Best Travel Guide Durban | ArrivalGuides.com

DurbanGuide was updated: 2025-07-04

South African Durban, known as eThekwini in Zulu, has to be one of the continent's most appealing cities, especially after the 2010 World Cup breathed new life into the area by revamping the waterfront; the splendid Moses Mabhida Stadium remains one of Durban's primary attractions to date. Durban moves to the beat of gqom, its own home-grown music genre, which is slowly making its way onto global charts from South Africa's sunny, tropical melting pot of eclectic cultural influences.

Do & See

Durban's offerings extend far beyond beaches to a plethora of cultural pursuits, from historic homes-turned-museums of colonial sugar barons (think the Campbell Collections) to hip, grassroots art spaces taken over by young local talents (such as the BAT centre). Durban is home to an impressive marine theme park called uShaka, and frequently plays hosts to major cultural events, such as performances by its very own KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra and Playhouse Company, as well as international events such as the Mamas (MTV Africa Music Awards).

uShaka Marine World

The uShaka Marine World is nothing short of incredible — it's where adrenaline-pumping water rides meet one of the world's largest collections of marine life. Here, you're not just observing; you can get up close and personal with seals and dolphins. Better yet, entry to uShaka Beach is free. If you're looking to take your adventure up a notch, several on-site companies offer diving courses, kayak rentals and boat rides.

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Golden Mile

Durban is home to some of South Africa's finest stretches of sand. The Golden Mile in central Durban is a collection of multiple well-kept beaches fit for both swimming and surfing and equipped with all necessary amenities; Umhlanga beaches to the north are known for being cleaner and less crowded.

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Surfing

Surfing is one of Durban's favourite pastimes, and multiple international tournaments held here serve to show the sport's essential role in local culture. Learn to surf at uShaka Beach or head straight to New Pier and Bay if you are no stranger to the board. North Beach, along with Oasis Beach, are bodyboarding hotspots.

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Moses Mabhida Stadium

The state-of-the art stadium continues to attract guests long after the 2010 World Cup it was originally built to host. A SkyCar takes visitors to the panoramic viewing platform at the stadium's very top. Walking up the several hundred stairs on foot is another alternative. Thrill-seekers must try the Big Swing — an impressive free-fall swing named world's tallest in 2011.

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Durban Botanic Gardens

At over 170 years old, the Botanic Gardens aren't just a splash of green in Durban — they're the oldest botanic garden on the continent. This urban oasis is famed for its extensive collection of cycads and orchids, and it's not just about the flora. The gardens double as a cultural hotspot, hosting an array of events and concerts. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxing tea at the on-site garden or a leisurely picnic, this versatile space has you covered.

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Campbell Collections

The former home of Sir Marshall Campbell and his family, this Cape Dutch building has been converted into a museum complex containing unique artefacts of Zulu and Natal culture meticulously collected by the Campbell family over several decades. Do not miss the on-site William Campbell Furniture Museum and Mashu Museum of Ethnology.

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