Durban, South Africa Travel Guide

Discover Durban: A vibrant coastal city in South Africa known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine. Experience the warmth of its people and the richness of its heritage.

Nestled along the eastern coast of South Africa, Durban is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural tapestry. Known for its scenic beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, and year-round sunshine, Durban offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Its bustling waterfront, the Golden Mile, is a haven for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers alike, while the city's lush botanical gardens provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. Durban is also a cultural melting pot, with a significant Indian community that has given rise to a unique culinary scene. The city's famous curries and street food are a must-try, particularly the iconic 'bunny chow'—a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry. In addition to its gastronomic delights, Durban boasts a variety of cultural attractions, including the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the KwaMuhle Museum, and the Phansi Museum, which showcases traditional African art and artifacts. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Valley of a Thousand Hills offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into traditional Zulu culture. Adventure seekers can enjoy activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore local history, or embark on an adventure, Durban has something for everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Durban.

Visit the Golden Mile early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the sunrise.
Try the local street food, especially the 'bunny chow'—a Durban specialty.
Take a guided tour of the Valley of a Thousand Hills for an authentic Zulu cultural experience.
Use the People Mover bus service for an easy and affordable way to navigate the city's main attractions.
Stay hydrated and use sunscreen, as Durban's climate can be quite warm throughout the year.

Explore Durban: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Durban

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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uShaka Marine World

Experience the wonders of marine life, adventure-filled water rides, and unforgettable entertainment at uShaka Marine World in Durban.

4.5

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Explore Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, an architectural marvel offering thrilling sports events and breathtaking views of the city and ocean.

4.4

Durban Botanic Gardens

Explore the serene beauty of Durban Botanic Gardens, a lush sanctuary showcasing diverse plant life and rich cultural heritage in the heart of the city.

4.5

uMhlanga Main Beach

Discover the stunning uMhlanga Main Beach, where golden sands meet vibrant local culture and thrilling ocean adventures await every visitor.

4.5

Best landmarks in Durban

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uShaka Marine World

Explore the aquatic wonders and thrilling rides at uShaka Marine World, Durban's ultimate marine-themed adventure park for families and thrill-seekers.

4.5

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Discover the architectural beauty and cultural significance of Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, a premier destination for sports and tourism.

4.4

Durban Botanic Gardens

Discover Durban Botanic Gardens: A lush oasis of flora, events, and tranquility in the heart of South Africa's vibrant Durban city.

4.5

Wilson's Wharf

Explore Wilson's Wharf in Durban: A coastal paradise for adventure, shopping, and stunning ocean views that captures the vibrant spirit of South Africa.

4.1

Best restaurants in Durban

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Circus Circus Beach Cafe

Experience vibrant dining at Circus Circus Beach Cafe in Durban - where fresh flavors meet stunning ocean views.

4.3

Roma Revolving Restaurant

Discover the exquisite flavors and breathtaking views at Roma Revolving Restaurant in Durban – a must-visit culinary gem.

4.4

SURF RIDERS SOUTH BEACH @ BEACHFRONT

Experience exquisite dining at Surf Riders South Beach while enjoying stunning ocean views and vibrant local culture in Durban.

4.4

Next Chapter Restaurant

Discover the flavors of Durban at Next Chapter Restaurant—where local ingredients meet global inspiration in a cozy setting.

4.4

Best bars in Durban

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Amsterdam Bar & Grill

Explore Durban's vibrant culinary scene at Amsterdam Bar & Grill, where exceptional grilled dishes meet a lively bar atmosphere.

4.2

Views at Twenty5

Experience the best of Durban's culinary scene at Views at Twenty5, where delicious grill dishes meet breathtaking views.

4.4

Unity Bar & Brasserie

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and delectable flavors at Unity Bar & Brasserie, a must-visit spot for food lovers in Durban.

4.5

Crowbar Riverside

Discover Crowbar Riverside, a vibrant pub and restaurant in Durban North, perfect for enjoying local food and drinks in a lively atmosphere.

4.0

Best nightclubs in Durban

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ORIGIN

Discover the nightlife at ORIGIN, a captivating night club in Glenwood featuring live music, vibrant energy, and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.2

Tiger Tiger

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Tiger Tiger, a premier nightclub in Durban known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse music.

3.9

101 Club

Dive into the lively nightlife of Durban at 101 Club, where great drinks, music, and an electric atmosphere await you.

4.0

Koko Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Durban at Koko Bar, where music and cocktails flow in a lively atmosphere perfect for all party enthusiasts.

3.9

Best shops in Durban

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The Pavilion Shopping Centre

Explore The Pavilion Shopping Centre in Westville, where shopping meets entertainment in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for tourists and locals alike.

4.4

The Workshop Shopping Centre

Discover Durban's vibrant shopping scene at The Workshop Shopping Centre, where diverse stores and delightful dining await every visitor.

