Durban, South Africa
This coastal city of South Africa is famous for being the busiest port of the country and attracts a lot of tourists due to its beaches and pleasant climate. The city of Durban is relatively strong economically and the living standard is good, which attracts people from other parts of the countries with its vast possibilities. This multi ethnic city has mainly people of English and Indian descent along with local Zulus. You can experience the diversity of nature, culture and even lifestyle in this elegant and ambitious city. There is more to the place apart from just sunny beaches. It is a commercial hub bustling with activity attracting international entrepreneurs, shoppers and tourists. The warmth of the people is very endearing winning your heart in seconds!
Location: South Africa
Climate: Humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers from mid-October to mid-February and require light clothes. Winters are pleasant, warm and dry from May to August and require warm clothes.
Best Time to Visit: June to August are the best time to visit.
How to Reach
By Air: King Shaka International Airport
By Train: The city centre has the main train station. There are intercity trains to Johannesburg and Pietermanitzburg.
By Sea: Port of Durban
Points of interest:
uShaka Marine World
Location: 1, King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Timings: All Days: 9AM–5PM
How to reach:
From King Shaka International Airport, take N2 south towards Durban, Mahatma Gandhi Road
uShaka Marine World is an aquatic theme park which gives a close and personal experience with marine animals and the thrill of water rides under one roof. It is one of the greatest attractions in Durban that offers excitement and entertainment with lot of fun. You can do zip lining here, play with less dangerous animals like dolphins, and snorkel in water. There are a variety of attractions like Sea World, Kids World, Wet and Wild and uShaka Beach & Dangerous Creatures. You can enjoy a lot with your family here in a safe, clean environment.
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Location: 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Rd, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Timings: Monday to Sunday-09:00 – 16:00
How to reach:
Rail: about 3 km from Durban’s central railway station
Metrorail trains – There are metro rails from Durban central railway station. Take a train on either the North Coast Line or KwaMashu Line.
Bus: Take People Mover bus on the Northern Line, to the Suncoast Casino from there it is a 5 to 10-minute walk to the stadium.
This multipurpose stadium hosts various sports matches, live concerts and many illustrious events. Its arch shape has a sky platform which gives the visitors a 360 degree view of the Durban city and is referred as the ‘arch of triumph’. The stadium is a feat of engineering that has become an important landmark of Durban. The stadiums design is a visual treat allowing natural ventilation and giving a great feeling of space to the stadium. Another main attraction of this stadium is a huge swing from coast to coast ,which is not for the faint hearted. Hop on a segway to take a guided tour without tiring your legs.
Suncoast Casino
Location: Suncoast Boulevard, Marine Parade, Durban, 4056, South Africa
Timings: 24 hours
How to reach: From the N3, reach the beachfront, and follow directions to North Coast/Battery Beach & Suncoast.
From the North Coast / N4 take the off-ramp to Blue Lagoon, follow directions to Suncoast Boulevard/Suncoast.
Not to be confused with the Las Vegas casino of the same name, Suncoast casino Durban is just few steps away from the golden mile. It has semi private beaches, restaurants, bars and many other entertainment options for the visitors to choose from. There are also arrangements for fun for kids, shopping and watching cinema. Surrounded by beautiful palm trees, it is a heaven for those who love gaming and entertainment.
North Beach
Location: Durban
Timings: all days
How to reach:
You can also use Public buses that stop at Golden Mile
This golden sandy beach is very famous among the surfers, swimmers and people who want to have a relaxed evening watching the sunset. The north beach offers various water sports, cafes and a beautiful coast line. It is a great place to relax, walk or just enjoy the golden colored sand. You can enjoy the lovely view of the beach from the café’s at the waterfront. Cultural events at the beach also add to the fun apart from the great opportunities to swim and surf in the strong and safe waves.
Umgeni River Bird Park
Location: Riverside Rd, Durban, 4051, South Africa
Timings: All Days: 9AM–5PM
How to reach: From Durban go north towards umhlanga, the park is about 10 minutes from the city center
Opened in 1984, the Umgeni River Bird Park is a bird park where you can see colorful and beautiful birds from the Africa region. There are about 3000 species of birds, with many exotic birds. You can see flamingos, toucans, cockatoos, cranes and many more. Birds can be seen roaming freely or in cages or you can go inside a walk-in aviary and watch the birds chirping around. Here you can educate yourself about the birds and help in the conservation of some near extinction birds.