By air
King Shaka International (DUR), ~35 km
South Africa
Durban, South Africa
Warm Indian Ocean beaches and curry
Getting there
Best time to visit
May to October — warm and dry
Don't miss
The Golden Mile
UShaka Marine World
The Moses Mabhida Stadium
The Victoria Street Market
Things to do
The Golden Mile
UShaka Marine World
Surfing
Where to eat
Sources: Photo: Marc Forrest · CC BY 2.0
What to pack
Swimwear
A quieter corner
The Durban Botanic Gardens
Questions travellers ask
When is the weather best in Durban?
May to October, when it's warm and dry. Pack swimwear for the Indian Ocean beaches.
What are the highlights of Durban?
Walk the Golden Mile, try surfing, and visit uShaka Marine World, the Moses Mabhida Stadium and the Victoria Street Market. The Durban Botanic Gardens are a lovely hidden gem.
Which dishes should I try in Durban?
Bunny chow and a proper Durban curry.
Where do I land for Durban?
King Shaka International (DUR) is about 35 km away.
About Durban
- Coastal
Where it is
Durban is the largest city of South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province and a major port, spread along the Indian Ocean coast around a large natural harbour, with the green Valley of a Thousand Hills inland.
History
The Zulu name for the bay is eThekwini, and British traders settled at Port Natal in 1824; the town was named Durban in 1835 after Sir Benjamin D'Urban, governor of the Cape Colony. From 1860 indentured labourers from India arrived to work the sugar-cane plantations, and Mohandas Gandhi lived and worked in the Durban area for many years. The port grew into one of the busiest in Africa.
People
Durban is home to a large community of Indian descent, alongside an isiZulu-speaking majority and English- and Afrikaans-speaking South Africans. Temples, mosques and churches stand across the city, and Diwali, Zulu dance and fiery curries are all part of local life.
Known for
- The Golden Mile beachfront
- Durban curry and bunny chow
- uShaka Marine World
- Surfing on warm Indian Ocean waves
- The Moses Mabhida Stadium
Did you know?
Bunny chow, a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, was created in Durban's Indian community and has become one of South Africa's best-known street foods.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.