4.1

Springfield Value Centre

Discover the vibrant shopping scene at Springfield Value Centre, featuring diverse retail outlets and delightful dining options in Durban.

4.1

Victoria Street Market

Explore the lively Victoria Street Market in Durban, a cultural shopping hub filled with local crafts, delicious food, and vibrant atmosphere.

3.7

Explore Durban on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Durban, mapped for you.

Durban Essentials

Durban is served by King Shaka International Airport (DUR), located approximately 35 kilometers north of the city center. The airport offers both domestic and international flights. There are regular shuttle services, taxis, and ride-hailing options like Uber and Bolt available to take you from the airport to your accommodation. Additionally, Durban is well connected by road and rail, making it accessible from other major South African cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Public transportation in Durban includes buses operated by the eThekwini Municipality, as well as minibus taxis that are widely used by locals. For tourists, ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt offer a convenient and relatively safe option for getting around. Car rentals are available and can be a good option if you plan to explore areas outside the city. The People Mover buses are a tourist-friendly option, offering routes that cover major attractions within the city.
The official currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Durban, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the city. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. Foreign exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and currency exchange offices.
While Durban is generally safe for tourists, it is important to remain vigilant. Areas such as the Central Business District (CBD) and certain parts of the beachfront can have higher crime rates, particularly at night. Avoid walking alone after dark and keep your belongings secure in crowded areas. Stick to well-lit, busy streets, and consider using ride-hailing services for transportation during late hours.
In case of emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance, 10177 for medical emergencies, and 112 from a mobile phone for general emergency services. Major hospitals like Netcare St. Augustine’s Hospital and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital offer emergency medical services. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. Always have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and carrying expensive items in public. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Remove your hat and avoid loud conversations in these places. Public Transport: Do use registered taxis or ride-hailing services for safety. Don’t use unmarked minibus taxis. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'howzit.' A handshake is common in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like bunny chow and Durban curry. Don’t refuse food offerings, as it can be considered impolite.
To experience Durban like a local, visit the Victoria Street Market for a blend of African and Indian cultures. Spend time at the Golden Mile beachfront, where you can enjoy surfing, swimming, and people-watching. Don’t miss a visit to the Moses Mabhida Stadium, where you can take a SkyCar ride for panoramic views of the city. For an authentic cultural experience, explore the township of Umlazi with a local guide.

When is the best time to visit Durban?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Durban

