Durban Travel Guide

 
by Marina_tom
 
  •   Durban
    by Marina_tom
  • Rockpools at Umhlanga
      Rockpools at Umhlanga
    by CatherineReichardt
  • Beach at Umhlanga
      Beach at Umhlanga
    by CatherineReichardt
  • The end of the Boat Club, totally washed away.
      The end of the Boat Club, totally washed...
    by Naomiolivier
  • At the guesthouse
      At the guesthouse
    by Paulm1987
 

Pro

LoriPori profile photo

  A Wonderful Blend of African, European and Indian Cultures 


Con

Truna profile photo

  beach is over crowded, tourist areas have lots of scam artists 


In a nutshell

CatherineReichardt profile photo

  If there's a gear beyond first, Durbanites have yet to find it ... 

 

Explore Durban

Things to Do  

Child magazine: Things to do with kids in Durbs

Child magazine: Things to do with kids in Durbs, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:  If you're travelling to Durban with kids and are looking for interesting, family-friendly things to do, then look no further than the fantastic Child magazine!This is a free monthly magazine with limited distribution (also available online - see website below) which is a... 

Leisurely observe the bustle of Durban harbour

Leisurely observe the bustle of Durban harbour, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:  I always think that harbours are fascinating places, bustling with activity, which makes them great places to kick back and watch other people work!Durban is South Africa's busiest port, with much of the shipping now being containerised. Having done two moves across the... 

Hotels  

Hilton Durban

 3 Reviews and 126 Opinions  I have stayed at the Hilton on many occasions. The rooms are big, comfortable with great city views... 

Zimbali Lodge

 2 Reviews and 57 Opinions  This is an excellent place just to get away and relax. It`s an excellent place if you travelling... 

Restaurants  

Woolworths & Woolworths Food: How to assemble a delicious instant picnic!

Woolworths & Woolworths Food: How to assemble a delicious instant picnic!, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:  Many of my tips make reference to picnics - partly because I like picnicking, partly out of economy, and partly because one of the few things I have learned from motherhood is that it is wise never to venture forth with small children without emergency provisions!So, how do... 

Any Indian restaurant: You can't come to Durbs and not chow a bunny!

Any Indian restaurant: You can't come to Durbs and not chow a bunny!, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:   Bunny chow is the quintessential Duban food icon, and quite unlike anything you're likely to eat elsewhere!On the face of it, bunny chow sounds pretty grim. You take a half a white loaf (brown, granary or anything else with nutritional pretentions simply won't do) and... 

Nightlife  

Studio 54 Pinetown: Let loose at Studio 54

Studio 54 Pinetown: Let loose at Studio 54, Durban

 GerryFM Says:  Pinetown is a suburb of Durban, and is about a 20 minute drive from the beachfront.Studio 54 is a good night out where you can let loose, drink dance and be merry.The ground floor is a bar with aseries of pool tables, whilst upstairs there is a large bar and a very big... 

Tiger Tiger: A "Purrrrfect" Night Out

Tiger Tiger: A "Purrrrfect" Night Out, Durban

 GerryFM Says:  Tiger Tiger is definately one of the better nightspots in Durban.Playing music, ranging fro 80's and 90's hits , current chart favourites and a bit of real dance music, they cater for all tastes.The club really rocks on Friday and Saturday nights and there is almost always a... 

Transportation  

Fuel shortages: July 2011

Fuel shortages: July 2011, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:  For those planning to travel to South Africa in the next couple of weeks, please be advised that there is major strike action in progress at the time of writing (15 July 2011). The strike action that has most potential to affect tourists is that being undertaken by chemical... 

Durban International Airport moving May 2010

Durban International Airport moving May 2010, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:  Travellers to Durban should be aware that the International Airport is moving from its current location south of the CBD to the new King Shaka airport at La Mercy north of the CBD at the beginning of May 2010 (timing as indicated at the time of writing in March 2010).Given... 

The new King Shaka airport - so far, so good

The new King Shaka airport - so far, so good, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:  Well, we held a collective breath at the prospect of Durban opening its new international airport only 6 weeks before the start of the World Cup, but here we are on Day 4, and we have yet to hear horror stories about the switch over ... I can only conclude that the... 

Strongly suggest you hire a GPS with your car

Strongly suggest you hire a GPS with your car, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:  It is important to note that hire cars in South Africa generally do not come with maps or streetfinder atlases, and few hire companies are willing to lend these out (presumably as these have not been returned in the past?).In general, South African cities are not well... 

Shopping  

Earth Mother Organic, Bulwer Road: Health Shops

Earth Mother Organic, Bulwer Road: Health Shops, Durban

 meemei Says:  This is one of the best health shops around, great green juice and wonderful organic health care products. However, avoid the shop add to your health in Kensington square, Durban North. The customer servicet here is terrible. organic fresh produce, natural skin care... 

Gateway Theatre of Shopping: Love to Shop!!!

