Overview
** DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA TOURS **
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We had an absolute blast in Durban. We stayed right across from the beach on the Golden Mile Beach. However, we traveled during COVID and didn’t get to experience the rickshaws on the promenade. We visited uShaka Water park where we ate at Cargo Hole, (nothing like the photos suggests; overpriced). We preferred the dolphin show over the seal show. The Dangerous Creators exhibit was meh!!
We also visited Florida Street where many of the bars and restaurants are and you can find the nightlife. We also took day trips to Ballito where you must check out the Oyster Box Hotel. The lighthouse is being renovated so that was a bummer. Definitely check out Dolphin Cave and the Ballito boardwalk.
Port Edwards is where you can enjoy some bomb-ass coffee at the Beaver Creek (try the coffee burger, we didn’t get a chance to.) You can also visit the Red Desert which is the smallest desert in the world. Visit Splash Rock during high tide to see the massive waves crash against the rocks. Apparently, ppl go there to commit suicide.
If you can swing it, check out Shelly Beach and eat at Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club. The restaurant sits on the water and the view is spectacular.
While in Durban we booked Mzansi Safari Africa through @hluhluwewildlife on IG. Jeff, our tour guide was very knowledgeable of all the animals and environmental concerns such a global warming that threaten their existence. I always like to support the indigenous people of the countries I visit. This company is owned by a Zulu woman. The tour included transportation and barbecue lunch with beer, wine, sodas and water. It was a test in patience as we’re used to instant gratification from viewing animals in captivity. The beauty of seeing free animals is a humbling and spiritual experience.
Nightlife
We went to clubs every night. Keys on Florida had a great DJ. Views at Twenty5 was a whole vibe. They played everything from African music to old school R&B. We made advanced reservations for Cargo Hold, a restaurant with an aquarium. Got some nice pics with the fish swimming by our table. Cubana had great food and music. We had a ball in Durban. The people were warm and friendly.
The local food is so flavorful , truly takes your tastebuds on an unforgettable journey! There are typically tourist friendly restaurants like Moyo’s which is located right by the beach front, providing the most gorgeous view
Be sure to try a ‘bunny chow’ (know it is not made from rabbits ), authentically local dish. Best place to try Nando’s as well as it’s actually South African haha! For the vegans, there are plenty of options provided at every restaurant, otherwise restaurants like Valeowholefoods are 100% vegan friendly :)
Durban is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town and Jo-burg. in my experience, Durban feels much safer than Cape Town, especially if you blend in, most people just assume you are local. It is also significantly cheaper than Cape Town for activities and for shopping (unless you’re brave enough to venture to CBD Jo-burg). I Bought most of my beaded jewelry and traditional clothing for half the price here than i saw then in Cape Town.
There are lots of great food options in Durban but my favorite is Moyo Ushaka. It is a seafront restaurant and bar that serves traditional Southern African food. It is located in the free part of the Ushaka Marine World, so you do not have to pay to get to the restaurant. Some highlights on the menu include: the samosas, the Mala Mogodu (tripe), the oxtail amos (try it with pap instead of rice!), and the shisanyama (BBQ Variety plate). These are just a few of my favourites, but everything on the menu is really good.
Ciao Bella Cafe is a good option if you’re looking for a cheap and simple brunch choice.
Durban also has a rich Indian history and so you can find some of the best Indian food in South Africa, in Durban. Some of the best are: The Little Indian restaurant, Mali’s Indian Restaurant and Amaravathi Palki.
If you’re looking to discover other restaurants, cafes and such, the beach front areas are full of a wide range of options it can actually be overwhelming.
Lastly, you can’t leave any South African city without going to Nandos!
This city never sleeps ,we went to a club called egagasini then we use uber to go to eyadini it’s so amazing people are really friendly and are very accommodating I recommend if you come to south Africa spend time in durban
Durban is a nice city to visit but you have to be cautious of your surroundings and be vigilant. Along the beach front has a lot of good restaurants and bars. There’s also a mini markets where you can get souvenirs, clothes etc. You can rent bikes and ride along the beach front and at Moses madhida stadium aswell. Ushaka marine world is a nice day activity especially if you have kids.
A friend and I took the bus from Johannesburg to Durban. It was a long ride but I had good company and plus I don’t mind road trips. It was pretty hectic when we arrived downtown at the bus terminal. I wouldn’t recommend traveling here alone or even in a small group (just females). The vibe was completely different from Cape Town and I felt a little uneasy. I had heard the rumors about how danger is can be in Durban but I still wanted to visit for myself. [Side note: my friend and I stopped in a McDonald’s to get wifi and a local lady ended up saying a prayer for us to stay safe and warned us be inside before dark and don’t pass a certain street after 6pm lol]
We stayed 2 places while visiting Durban. Dolphin Coast was amazing. The beach was in walking distance and I didn’t feel unsafe at anytime. We saw monkeys on the trees a few times which was school, and it was easy to Uber to the big mall not to far from where we were staying. Downtown in the other hand was not the cleanest place I visited in South Africa. And although the hotel had I high rating it was very lacking, I saw roaches and I was excited to leave lol. While downtown we were able to visit Ushaka Marine World which was cool, we walked back up along the beach and one evening we visited the SunCoast Casino.
It is very windy is Durban but thankfully it was sunny each day we were there so it never felt too cool. I didn’t feel 100% safe walking the streets even though it was day time and many people were out. It felt like there were a lot of sketchy young men just outside leaning on the walls in groups wearing hoodies instead of being at work or something. I probably wouldn’t return to visit again, been there done that. But I would definitely want to go back to Cape Town and Joburg.
While visiting Durban we went bar hopping on Palm Blvd. This area reminded me a lot of Miami. Nice strip of bars with a lot of culture. I also spent the day at the beach in Durban. The beach reminded me a lot of California beaches. The water was very aggressive and cold. I would not advise even an advanced swimmer to get in. Lots of restaurants surrounding the beach.