique
Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe
Windhoek
Namibia
Gaborone
Botswana
Mauritius
Mauritius
Frequently asked questions about Durban
How many places to stay are there in Durban?
There are 600+ hotels, apartments and other places to stay in Durban. They include 130+ hotels and 260+ apartments.
When is the peak season in Durban?
The peak season in Durban is Dec-Jan, Apr, Jul.
Which area is a good base in Durban?
The travel guide suggests staying in Umhlanga when visiting Durban.
Are there tours and activities in Durban?
Yes, 170+ tours and activities are listed in Durban.
How many hotels in Durban have free parking?
220 of the 274 hotels in Durban with verified parking details list free parking (80%). 44 charge for parking.
What is the usual check-in time at hotels in Durban?
2:00 PM at 332 of the 428 hotels with a verified check-in time. The next most common time is 3:00 PM (70 hotels).
What time is check-out at hotels in Durban?
10:00 AM at 316 of 427 hotels with a verified check-out time; 11:00 AM at 73.
How many hotels in Durban have a pool?
315 of 535 hotels with verified data list a swimming pool.