Are you planning a trip to South Africa and wondering which major cities are worth visiting, especially if you have limited time? Most first-time visitors head to Cape Town and Johannesburg, but should you consider visiting Durban as well?

Durban is a buzzing coastal metropolis, located on the shores of the Indian ocean in South Africa. There are many reasons to visit Durban. With an extensive coastline of golden beaches, a year round subtropical climate and a multicultural vibe, Durban is one of those cities in South Africa that is hard not to like and enjoy.

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Durban has always fascinated me since my first visit back in 2008 even though I’m not really a huge fan of larger cities. During my travels around the world, I always tried to avoid them or stay for as short as possible. But sometimes, there is this ‘special’ atmosphere that surrounds a large city, and for me Durban is one of those.

Every time I arrive in Durban, it’s like arriving in a different world, a haven of relaxation, a break. There are several reasons why I would recommend every traveller to visit Durban during a holiday in South Africa. Durban also has plenty of activities to offer for every type of visitor and for any budget. Here are the best reasons to visit Durban in South Africa.

Where is Durban located?

Durban is a coastal city located in the KwaZulu-Natal province, along the eastern shoreline of South Africa. It is the third-largest city of South Africa, after Johannesburg and Cape Town. Home to the largest and busiest port in Africa, Durban serves as a major economic hub for South Africa. 

Located nearly 600 km (373 miles) south of Johannesburg, it has 2 major highways crossing the city (N2 and N3) and can be reached via it’s international airport King Shaka.

Pick up your car rental from Durban King Shaka airport and compare the best prices here.

Where to stay in Durban

When staying in Durban city itself, we recommend staying along the Durban beachfront, also known as the Golden Mile. Some recommendable hotels to consider are:

Recommended tours in Durban

If you have limited time, but want to explore as much as you in the city and about the local culture, I would recommend to take an organised tour. Here are some recommendations:

There are several reasons why I would recommend every traveller to visit Durban during a holiday in South Africa. Durban also has plenty of activities to offer for every type of visitor and for any budget. Discover the best things to do in Durban under R100.

And here are the best reasons to visit Durban in South Africa:

Durban, the warmest place to be

Durban has a warm subtropical climate, giving the city year round very pleasant weather. During the winter months, when in most parts of South Africa, temperatures can be very low, Durban still enjoys very pleasant and warm temperatures. During most of the winter days, it is possible to suntan on the beach and even take a swim in the ocean. It also very rarely rains during the winter months from May to September.

In summer, Durban can be hot and humid, but the cooling sea breeze helps to moderate the heat, making it more bearable.

Swimming is possible all year round

The city is located on the east coast by the Indian ocean. With its warm waters, swimming is possible all year round. I personally do not like cold water and I will hardly ever swim anywhere in the ocean, but I always make an exception when in Durban. The Indian ocean is so inviting with its warm water, and even in winter, I will swim.

For me and many others, this is definitely a reason to visit Durban, especially in winter. Swimming is only allowed at specific places on the beachfront, clearly marked by flags and lifeguard towers. Also, they have installed special shark nets to make swimming that much safer.

The Golden Mile

The ‘Golden Mile’ is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the city. It’s a 6km long stretch of golden beach with a paved promenade that runs all the way from Ushaka to the Suncoast casino. During the last years a lot of revamping has been done and it is now a great place to enjoy the beachfront of the city centre. The promenade is very popular for cycling, jogging, roller skating, taking a stroll or just meeting up with other people. Especially during the early hours of the morning and by sunset a lot of local people come for a walk or their daily run.

On the Golden Mile, you can find various public pools, which is especially nice for children, playground areas, restaurants, bars and not to forget the typical Zulu rickshaw runners.

Durban is a culinary heaven

If you love indian curries, seafood, or fusion food, Durban is the place to be. Being the city with the largest indian population outside of India, Durban hosts a large amount of restaurants with some of the best indian food. Being located by the sea, fish and seafood is present on every menu and is fresh and tasty.

Multicultural mix

South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation pointing out the country’s cultural diversity. Without doubt, Durban is the most multicultural city of South Africa, having a great cultural mix of Zulu, Indian, post colonial and African influences.

When walking in town or on the beachfront, you will experience a great diversity of cultures. It also reflects in the cities architecture as well as in their food culture. For example, one of the typical features on the Durban beachfront is the iconic Zulu rickshaw runner, complete in traditional outfit.

The Surf City

Durban is known as the ‘Surf City’, with popular surf spots all along the Durban beachfront. From the first hours of the day till late afternoon you will spot surfers along the coast. Apart from the great waves on the ocean, it is also the warm waters that will attract many surfers, making it a comfortable ‘surf’ ride on the waves.

Activities in Durban

Durban offers a wide range of activities for any kind of travellers, for families, beach lovers and outdoor activity lovers. The Golden Mile is great for walking, cycling and roller blading.The long stretches of golden sandy beaches along the Golden Mile are perfect to sunbath, swim and surf.

Ushaka Marine World, at the south beach is one of Africa's largest marine theme parks with lots of things to see and do. Nature lovers can discover the Botanical Gardens or the Umgeni River Bird Park.

The culture and vibe of the city of Durban is worth exploring, but I recommend to do so with an experienced local guide.

Durban is the friendly city

Another one of the reasons to visit Durban is that the people from Durban are very warm and welcoming. Random people will start conversations, they are helpful and very friendly. At least that is my personal experience.

Durban is very laid back

Maybe it has something to do with the subtropical climate, maybe due to the multicultural mix, maybe with the warm water of the Indian ocean, one thing is for sure, Durban has a very laid back atmosphere. You’ll notice immediately when being in the city. Yet, it is a bustling and prosperous city, things are getting done, however in a more relaxed way.

What is for you the most laid back and multicultural city?