Durban overview

Durban is the principal city of the KwaZulu-Natal province and the third largest city in South Africa. The busiest port in South Africa with a beautiful harbour, Durban is a popular tourist destination for South Africans, as well as international tourists, with its subtropical climate and well developed beaches.

Durban’s Golden Mile, a ribbon of beach with casino complexes, bars, amusement parks and beach front hotels, is well established as a tourist attraction. It is however gaining a reputation as being a crime hotspot. Muggings are a regular occurrence in Durban and tourists would be advised to exercise extreme caution when travelling here. Along the beaches of Durban’s Golden Mile muggers can strike in broad daylight and impish pickpockets innocently trawl the beaches looking for victims.

Many South African holidaymakers now steer clear of the Golden Mile, preferring instead to visit safer areas to the north and south of Durban.

Surfing is a popular pastime in Durban and the beaches along the coastline offer some excellent breaks to suit beginners and the most experienced. The beaches off Durban are world renowned for their breaks and are easy to find but can get very crowded on weekends. There are many annual surfing competitions in Durban for those who prefer to watch and even a surfing museum on the Golden Mile - with memorabilia dating back to the 1930s.

Durban nightlife is vibrant and diverse. A number of bars and clubs play a variety of music from charty and cheesy to jazzy and funky. Search out some Zulu jazz while in Durban for an unconventional musical experience.  Durban also has an active and well-established gay scene, with some great clubs that make everyone feel welcome.

Eating out in Durban can be bewildering, as there are so many restaurants to choose from. Indian cuisine is a Durban speciality reflecting the influence of the large Indian community here - Indian takeaways are a cheap way to fill up if you’re on a budget.

Accommodation is plentiful along the Durban beachfront. Swish high rise hotels look out over the Indian Ocean offering all the creature comforts and relief from the heat. Large parties can book self catering accommodation along the beach for significant savings. There are guest houses and bed and breakfast accommodation along with plenty of backpacker hostels for budget travellers. For a stay in Durban with a difference, check out a Township Homestay, where you can enjoy the best of Zulu hospitality.

Many international tourists use Durban as a stepping stone on the way to visiting the KwaZulu game parks. Durban International Airport services many flights from major international destinations and carriers. Direct intercontinental flights to Durban are not so common.  Intercontinental flights typically land in Cape Town or Johannesburg.

Durban International Airport is around 9 miles from downtown Durban. A taxi to Durban will cost around R200 - shuttle buses can also be arranged to take you to your accommodation. Car hire is available at the airport terminal but try and book car hire in advance. Durban car hire can be booked online quickly, easily and safely. Some car hire companies in Durban will even pick you up from the airport free of charge if you book your car hire with them.