Durban South Africa 3 Day Itinerary

Durban, South Africa 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Beaches and City Vibes

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Farmhouse Restaurant ( Corner of Lilian Ngoyi and St Thomas Roads) serving up fresh farm-to-table produce.
  • Head to Golden Mile Beach, a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Durban Maritime Museum (Victoria Embankment) to learn about the city’s rich maritime history.
  • Take a stroll along the Victoria Embankment, offering stunning views of the harbor and Indian Ocean.

Evening

  • Check-in at The Oyster Box Hotel (86 Signal Hill Road), a luxurious boutique hotel with breathtaking ocean views.
  • Enjoy dinner at The Oyster Box Restaurant (inside the hotel), serving up fresh seafood and fine wines.

Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Morning

  • Drive to Moses Mabhida Stadium (44 Isaiah Ntshangase Road) and take a guided tour of this iconic stadium.
  • Visit the nearby Kings Park Botanical Garden (70 St Thomas Road), featuring over 4,000 plant species.

Afternoon

  • Head to uShaka Marine World (1 Bell Street) for an action-packed day of water slides, dolphin shows, and ocean views.
  • Take a shark cage diving experience with Calypso Dive & Travel (based at uShaka Marine World).

Evening

  • Dine at The Cargo Hold Restaurant (Shop 2, North Pier, Victoria Embankment), offering seafood and international cuisine.
  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Florida Road, lined with bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Day 3: Culture and History

Morning

  • Visit the Phansi Museum (500 Jan Smuts Highway) to learn about Durban’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Explore the Juma Masjid Mosque (134 Denis Hurley Street), one of the largest mosques in the Southern Hemisphere.

Afternoon

  • Take a guided tour of the KwaMuhle Museum (130 Ordnance Road), showcasing the history of Apartheid and the struggle for freedom.
  • Visit the Durban City Hall (263 Anton Lembede Street), a beautiful example of colonial architecture.

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Brasserie on the Bay (Shop 1, The Pearls of Umhlanga, 2 McCausland Crescent), offering French-inspired cuisine.
  • Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening or explore the nearby Umhlanga Rocks, a popular spot for sunset views.

Things to Know

  • Durban is known as the “playground” of South Africa, with a subtropical climate and warm ocean waters.
  • Be sure to try some of the local cuisine, including bunny chow (a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry) and shisa nyama (grilled meat).
  • Learn about the city’s complex history, from colonialism to Apartheid and beyond.

Transportation

  • King Shaka International Airport is located approximately 35 km north of Durban.
  • Use taxis, Uber, or rental cars to get around the city.
  • The Durban People Mover bus service connects popular tourist spots.

Tips

  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting cultural attractions.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for outdoor activities.

Other Things to Do

  • Take a day trip to the Valley of 1000 Hills, offering stunning scenery and traditional Zulu villages.
  • Visit the Durban Botanic Gardens, featuring over 4,000 plant species and a beautiful tranquil atmosphere.
  • Go on a whale watching tour (seasonal) or take a scenic helicopter flight over the city.