Visit Durban

Durban is South Africa's third largest city and known as one of the country's best seaside escapes, with lively nightlife and an emerging café, shopping and cultural scene, surrounded by the wildlife-rich game reserves of KwaZulu-Natal. The sedate suburbs of Greyville, Morningside and Berea are favoured for their upmarket accommodation options, shopping malls, museums, galleries and stylish eateries and bars – all popular with those in Durban high society.

Beaches

Durban's beachfront is a major draw for visitors. The top beaches for families are North Beach and South Beach and also the protected Addington Beach. Exposed Anstey's Beach gets the biggest swells and is the best for strong swimmers, while Umhlanga Rocks Main Beach is a luxury hotel and apartment-lined stretch of beach just outside Durban. Kosi Bay, Cape Vidal and Sodwana Bay offer some of the most pristine sand and diving in the world.

KwaZulu-Natal

The province of KwaZulu-Natal is among South Africa's most dramatic and, at just a few hours from the city centre, a visit to Durban affords access to some of the country's best private game reserves. Spread over 23,000 hectares of Big-Five wilderness, the boundless plains offer chances to spot elusive suni antelope, track rhino in the bushveld, observe breeding herds of elephants and see cheetahs teach their cubs how to hunt.

Golden Mile

The popular beachfront stretch is called the ‘Golden Mile'. The nearby Victoria Street Market is known for its large range of African and Indian products, especially the barrels of fragrant spices and incense. Ushaka Marine World, one of the largest aquariums in the world, has a water park, shark exhibit, seal and dolphin stadium and regular aquatic displays. Away from the beach, Durban is also home to Africa's oldest botanical gardens.

Nightlife

Sprawling Durban comes alive after dark with a buzzing nightlife of pubs, clubs, casinos, theatres and restaurants. The laid back beachside cocktail bars are always popular, especially in Greyville, while another twilight highlight is Wilson's Wharf. The views from the wharf's wooden decks look out over Durban's Natal Royal Yacht Club and the harbour.

South Africa with Red Carnation Hotels

12-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,940 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

Early booking offer – Save up to £1,350pp
Book by: 31 October 2023

Exceptional hotels form the basis of exceptional holidays and this luxury getaway combines nights in three of South Africa’s finest. Stay right on Cape Town’s picturesque coast, enjoy a wilderness retreat in the Cederberg Mountains and relax at a beachfront hideaway in Durban.

Top itineraries in Durban

KwaZulu-Natal Discovery Self-Drive

10-day tailor-made self-drive from £4,640 pp incl. flights

With KwaZulu-Natal perhaps the most richly diverse of South Africa’s provinces, this spectacular drive takes in everything from the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains and Durban’s beachfront charms to Zulu battlefields and an all-inclusive, Big Five safari.

Best of South Africa

19-day tailor-made self-drive from £7,470 pp incl. flights

This is a comprehensive introduction to South Africa’s myriad delights. Included flight hops, luxury stays and scenic drives along the Garden and Panorama routes will showcase everything from Cape Town and the Winelands to a Big-Five Kruger safari.

Durban articles

British Airways announces new non-stop flights to Durban

British Airways has introduced new, non-stop flights to Durban, South Africa. Starting 29 October 2018, the service will make getting to Durban and the superb KwaZulu-Natal region more accessible than ever before.

Top 5 things to do in Durban

The coastal city of Durban is one of South Africa’s gems, with its myriad Indian influences, white-sand seafront and wildlife-rich game reserves of the world-famous KwaZulu-Natal. Read on for our pick of the top five things to do in and around Durban, from surfing to Big Five safaris.