Gateway Theatre of Shopping: Love to Shop!!!, Durban

 JackiKasner Says:  18 Ster-Kinekor cinemas, IMAX Theatre, Cinema Nouveau Theatres, The Barnyard Theatre, More than 60 eateries, More than 300 world class stores, The Wave House, Fantasy Forest, 4000sqm Skate Park designed by Tony Hawk, The World`s highest indoor Climbing Rock, Nissan 4X4... 

Warnings Or Dangers  

Be careful of fake R200 notes

Be careful of fake R200 notes, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:  In 2009 and early 2010, there were huge problems with fake R200 notes in circulation, and as a result, the Reserve Bank has issued new R200 notes. However, these are very similar in design to the old notes, and I'm not going to bother running through the subtle changes that... 

Times to avoid visiting Durban

Times to avoid visiting Durban, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:  By international standards, there is never a bad time to visit Durban. However, there are certain times of year when it is less advisable to visit - either because of the heat and humidity, or because of pressure of numbers which drive up transport and accommodation prices,... 

What to Pack  

Leave those woolies!

Leave those woolies!, Durban

 Gillybob Says:  Within the shopping centres of Durban, you will find plenty of opportunity to purchase more bags, suitcases and backpacks should your purchases leave you wanting more room. Prices are very reasonable and good quality items are readily available. Travellers and tourists from... 

Off The Beaten Path  

The brilliant Natal Sharks Board at Umhlanga

The brilliant Natal Sharks Board at Umhlanga, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:  For me, the Natal Sharks Board is one of the most interesting places to visit in KZN, and a 'must' for anyone with an interest in marine animals.The Natal Sharks Board is responsible for shark protection along the KZN coast and this centre was set up as an educational... 

Wild Coast Sun

Wild Coast Sun, Durban

 dejavu2gb Says:  If you fancy a change of scenery, or just want to test your luck and see how much you can win, the Wild Coast Sun might be just the thing for you.Its a Casino Complex about 2 hours drive South of Durban.Set on one of the most unspoilt beaches in the country, located withing... 

Sports & Outdoors  

Watch a rugby match at the Shark Tank!

Watch a rugby match at the Shark Tank!, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:  South Africans are fanatical about sport (in my experience, only Aussies come close in terms of their sports obsession), and among white South Africans, rugby is not a sport, but a religion! Until I moved to South Africa, I couldn't see the logic behind the sports boycott... 

Public transport arrangements for World Cup

Public transport arrangements for World Cup, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:  Details on the public transport arrangements for the World Cup stadia continue to be issued in drips and drabs. The most comprehensive and user-friendly useful summary I've seen was from Prega Govender in this morrning's Sunday Times - follow this link:... 

Durban 'fan fest' venue for the World Cup

Durban 'fan fest' venue for the World Cup, Durban

 CatherineReichardt Says:  For those who don't have tickets to some or all of the games, today's Sunday Times also provides the following update on 'fan fests' (free viewing zones) around the company. Note that in addition to these 'official fan fests', there will also be other fan zones such as the... 

 
Explore Deeper into Durban

The Place

Plan a Durban vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Durban locals

Experience Durban
  •   488 Tips and Reviews
  •  815 Photos
  Share your Travels  
Map of Durban
 

The People

263 Members Live Here
 
Advice from the Locals
 profile photo

 Hot Days - Cool waves - Durban is the second largest and most cosmopolitan city of South Africa. A large Zulu population and the influx of Indians mixed with the white and colored population make Durban the most colorful... 

263 members live in Durban

 

Questions and Answers

durban76 profile photo

Q:  Hello I am planning to visit Durban in early March and would like to visit Kosi Bay. Finding a place to stay in Kosi is no... 

Gillybob profile photo

A: Have you tried Baz Bus? I can't currently access their site to see if it would be of any assistance but maybe you will have better luck. 

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Top Durban Writers

1

Hot Days - Cool waves

MikeAtSea profile photo

 Durban is the second largest and most cosmopolitan city of South Africa. A large Zulu population and the influx of Indians mixed with the white and colored population make Durban the most colorful... 

2

Welcome to Durban

GerryFM profile photo

 Durban, South Africa's playground, is situated on the east coast of South Africa. An hours flight from Johannesburg (where most International flights arrive) and a two hour flight from Cape... 

3

Durban Kwa-Zulu -Natal.

PEE-WEE profile photo

 SHARKS Great white sharks are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. They are exceptionally fast swimmers and are capable of capturing mako sharks,tuna, dolphins, seals and...... 

4

DURBAN --- KwaZulu-Natal

LoriPori profile photo

 Located on the east coast of South Africa, on a bay in the Indian Ocean, DURBAN is the country's chief seaport and third largest city. Named after Sir Benjamin D'Urban, who was governor of the Cape...... 

5

Growing to appreciate Durbs-By-The-Sea

CatherineReichardt profile photo

 I can't say that I know Durban well. What was then the Natal (now KwaZulu Natal) coast was THE place for South Africans to go on family holidays up to the 1980s, and there was a mass exodus of... 

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