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With warm weather all year round, Durban welcomes visitors to a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle where beaches, barbecues, seafood and curry restaurants, clubs and upmarket accommodation establishments provide everything an out-of-towner could wish for while on holiday.

Durban is South Africa’s self-styled 'playground', where year-round warm weather encourages visitors to make the most of the province’s outdoor lifestyle.

Also known as 'Surf City', Durban is renowned for its magnificent bathing and surfing beaches, which stretch along the city's beachfront from Durban harbour in the south to the upmarket suburb of Umhlanga in the north.

An expansive paved promenade offers access to the best of these beaches – the Golden Mile – where joggers, cyclists, dog owners, surfers, bodyboarders and walkers enjoy early-morning and late-afternoon exercise.

Visitors cannot miss Durban’s striking Moses Mabhida Stadium, host venue to top-notch sporting events, Segway tours, a city-viewing SkyCar and bungee swing.

Closer to the harbour, uShaka Marine World, a world-class water park, aquarium and restaurant complex overlooks the ocean and offers hours of entertainment for the whole family.

Culturally, Durban exhibits a mix of Indian, Zulu and post-colonial influences, reflected in the city’s architecture and cuisine. Curries, seafood and fusion food are popular at beachfront restaurants, Wilson’s Wharf, and at the gourmet hot spots and coffee shops that line Florida Road and Helen Joseph Road.

The art deco-style Suncoast Casino complex, flanking the promenade, houses seafood and curry restaurants, movie theatres, a casino and coffee shops – with secure on-site parking and semi-private beach access.

Shopping is best enjoyed at Durban’s out-of-city malls: the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga; the Pavilion in Westville; and the Galleria in Amanzimtoti. An overwhelming choice of shops in air-conditioned comfort makes spending money a most enjoyable pursuit.

Half an hour inland from the city, the Valley of a Thousand Hills promises a taste of African culture, while further into the countryside the Midlands Meander features about 150 art-and-craft outlets for city-dwellers in search of fresh air and home-made fare.

Adventure activities are well catered for in and around this coastal city, with deep-sea fishing charters, dolphin viewing, jet-skiing, quad biking, scuba diving, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, boat cruises and much more readily available.

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Things to do
Active adventure

Surfing in South Africa: hot weather; cool waves

Active adventure
Surfing in South Africa: hot weather; cool waves
South Africa is a surfer’s paradise, and whether you’re a novice or an old pro, the different conditions of the West Coast, Garden Route, Wild Coast and KwaZulu-Natal offers something for everyone.
Active adventure

South African marathons: 5 races worth running in Msanzi

Active adventure
South African marathons: 5 races worth running in Msanzi
Runners who visit South Africa to conquer iconic marathons like the Comrades or Two Oceans get an added bonus: recovering afterwards on the holiday of a lifetime with a huge range of options.
Vibrant culture

South African cultural museums: rich traditions and history all over

Vibrant culture
South African cultural museums: rich traditions and history all over
South Africans are a diverse mix of peoples from Africa, Europe, Asia and elsewhere, and the many museums scattered around the country preserve rich histories, heritages and cultural traditions.
Sun-soaked coasts

Royal Natal Yacht Club, Durban: push the boat out in style

Sun-soaked coasts
Royal Natal Yacht Club, Durban: push the boat out in style
The Royal Natal Yacht Club in Durban, more than 160 years old, offers visitors sailing and more – like meals or sundowners with impressive harbour views in the welcoming KwaZulu-Natal climate.
Vibrant culture

Historic places of worship in South Africa: cathedrals, churches, mosques, synagogues and temples catering to religious diversity

Vibrant culture
Historic places of worship in South Africa: cathedrals, churches, mosques, synagogues and temples catering to religious diversity
South Africa is a country of rich religious diversity, protected by the Constitution, so explore sacred architecture and spiritual traditions at our many historic places of worship.
Vibrant culture

The Beer Tour in KwaZulu-Natal: raising a tankard to local brewers

Vibrant culture
The Beer Tour in KwaZulu-Natal: raising a tankard to local brewers
KwaZulu-Natal’s climate allows for some excellent beer making, and a tour up and down the coast, then inland to the Midlands, allows you to sample the wares of brewers large and small.
Active adventure

Volleyball in South Africa

Active adventure
Volleyball in South Africa
South Africa offers both indoor- and beach-volleyball facilities, and anyone can start playing.
Sun-soaked coasts

Suncoast Casino

Sun-soaked coasts
Suncoast Casino
The Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in Durban is a perfect family destination with entertainment for kids and adults alike.
Breathtaking scenery

South Africa’s botanical gardens

Breathtaking scenery
South Africa’s botanical gardens
South Africa’s national botanical gardens are managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. The most famous is the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in Cape Town. More local botanical gardens, also very beautiful, can be found in various cities throughout the country.
Vibrant culture

South African art museums

Vibrant culture
South African art museums
There are many well-known historic and contemporary art works on display in art museums and galleries in each of South Africa's 9 provinces, with many important permanent art collections centred in the country's major cities.
Breathtaking scenery

Sacred sites in South Africa

Breathtaking scenery
Sacred sites in South Africa
South Africa’s sacred sites stretch from Lake Fundudzi in Limpopo and eMakhosini in KwaZulu-Natal to the energy centres identified by spiritualists and mosques and temples.
Bustling city life

Design in Durban

Bustling city life
Design in Durban
Durban is home to many famous South African designers, including architects, fashion designers, homeware specialists and ceramicists.

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