Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal region is a good year-round destination. Visitors are drawn to the vast beaches, the Drakensberg Mountains and the authentic culture of the Zulu people.
Sights in Durban
Durban is best known for its beaches and warm climate. But there are also some historic buildings worth seeing and a diverse museum scene.
Durban - Quadrant House - Victoria Embankment
Durban's beaches
The beaches stretch for miles along the Indian Ocean. The water temperature is warm all year round and rarely drops below 20 degrees Celsius, even in winter. The beach section is called the Golden Mile locally. A promenade leads from the mouth of the Umgeni River to the port entrance along the beach. There are luxurious hotels, beach clubs, cafes and amusement parks. There are changing and shower areas on the beach, and nets on the open sea protect against sharks.
Ushaka Marine World
This marine park is at the southern tip of the Golden Mile. It offers a variety of attractions. The Wet'n Wild area offers water fun for young and old with pool landscapes, water slides and canals. Sea World features an aquarium and a dolphinarium. The shows with seals and dolphins are popular.
Durban - Golden Mile Beach - Ushaka Jetty
Durban Point - Waterfront Promenade
Umgeni River Bird Park
The 3,5 hectare bird park is located on the banks of the Umgeni River. Paths meander through the lush grounds. More than 300 different native and exotic bird species live in spacious open-air enclosures and aviaries. Special attractions are the bird shows and the breeding stations for endangered species.
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Durban was one of the venues for the 2010 soccer World Cup. The architecturally impressive Moses Mabhida Stadium was built for the occasion. It now serves as a venue for sporting and cultural events. A steel arch is stretched over the stadium, with a cable car going to the highest point. From the top you have a beautiful panoramic view of Durban.
Durban - Moses Mabhida Stadium
Durban Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens in the heart of the city impress with a comprehensive collection of plants from different parts of the world. The 20-hectare site served as a testing facility for importing crops during the British colonial period. A special attraction is the orchid house.
Durban's historic city center
Durban has few historic buildings. This includes the City Hall, built in 1910 in the Renaissance style. The imposing building houses the town hall, the library and an art gallery, as well as the natural history museum with extensive exhibitions on South Africa's wildlife.
Durban City Hall
The small square in front of City Hall commemorates the founders of the city. Opposite is a neoclassical-style building housing the post office. At the rear of City Hall is the Old Courthouse. The former courthouse dates from 1866 and is a national monument. Today it houses the historical museum, which provides information about the history of the city.
Indian Quarter
In 1860, Indians were recruited to work in the region's sugar cane fields as indentured laborers. Many stayed in South Africa and settled in Durban as artisans and traders. The oldest Indian shops can be found on Gray Street and the side streets, as well as in the Victoria Street Market and the Maadresser Arcaden. Above all, spices, clothing, jewelery and handicrafts are traded. The Indian Quarter contributes significantly to the multi-cultural flair of Durban and is a magnet for visitors.
Durban - Shops on Mahatma Gandhi Road
Durban - Mahatma Gandhi Road
Attractions in the province of KwaZulu-Natal
The landscapes of the province of KwaZulu-Natal are varied: there are humid and warm coastal areas on the Indian Ocean, hilly Midlands and the high mountains of the Drakensberg. Visitors can also look forward to authentic Zulu culture and nature parks rich in wildlife for unforgettable safari experiences.
Tala Game Reserve
Tala Nature Reserve is approximately 45 minutes drive from Durban. Rhinos, zebras, giraffes, antelopes and many species of birds live on 3000 hectares of hilly land. A pride of lions resides on a separate site, the Natal Lion Park.
Cape buffalo
Zebras in the wild
Howick Falls
Howick is known for its impressive waterfalls. They are a popular destination for both tourists and locals. The nearly 100 meter high cascade of the Mngeni River plunges into the deep pool of a spectacular gorge. For many Zulu, Howicks Falls is a dangerous place where evil spirits are said to dwell.
Howick Falls
Valley of 1000 Hills
The Valley of 1000 Hills is about 40 kilometers from Durban in the direction of the provincial capital Pietermaritzburg. The hilly landscape is lush green. The tiny villages have been home to the Zulu people for centuries, who still live according to the customs of their ancient indigenous culture. The places offer visitors creative handicrafts, adventurous outdoor activities and authentic restaurants.
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
The Nelson Mandela Capture Site is located on the spot where Nelson Mandela was arrested by South African police in August 1962. It was the beginning of his 27 year imprisonment.
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
Nelson Mandela Capture Site - Visitor Center - Mandela's Car
A visitor center documents the history of the struggle against apartheid and the role of Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters.
The highlight of the Nelson Mandela Capture Site is the impressive sculpture depicting Nelson Mandela's fight for freedom. The sculpture consists of 50 steel rods arranged at different angles. From a distance it looks like a portrait of Nelson Mandela. The poles are of different lengths and symbolize the different stages of Mandela's life.
Nelson Mandela Visitor Center - the Long Walk to Freedom
Nelson Mandela Visitor Center - artwork
Drakensberg
The Drakensberg Mountains form part of the border between South Africa and Lesotho. They offer spectacular landscapes, including high peaks, sheer cliffs, deep valleys and clear rivers. The highest peak is Thabana Ntlenyana, with a height of 3.482 meters above sea level, which is in Lesotho. The Drakensberg is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. There are countless hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging multi-day hikes. The Drakensberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its scenic beauty and the ancient rock carvings that can be found in many areas.
Landscape of the Drakensberg
May 2023