The coastal city of Durban is among South Africa’s leading tourist destinations. Teeming with numerous places of tourist interest like beaches, museums, gardens, theme parks, shopping centres and more, the city lures countless tourists year round. The multi-cultural heritage, surfing friendly beaches, and warm sub-tropical climate here work as icing on the cake.
If you plan to be in Durban, here is a list of things you must include in your itinerary.
Take a stroll at the Golden Mile
A four mile long coastal stretch named after its golden sands is a bustling hotspot for tourists and locals alike. While you can take a walk, jog, or cycle down the wide promenade, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean can be enjoyed by swimming, surfing, or kite boarding. The beach is guarded by lifeguards and shark nets year round, making it one of the safest beaches in the world. Restaurants, shops, entertainment complexes, and hotels line the beachfront making it popular among travellers.
Spend a day at the uShaka Marine World
When in Durban, make sure you visit one of its top draws, the uShaka Marine World. Spread over 40 acres, the theme park is divided into 4 sections, among which the uShaka Sea World is the prime attraction. Designed around 5 shipwrecks, it is a huge aquarium (fifth largest in the world), and one can even scuba dive into it. Other sections of the Marine World are uShaka Wet ‘n Wild (a water park with slides), uShaka Beach, and uShaka Village Walk (simulation of an African village).
See the “Living Fossils” at the Durban Botanical Garden
Established in 1894, the Durban Botanical Garden is Africa’s oldest surviving botanical garden. The garden is known for its collection of living fossil plants. What’s interesting about these plants is that they belong to pre-dinosaur era, extending back to 250 million years. Along with an opportunity to walk among these fossil plants, you get to explore a variety of flora spread across 37 acres of beautifully landscaped property.
Know about Durban’s history at KwaMuhle Museum
Durban carries a rich multi-cultural history which is well preserved and shared with visitors at the KwaMuhle Museum. Along with historical photographs, videos, government documents, and personal testimonials of Durban, you will get to see the exhibits showcasing the contributions of dwellers (including migrants) in the development of the city. The museum celebrates the courage of ordinary South African people challenging the inhumane racist policies.
Explore the Indian District
The multi-cultural city of Durban is home to highest number of Indians in a city outside India. Although the Indian District has the highest concentration of Indians, the sight of multicultural mix (Chinese, Pakistanis, Somalis, and more) in the area is just magical. Located between Victoria Street Market and Juma Masjid Mosque are the narrow streets of Indian District. From aromatic spices, incense sticks, colourful sarees, beautiful handmade jewelleries, to succulent Indian cuisine, these streets boast authentic Indian experience outside India.