Durban
South Africa
- uShaka Marine World
- Moses Mabhida Stadium
- Durban Botanic Gardens
- Valley of a Thousand Hills
- Drakensberg
About Durban
Durban, on the Indian Ocean, is the largest city of KwaZulu-Natal and one of Africa's busiest ports. Its warm climate and long beaches make it a year-round centre for surfing and seaside holidays.
A large community of Indian descent has shaped its food and markets; the curry-filled bunny chow was born here. Zulu culture and the Drakensberg mountains are within easy reach.
How many days do you need?
Allow three days: one for the beachfront promenade, uShaka and Moses Mabhida Stadium, one for the Botanic Gardens and the markets of the centre, and one for the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Plan a separate trip with at least one night for the Drakensberg.
Where to stay
- Umhlanga — To the north, with hotels, beach and malls, close to the airport.
- Morningside and Florida Road — Lively, with restaurants and bars.
- Beachfront — Hotels right on the sand and the promenade.
From the airport to the city
King Shaka International Airport (DUR) is north of the city at La Mercy. Airport shuttle buses, taxis and ride-hailing cars run to the centre and Umhlanga.
Getting around
The city is spread out, so many visitors use ride-hailing apps or a rental car. The promenade along the shore makes it easy to walk between beaches.
Good to know
- Swim only at beaches with lifeguards and shark nets.
- Summers (November–March) are hot, humid and rainy; winters are mild and dry.
- English and Zulu are widely spoken. The currency is the South African rand.
Useful links
- ACSA (South African airports) airports.co.za
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: February–September. The warmest month is February (average high 79 °F); the wettest is December (5.4 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 77.7 | 4.73 | Good |
| February | 78.6 | 3.28 | Ideal |
| March | 77.9 | 3.71 | Ideal |
| April | 75.6 | 3.13 | Ideal |
| May | 73.9 | 2.25 | Ideal |
| June | 71.8 | 1.33 | Ideal |
| July | 70.3 | 1.20 | Ideal |
| August | 70.2 | 1.39 | Ideal |
| September | 70.9 | 2.52 | Ideal |
| October | 71.4 | 4.72 | Good |
| November | 73.0 | 4.79 | Good |
| December | 75.4 | 5.37 | Good |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Human Rights DayMarch 21
- Public HolidayMarch 22
- Good FridayMarch 26
- Family DayMarch 29
- Freedom DayApril 27
- Workers' DayMay 1
- Youth DayJune 16
- National Women's DayAugust 9
- Heritage DaySeptember 24
- Day of ReconciliationDecember 16
- Christmas DayDecember 25
- Day of GoodwillDecember 26
- Public HolidayDecember 27
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencySouth African Rand (R)
- Dialling code+27
- Plugs & voltageType C, D, M, N · 230 V · 50 Hz
- Emergency112 · Police 10111 · Ambulance 10177
- DrivingOn the left
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.