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Durban. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloSawubona
  [sah-woo-BOH-nah]
- GoodbyeHamba kahle
  [HAM-bah KAH-leh]
- YesYebo
  [YEH-boh]
- NoCha
  [CHAH]
- Please/You're welcomeNgiyacela
  [ing-YAH-seh-lah]
- Thank youNgiyabonga
  [ing-yah-BOHN-gah]
- Excuse me/SorryUxolo
  [oo-SOH-loh]
- How are you?Unjani?
  [oon-JAH-nee]
- Fine. And you?Ngiyaphila. Wena?
  [ing-yah-PEE-lah. WEH-nah]
- Do you speak English?Uyafuna ukuthetha isiNgisi?
  [oo-yah-FOO-nah oo-koo-THEH-tah is-ee-NGEE-see]
- I don't understandAngazi
  [ahn-GAH-zee]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNgiyafuna ukubona iminikelo, ngiyacela
  [ing-yah-FOO-nah oo-koo-BOH-nah ee-mee-nee-KAY-lo, ing-YAH-seh-lah]
- I don't eat meatAngiyi kudla inyama
  [ahn-GEE-yee koo-DLA ee-NYAH-mah]
- Cheers!Ongakhetha
  [ohn-gah-KHEH-tah]
- I would like to pay, pleaseNgiyafuna ukulipha, ngiyacela
  [ing-yah-FOO-nah oo-koo-LEE-pah, ing-YAH-seh-lah]
- Help!Usizo!
  [oo-SEE-zoh]
- Go away!Hamba!
  [HAM-bah]
- Call the Police!Vula amaphoyisa!
  [voo-LAH ah-mah-poh-YEE-sah]
- Call a doctor!Vula udokotela!
  [voo-LAH oo-doh-koh-TEH-lah]
- I'm lostNgihlupheka
  [ng-ee-loo-PHEH-kah]
- I'm illNgisemosheni
  [ng-ee-seh-MOH-sheh-nee]
- I'd like to buy...Ngiyafuna ukuthenga...
  [ing-yah-FOO-nah oo-koo-THEH-ngah]
- I'm just lookingNgicabanga kuphela
  [ng-ee-chah-BAH-ngah koo-PEH-lah]
- How much is it?Kuyaphi?
  [koo-YAH-pee]
- That's too expensiveLokhu kungakwaziyo okukhulu kakhulu
  [loh-KOO koon-gah-KWAH-zee-yoh oh-koo-KHOO-loo kah-KHOO-loo]
- Can you lower the price?Ungakwazi ukushitsha iphesa?
  [oon-gah-KWAH-zee oo-koo-SHEET-shah ee-PHEH-sah]
- What time is it?Ngubani ihora?
  [ng-oo-BAH-nee ee-HO-rah]
- It's one o'clockKuyihora yokuqala
  [koo-yee-HO-rah yoh-koo-KAH-lah]
- Half past (10)Ngemuva kokulandela (ishumi)
  [ng-eh-MOO-vah koo-koo-LAHN-deh-lah ee-SHOO-mee]
- MorningEbusuku
  [eh-boo-SOO-koo]
- AfternoonEmuva kwesontondlo
  [eh-MOO-vah kweh-sohn-TOHND-loh]
- EveningEbusuku
  [eh-boo-SOO-koo]
- YesterdayIzolo
  [ee-ZOH-loh]
- TodayNamuhla
  [nah-MOOH-lah]
- TomorrowKusasa
  [koo-SAH-sah]
- 1Kunye
  [koo-NYEH]
- 2Kubili
  [koo-BEE-lee]
- 3Kuthathu
  [koo-TAH-too]
- 4Kune
  [koo-NEH]
- 5Kuhlanu
  [koo-HLAH-noo]
- 6Isithupa
  [ee-see-TOO-pah]
- 7Isikhombisa
  [ee-see-KHOHM-bee-sah]
- 8Isishiyagalombili
  [ee-see-shyah-gah-LOHM-bee-lee]
- 9Isishiyagalolunye
  [ee-see-shyah-gah-loh-LOO-nyeh]
- 10Isishiyagalombili
  [ee-see-shyah-gah-LOHM-bee-lee]
- Where's a/the...?Kuyaphi...
  [koo-YAH-pee]
- What's the address?Ikheli elikuphi?
  [ee-KHEH-lee eh-lee-KOO-pee]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Ungakwazi ukubonisa mina (emephu)?
  [oon-gah-KWAH-zee oo-koo-BOH-nee-sah MEE-nah (eh-MEH-poo)]
- When's the next (bus)?Kuyaphi i-ntuthuko esilandelayo?
  [koo-YAH-pee ee-n-too-THOO-koh eh-see-lahn-deh-LAH-yoh]
- A ticket (to ....)Ikhiti (kusuka ...)
  [ee-KHEE-tee (koo-SOO-kah ...)]

History of Durban

Durban, originally known as Port Natal, was established as a European settlement in 1824 when British settlers arrived. Henry Francis Fynn, a British trader, played a key role in establishing relations with the Zulu King Shaka, leading to the establishment of the settlement. The town was later renamed Durban in honor of Sir Benjamin d'Urban, the then Governor of the Cape Colony.
During the colonial era, Durban saw significant growth and development. The British colonial administration established infrastructure such as roads, railways, and ports. The city became a major hub for trade and commerce, especially with the sugarcane industry booming in the 1860s. The Indian indentured laborers brought to work on sugar plantations also added to the cultural mosaic of Durban.
Durban holds a special place in the history of Mahatma Gandhi. It was here, in 1893, that Gandhi, a young lawyer, experienced discrimination which led him to develop his philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance). Gandhi’s time in Durban was pivotal in shaping his future role as a leader in the struggle for Indian independence and civil rights.
The Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 had a profound impact on Durban. The conflict between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom resulted in significant changes to the region. Although the war did not take place within Durban itself, the city served as a strategic point for British military operations and logistics.
Durban’s port has been instrumental in the city’s economic development. Established in the mid-19th century, it grew to become the busiest port in Africa. The construction of the Durban Harbour in 1855 and subsequent expansions have made it a critical node for maritime trade, contributing significantly to the city's prosperity.
During the apartheid era, Durban, like the rest of South Africa, was deeply affected by the policies of racial segregation. The Group Areas Act led to the forced removal of non-white communities from central areas. However, Durban was also a center of resistance, with significant anti-apartheid activities and leaders emerging from the city. The 1973 Durban Strikes were a major turning point in the labor movement against apartheid.
The end of apartheid in 1994 marked a new era for Durban. The city has undergone significant transformation, with efforts to address past inequalities and promote economic development. Durban became part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which focuses on inclusive growth and development. The city's cultural diversity and heritage have also been celebrated and preserved in this new era.
Durban is a vibrant cultural melting pot, with influences from Zulu, Indian, and colonial heritage. The annual Durban July, a prestigious horse racing event, and the Durban International Film Festival are key cultural highlights. The city’s cuisine, markets, and festivals reflect this rich tapestry of cultures, making it a unique and dynamic destination.