Durban is a melting pot of African, Asian and European influences, which is shown in the architecture, the food, the people and the culture. This buzzing coastal metropolis is located in the Kwazulu-Natalprovince on the east coast of South Africa and it provides year round activities and fun for any visitor. Here’s our top budget-friendly things to do in this beautiful city.
Walk along the Golden Mile at the Durban beachfront
The ‘Golden Mile’ is a paved beachfront promenade that runs from Ushaka Marine World all the way to the Suncoast casino. Stretching along the various beaches, the Golden Mile is one of the most popular attractions of the city of Durban for both tourists as well as local Durbanites. On any given day you can find people cycling, roller skating, jogging or just taking a stroll with the whole family.
Wilson’s Wharf
The place to see Durban Harbour, the busiest port in Africa, in action. You’ll get a glimpse of luxury yachts, racing boats, hulking tankers, trawlers and tiny optimist sailing boats as they go by. At Wilson’s Wharf there are many restaurants and fast-food spots to choose from and the flickering lights on the water at night are particularly atmospheric.
KwaMuhle Museum
Once the Native Administration Department, step through the copper-covered entrance doors to find a post-apartheid museum documenting the history experienced by all of Durban’s residents. The photographs and artefacts on display portray a city in search of an identity within a new political context. Entrance is free.
Dine with sharks at uShaka Marine World
The fifth largest aquarium in the world, the building of uShaka was pivotal in the revitalization of the Point area. Expect water rides, penguin, seal and dolphin shows, sharks circling you as you eat dinner, a dangerous creatures section and an extensive shopping walk.
Eat an Indian curry in Durban
If you love to eat Indian curries, Durban is the place to be. Since Durban is the city with the largest Indian population outside of India, there are plenty of restaurants serving a real Indian curry, ‘Durban style’. There are plenty of restaurants in town to choose from serving Indian cuisine for any type of budget, from samoosas, tandoori, rotis, biryani to the best curry buffets.
Take a steam train through the Valley of 1000 Hills
Tucked in the verdant Valley of 1000 Hills is the village of Inchanga. Catch a steam train from Kloof to Inchanga’s small Victorian station in the rolling hills of Kwa-Zulu and back again. There are trains on the first and last Sunday of every month, seats fill up quickly so book in advance. Avid photographers will enjoy the early-morning curling smoke shots over the dramatic rolling hills. Stop in for a pint at Stoker’s Arms in Kloof.
Now that you have more to add to your list of things to do in this popular South African city, pack your bags and book cheap flights to Durban! If you are looking for exciting career opportunities in South Africa, please click through to our job section.
