About Durban

Durban is situated on the east coast of South Africa, 1600 kilometers from Cape Town and around 600 kilometers from Johannesburg. The nearest airport is the King Shaka International Airport which is about 35 kilometers away from the city center. You can visit the city any time of the year, as it is usually bustling with tourists all the time. One of the reasons for this is the pleasant weather, since it is never too hot nor too cold! You can see a variety of cultures in this unique city. With tons of restaurants to choose from, you will be able to get any meal of your choice. Though public transportation is not that efficient, you will find tons of taxis that will take you around the city. Apart from the taxis, you can explore the Umgeni Steam Railway. Often called the '1000 Hills Choo-Choo', try this vintage steam-train for a new experience. Try learning about Zulu culture to truly understand the South African people. The sunny beaches, the beautiful handcraft stores and the blend of the Indo-African culture has made Durban a must-visit destination in South Africa.

Public Transport System

People Mover, Mynah Bus Service

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Very clean and good for travel for the general public without private vehicles. Frequency - every 15 mins.

Mode & Cost of Transports

A single journey on the People Mover will cost you R5.50 (ZAR). A full-day pass will cost you R16.00 (ZAR).

Passengers who wish to change between one route and another are allowed to switch buses at the transfer station within the 90 minutes free transfer period.

Mynah Bus Service will cost you R28.00 for a whole day. It is recommended for sightseeing.

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle ZAR 10.00
Cup of Coffee ZAR 25.00
Milk Carton Pack ZAR 15.00
Rice/Kg ZAR 18.00
White Bread ZAR 15.00
Eggs (12) ZAR 23.00
Combo Meal ZAR 55.00
Fine Dining ZAR 485.00
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi ZAR 13.00
Domestic Beer ZAR 25.00
Imported Beer ZAR 28.00
Bottle of Wine ZAR 50.00
Cigarettes (20 Pack) ZAR 40.00
Taxi ( 1 km ) ZAR 12.00
Ticket in local transport (Single way). ZAR 15.00
Rent ( One Bed Room) ZAR 6277.00

Do:

  • The quality of water from is taps is very good, so do not waste money buying bottled water.
  • Eat some traditional South African barbecue, also known as a braai.
  • Durban also has talented craftspeople whose items can be found at roadside stalls, small boutiques and markets across the city. Instead of spending your cash at the malls, check out some local handiwork.
  • Malaria is quite common in the city, so keep some mosquito repellent and also some anti-malaria medication on you at all times.
  • Keep all your valuables safe as pickpocketing is quite common.

Don’t:

  • Do not feed the monkeys on the road.
  • The crime rate in Durban is quite high, so do not wander off the path and do not go alone to deserted places.
  • Always keep the doors and windows of your car locked and do not keep any valuables out in the open so that outsiders can see them in your car. You might get targeted by carjackers.
  • Always keep notes of 100 R with you rather than 200 R as it is often difficult for shopkeepers to find change.
  • Do not give more to beggars, it encourages them to get aggressive and demand more money.

Night Life

After all the sightseeing, it's time to party! Durban's night life won't let you down.

  • A romantic boat trip over the water under the stars on the Durban Point Waterfront with the Zulumoon Gondolas.
  • With the pleasant winds and a sky full of stars, enjoy a walk at the Golden Mind, a serene sight which should not be missed.
  • Visit the Cape To Cairo Nightclub, which has over 6 dance floors and 8 DJ's. Each dance floor has a different theme.
  • Enjoy Joe Cool’s Nightclub, which is one of South Africa’s most famous beach bars where a cosmopolitan mix of tanned, beautiful people in the latest fashions can be seen. ( Operating hrs: 8 am to 4 am)
  • You can witness all the posh and high-end parties at Absolute Florida. This location on Florida Rd, Windermere is quite unlike any other dance club you will see.
  • Tiger - Tiger: As the name suggests, this club is for all the party animals out there. The DJs and different themes every day make it a great place to chill out!

Must See

Durban Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Africa. Take a walk down Palm Avenue and check out some palm trees that are over 100 years old. You can spend your time simply walking around, enjoying the beauty of nature. If you are visiting in the month of September, don't miss out on the annual indigenous plant fair!

  • uShaka Marine World, the largest marine life center in Africa, has a large aquarium that takes you on a marine adventure where you can see some fish, dolphin shows, penguin presentations, and seal shows. Don't miss the Rocky Reef Feed, the Open Ocean Feed, the Large Shark Feed, the Turtle Lagoon Feed, the Reef Predator Feed, and the Snorkel Lagoon Feed. The place also has a huge waterpark called Wet n' Wild.
  • Durban’s Umgeni River Bird Park houses over 220 species with more than 800 birds, some of which are unique to Africa. The Free-Flight Bird Show is a must watch. This show runs twice a day from Tuesday to Sunday.
  • The Golden Mile (approximately four miles/six kilometers) is a highlight of Durban. The stretch of beach and shops run from uShaka Beach to the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World. 

