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Durban in a Day Top Epic Experiences You Can't Miss

Durban in a Day: Top Epic Experiences You Can’t Miss

| Last Updated: January 2024

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or someone who just loves soaking up the sun, we’ve uncovered the ultimate guide to help you make your day in Durban unforgettable. 

Ready to dive into the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of this coastal gem? Let’s explore the top things to do in Durban in a day.

Start your day at Moses Mabhida Stadium’s People’s Park

Website: https://www.mmstadium.com/attractions/peoples-park/

Address: 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Rd, Stamford Hill, Durban

Phone: 031 322 9956

Operating Hours:

  • People’s Park: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 7 PM
  • People’s Park Café: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 6 PM

Exploring Moses Mabhida Stadium’s People’s Park in Durban is like discovering a hidden haven of fun and relaxation. 

Your morning essentials are covered at the People’s Park Café, beckoning you with the promise of that perfect cup of coffee or an idyllic weekend picnic spot. For families, the bonus is the opportunity to bring the little ones and their bikes.

Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to hang out more at Moses Mabhida Stadium, check out the stadium tour. It shows you behind the scenes—like the changerooms, tunnels, and suites—giving you the history and cool events.

Explore diverse plant life at Durban Botanic Gardens

Website: https://durbanbotanicgardens.org.za/ 

Address: 9A John Zikhali Road, Musgrave, Durban

Phone: +27 (0) 68 598 1396

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 5:15 PM

The Durban Botanic Gardens is Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden, spreading over 15 hectares in a subtropical paradise. It’s a green wonderland showcasing a diverse collection of plants including the ancient wonders of the Cycad Collection.

Other highlights include a majestic banyan fig tree from India, a daily colour show by the rainbow eucalyptus, and the Garden of the Senses, offering a sensory feast with real velvet-like elephant leaves and aromatic spices. 

Pro Tip:
Feeling peckish? Grab your blanket, pack a picnic, and settle in on the lawns as the place is a perfect spot for a small traditional garden picnic. 

Visit the exhibits at the Durban Natural Science Museum

Address: 1st Floor, Durban City Hall, Smith Street, Durban

Phone: +27 (0)31 311-2256

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM

Durban Natural Science Museum takes you on a captivating journey through Earth’s history. Drawing 295,000 visitors yearly, it features a life-sized T-Rex, mesmerising dioramas, and screens highlighting Earth’s key moments.

Beyond dinosaurs, you can explore the Museum Research Centre, home to Africa’s third-largest bird collection, and take a mini time-travel trip in the Hall of Earth Sciences Gallery. 

Pro Tip:
After soaking in the wonders of the museum, take a stroll to the Old Durban Station Platform Roof and Durban Central Post Office, just a walk away. It’s a double whammy for history buffs, adding more layers to Durban’s rich narrative. 

Have a panoramic lunch at Roma Revolving Restaurant

Website: https://www.roma.co.za/ 

Address: 32 John Ross House, Jonsson Ln, Durban Central

Phone: 031 337 6707

Operating Hours:

  • Sunday – 12 PM to 4 PM
  • Saturday – 12 PM to 2 PM; 5:30 PM to 9 PM
  • Tuesday to Friday  – 5:30 PM to 9 PM

Roma Revolving Restaurant is your ticket for a top-notch dining experience in Durban. As the only revolving restaurant in the southern hemisphere, it offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the city, sea, and bay, giving you that wow factor. 

Specialising in authentic Italian flavours, their menu boasts dishes like calamari Biagio, veal scallopini, and a spot-on tiramisu. River Gold, the in-house wine at the restaurant, is a game-changer that enhances the delightful three-course feast

Pro Tip:
Elevate your Roma Revolving Restaurant experience by checking out their sky bar on the 33rd floor for a sophisticated drink with a view.

Need a venue for a private event? The 31st floor offers a sleek and exclusive space for your special occasions.

Experience water thrill at uShaka Marine World

Website: https://ushakamarine.com/ 

Address: 1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban

Phone: 031 328 8000

Operating Hours:

  • Open Daily – 9 AM to 5 PM

Situated on Durban’s golden shores, uShaka Marine World is a go-to playground that’s been making waves since 2004. Whether you’re a local or an adventure seeker, this spot promises serious fun. 

At uShaka Marine World, SeaWorld steals the show with the Southern Hemisphere’s largest aquarium, entertaining dolphin and seal shows, and opportunities to feed penguins and sharks.

Pro Tip:
When the hunger pangs strike, hit up Village Walk for a shopping spree or a feast. They’ve got everything from souvenirs to seafood, and some of the joints are even halal-certified.

Stroll along the scenic Durban Point Waterfront

Website: https://www.durbanpoint.co.za/ 

Address: 1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban

Durban Point Waterfront is a vibrant and modern spot in Durban that used to be a dull harbour area. Now you can enjoy the views of the ocean and the port as you stroll along the waterfront.

