Located on the east coast of South Africa, Durban is a vibrant city known for its golden beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, and diverse cultural offerings. This coastal city has a subtropical climate, making it an ideal destination for beach fans, surfers, and outdoor enthusiasts. In just three days, you can experience the best Durban has to offer, from iconic surf spots to cultural landmarks and flavorful cuisine. Let’s see how a smart itinerary can be structured for three days in Durban.
Day 1: Durban’s Beaches, Surf Spots, and Waterfront
Start your first day by embracing Durban’s beach culture. The beachfront promenade is lined with several beaches, each offering distinct vibes and activities, including some of the best surf spots in South Africa for surfing. For your fist day choose between North Beach and Addington Beach:
North Beach
It’s the favorite spot among local surfers and offers consistent waves suitable for surfers of all skill levels. The beach is one of Durban’s most popular surfing spots due to its warm waters, regular swells, and proximity to surf shops for equipment rental. If you’re new to surfing, this beach is a great place to start, with several surf schools providing lessons and rental boards. It can be very crowded, especially on weekends.
Addington Beach
Located near North Beach, this spot is ideal for beginner surfers due to its gentler waves and sheltered location. The calmer waters make it a prime spot for learning the basics of surfing or just enjoying a relaxed swim.
After your morning surf session, take a walk along the Golden Mile, Durban’s famous beachfront promenade. You’ll pass beautiful views, local food vendors, and street art along the way. It’s up to you if you prefer to spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach or head to uShaka Marine World, considered one of Durban’s top attractions. This expansive theme park includes an aquarium, water park, and several dining and shopping options. The aquarium is housed within a replica of a sunken ship and features a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. You can watch feeding sessions and learn more about the ocean’s diverse ecosystems. I am not really a fan of aquariums but people who visited this place were really enthusiastic about it.
If you are visiting Durban with kids, you should go to Wet ‘n Wild Waterpark where you will find thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and splash pools – perfect for cooling off after a morning in the sun.
To end your day, take a sunset walk along the beach and enjoy the evening ocean breeze together with the beautiful colors of the sky as the sun sets over the city.
Where to eat?
Durban is famous for its Indian-influenced cuisine, particularly dishes like bunny chow and samosas. Let’s see a couple of good choices:
- John Dory’s – a franchise that offers fresh food with many vegetable options. Plus, you will enjoy a fantastic views and the service is fast and friendly.
- Surf Riders Café
Located on the promenade, Surf Riders Café is known for its casual beachside atmosphere and delicious burgers, pizzas, and local beers. The restaurant has a relaxed vibe and you will enjoy the view.
Day 2: Cultural Exploration and More Beach Fun
Start your second day with an adventure at Moses Mabhida Stadium, one of Durban’s most iconic landmarks. The stadium is not only a sports venue but also offers exciting activities that provide unique views of the city.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Big Swing, the world’s only stadium swing, where you’ll free-fall 80 meters before swinging across the field. It’s a thrilling experience and one of the stadium’s top attractions. For a less intense experience, the SkyCar takes you to the top of the stadium arch for panoramic views of Durban’s skyline and coastline. From the top, you can see as far as the Bluff and the Valley of a Thousand Hills on a clear day. Ok, let’s admit that these activities are very particular.
At lunch time, head to the Victoria Street Market to get a taste of Durban’s Indian and African cultures. This bustling market offers a vibrant array of spices, textiles, and handicrafts. The market is famous for its exotic spices, including masalas and curry blends. You’ll also find handcrafted jewelry, African artwork, and traditional garments at reasonable prices.
Sample some local street food at the market, including samosas, roti rolls, and traditional Zulu dishes. It’s a fantastic way to experience the multicultural flavors of Durban.
Spend your afternoon at Umhlanga Rocks, a beautiful coastal area located just north of Durban. Known for its scenic beaches, Umhlanga offers a more upscale vibe with shops, cafés, and scenic walkways. The Umhlanga Beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the scenic ocean views. The beach also has a picturesque lighthouse, which adds to its charm and is a popular spot for photos. Furthermore, Umhlanga’s beach has consistent swells, making it another good spot for surfing. The waves here are a bit more challenging than those at North Beach, so it’s recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers.
End your day with dinner at one of Umhlanga’s restaurants in the village area, which has become a trendy spot for locals and tourists alike. Try for example The Ocean Terrace located in The Oyster Box Hotel. This elegant restaurant offers truly incredible views of the ocean and lighthouse and serves delicious fresh seafood (try the lobster). If you are not into fish, try one of many Indian dishes.
Day 3: The Valley of a Thousand Hills
For your last day in Durban, take a break from the beach and head to the Valley of a Thousand Hills, a scenic area located just a short drive from the city. Known for its rolling hills and beautiful landscapes, it offers a peaceful escape into nature. There are several private parks inside this huge area and the all offer different activities. Don’t count on just getting in and hiking wherever you want. You can find the list of available tours and pricing directly on their website. The tours are well organized, not crowded and the guides will give you a good explanation about the history of the place, the animals and the culture of Zulu people. All in all, worth a day trip. If you are traveling with your family don’t miss PheZulu Safari. This family-friendly park offers a mini safari experience where you can see animals like crocodiles, giraffes, and zebras. You can also visit the reptile park for a close encounter with local snakes and other reptiles.
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Valley of a Thousand Hills, stopping at viewpoints. I don’t advice you to have lunch in many eateries along the way as the are overpriced and the quality is not the best. Consider a home made picnic basket to enjoy in the middle of the nature.
Whether you are looking to buy some souvenirs or not, it is worth to have a stroll at the nearby craft markets which feature handmade Zulu beadwork, ceramics, and carvings. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and support local artisans.
If you want to say goodbye to Durban in style, choose a beachfront Moyo on the Pier for your last dinner in Durban. It offers an overall good dining experience with a fusion of African-inspired dishes and seafood. The restaurant provides an outdoor dining area with ocean views and live music. Finally take a final walk along the beach to soak up the ocean breeze and views before your trip concludes. The lights from nearby ships and the illuminated city skyline create a magical atmosphere to end your Durban adventure. Three days is a minimum to get into the vibe of the city but surely it is worth to come back here for a longer stay, especially if you like to surf.
Additional Surfing Spots in Durban
While North Beach, Addington Beach, and Umhlanga Rocks are among the best for surfing, here are a few more great spots for those looking to explore Durban’s surf scene:
Bay of Plenty
Just south of North Beach, Bay of Plenty is known for its consistent breaks and is popular with both beginners and experienced surfers. This spot also hosts surf competitions, adding to its reputation as one of Durban’s premier surfing destinations.
Ansteys Beach (The Bluff)
Located on the Bluff, Ansteys Beach has great surf conditions for advanced surfers, with powerful waves and fewer crowds.
As said, three days in Durban are a fair amount of time to see the most of it and soak the local vibe. However, if you are a beach person or a surfer, you may want to extend your stay.
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