Experiences

  • Go for a road trip to Sani Pass, which leads to the South African border.
  • Visit Isandlwana Battlefield and pay a tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the 1879 war.
  • Attend the indigenous plant fair at Durban Botanical Gardens, which is held in September.
  • Explore the wildlife at the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, which has been an attraction for travelers for more than 100 years!
  • If you're an adrenaline junkie, you can also ride the Big Rush Big Swing at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
  • Go shopping at Victoria Street Market and witness over 150 lively retail and wholesale vendors. Kitchen utensils, pots, luggage, clothes, wholesale products - they've got it all.
  • Board the "1,000 Hills Choo Choo" that departs from the town of Kloof.
  • Visit the Catholic monastery where you can eat exotic crocodile steaks, watch a Zulu ceremony or take tea in the lush tropical garden.
  • Go zipping down a water slide at the Wet N’ Wild park, or experience marine life from a viewing platform at Sea World or the uShaka Marine World.
  • Enjoy the sun-bathing and swimming at the Durban Golden Mile.

Activities

Shopping

Pavillion Shopping Mall
Shopping Malls
Jack Martens Drive, Westville, Durban, South Africa
Distance From City Center
11.6 km
The Spice Emporium, Durban
Flea Markets and Bazaars
31 Monty Naicker Road, Durban, South Africa
Distance From City Center
15.9 km
Bonana Tours & Transfers
Handicrafts and Souviners
Westville, Durban 3630, South Africa
Distance From City Center
13.6 km
Victoria Street Market
Flea Markets and Bazaars
151-55 Bertha Mkhize Street, Durban 4001, South Africa
Distance From City Center
14.6 km
uShaka Village Walk
Flea Markets and Bazaars
1 Bell Street | uShaka Marine World, Durban 4001, South Africa
Distance From City Center
18.6 km
African Art Centre
Handicrafts and Souviners
15 Station Drive, Durban 4001, South Africa
Distance From City Center
8.3 km
Golden Hours Family Market
Flea Markets and Bazaars
Waterkant Rd, Durban 4001, South Africa
Distance From City Center
9.2 km
Granada Square
Shopping Malls
16 Chartwell Drive | Umhlanga Rocks, Durban 4319, South Africa
Distance From City Center
19.3 km
The Crescent
Shopping Malls
1-3 Sunset Crescent | Umhlanga Ridge, Durban 4319, South Africa
Distance From City Center
16.6 km
Artisan Contemporary Gallery
Handicrafts and Souviners
344 Florida Road | Morningside, Durban 4001, South Africa
Distance From City Center
8.3 kms
  • The beads and woodwork at the gardens on Snell Promenade are definitely something that will bring back beautiful memories of the trip whenever you see them.
  • As soon as you enter the Victoria Street market, the aromas of the spices will play a charm on you and make it difficult for you to leave. These can make great souveniers!
  • The harbor-front Bat Centre offers an array of lively shops selling high-quality locally produced crafts alongside South African music and books, so gifts from this area would be perfect!
  • Check out some beautiful Ardmore ceramic art, which you can bring back to decorate your house.
  • Amarula liqueur is known as the best South African drink, so you can try this out!

Official Language

English

Other Language

Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans

Spoken Language

English is understood in most ... Read more

Currency

Rand (ZAR)

Population

0.5 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Broken Clouds 26.92°C

Clock Icon

TimeZone

12:12 PM (GMT +02:00)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

10177

 

Police Icon

Police

10111

 

Electric socket

Type D
Type D ( 230 V 50 Hz)
Type M
Type M ( 230 V 50 Hz)
Type N
Type N ( 230 V 50 Hz)
Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

King Shaka International Airport - DUR

Airport Name / IATA Code

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Best time to visit

June to August are the best months to visit Durban due to low temperatures. These months rarely experience heavy rainfall, which makes for a dry trip.

Moderate time to visit

September to November is a moderate time of year to visit as the Poetry Africa Festival and Nottingham Road Pink Festival occurs during this time. Chances of rainfall are moderate. Climate is pleasant.

Worst time to visit

November to March are the wettest months in Durban throughout the year. Thunderstorms are observed often, so try not to travel during this time.

Taxi

Start Tariff: ZAR 20.00

1 Km. Tariff: ZAR 12.00

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: ZAR 85.00

Available service

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Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in Durban (Contact directly)

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