You have different choices for shopping, nightlife, and dining options serving local and international cuisine. If you’re looking for a place to stay, the Point Waterfront Apartments offer luxurious self-catering units with balconies overlooking the sunset.

Pro Tip:
For the ultimate experience, plan your stroll along the Durban Point Waterfront during sunset, when the sky transforms into a breathtaking canvas of warm hues, creating a perfect backdrop for your coastal adventure.

Wrap up your day at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani

Website: https://www.southernsun.com/southern-sun-elangeni-maharani 

Address: 63 Snell Parade, Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Phone: +27 31 362 1300

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Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is a stunning hotel in Durban with amazing ocean views and easy access to the beach. There are plenty of rooms to choose that will surely suit your budget and taste.

You can also enjoy delicious food from various restaurants, such as Daruma, The Grill Jichana, Lingela and Vigour & Verve. And if you want to relax or exercise, you can use the hotel’s pools, spa and fitness centre.

Pro Tip:
Add an extra day to your Durban trip for the Golden Mile Beach. With loads to explore, from water sports to cultural attractions, you’ll have more time to enjoy this vibrant stretch at a relaxed pace.

Observe a variety of bird species at Umgeni River Bird Park

Website: https://www.facebook.com/UmgeniRiverBirdPark/ 

Address: 490 Riverside Road, Durban North, Durban

Phone: +27 31 322 5750

Operating Hours:

  • Open Daily – 9 AM to 4 PM

Umgeni River Bird Park is the perfect spot for a laid-back day out in Durban with your crew. Home to over 800 birds spanning 200 species, this tropical paradise boasts waterfalls and landscaped gardens. 

At this conservation-focused park, you have the chance to catch the Free Flight Bird Show with skilled birds, visit the nursery for baby birds, and join efforts to conserve and protect endangered species like the wattled crane.

Pro Tip:
If you’re aiming for the full tropical paradise experience, make sure to catch Umgeni River Bird Park during those daylight hours. 

Explore the beauty of the Valley of a Thousand Hills

Website: https://www.1000hillstourism.co.za/ 

Address: 47 Old Main Rd, Bothas Hill, Durban

The Valley of a Thousand Hills, between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, is a cool tourist spot. You can check out the meeting point of Umgeni River and Msunduzi River for the exciting Dusi Canoe Marathon each year.

Saturdays at Shongweni Farmers Market offer fresh goods and crafts in a pet-friendly setting, while PheZulu Safari Park provides adventure with Zulu dance, animals, and a railway museum with Umgeni Steam Railway rides.

Pro Tip:
Where to stay? No worries. There are places for all tastes, from simple spots to nice hotels like Warren’s Guest House, Kangelani Lodge, and Eagle Wind Manor.

Wander through Mitchell Park Zoo

Address: 10 Ferndale Rd, Morningside, Durban

Operating Hours:

  • Open Daily – 9 AM to 3 PM

Mitchell Park Zoo is a cool place to chill with your friends and see some awesome animals. It’s the only zoo in Durban, and it has a history of being wild since 1910.

You can see colourful birds, cheeky monkeys, and giant tortoises, among others. The zoo is fun for everyone, with a playground for the kids and a walk-through aviary for the bird lovers.

Pro Tip:
Mitchell Park Zoo is best buds with Jameson Park, you’ve got a sweet rose garden with over 200 types of roses just a hop away. Perfect for a laid-back picnic on the lush lawns.

Immerse in maritime history at Port Natal Maritime Museum

Address: Samora Machel St, Durban Central, Durban

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Wednesday, Friday & Saturday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday – 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday – 10:30 AM to 4 PM

If you love all things nautical, you’ll enjoy Port Natal Maritime Museum in Durban. It’s a fun and educational place where you can see old ships, learn about maritime history, and hear amazing stories.

You can even go inside some of the vessels and feel like a sailor. And when you need a break, you can relax outside with a snack and a view of the harbour.

Pro Tip:
Extend your waterfront escapade by booking a boat trip with one of the nearby operators. Or, if you’re in the mood for some artsy vibes, swing by the BAT Centre, a creative hub bursting with arts, crafts, entertainment, and cultural activities

Browse the stalls of Victoria Street Market

Media from skeman

Website: https://www.victoriastreetmarket.co.za/ 

Address: 151/155 Victoria St, Durban Central, Durban

Phone: 031 306 402

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday – 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM

Opened way back in 1910, Victoria Street Market in Durban is the city’s OG market with 200+ vendors offering a mix of cultures. They’ve got everything from African art to Indian spices and traditional goodies.

Beyond shopping, it’s like taking a stroll through the heart of Durban, feeling the vibe of the place. With lively colours, tempting smells, and a bustling atmosphere, it’s the spot to check out for souvenirs or if you’re just in the mood for something different.

Pro Tip:
You can easily reach the market by taking the People Mover Bus City Loop and getting off at the Victoria Street stop. The bus stops at various attractions, including the market, and runs every 15 minutes from 6:30 am to 11 pm. 
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