The Golden Mile, Durban

Durban is most famous as a beach holiday destination, so it's no wonder that its most popular attraction is the sandy beach stretching across one end of the city centre. Known as the Golden Mile, the beach starts in the north at Blue Lagoon, a popular picnic and fishing spot; past Suncoast Casino and Mini Town on North Beach; by the skate park, surfing museum, and restaurants in the Bay of Plenty; past the small souvenir market and hawkers near Fun World; all the way to uShaka Marine World in South Beach.

The Golden Mile is the epicentre if Durban tourism, dotted with elaborate kiddie pools and framed by high-rise hotels and holiday flats on all sides. A wide, flat promenade runs nearly the entire way, and tourists can enjoy strolling or rollerblading along it, or taking a ride in a colourful rickshaw. The beach itself is wide and flat, and good for swimming and surfing. On Sundays, the amphitheatre near North Beach hosts a large flea market, offering everything from beaded jewellery and wood carvings to saris and pirate dvds.

During the day, the Golden Mile is a paradise for holidaymakers and sun-worshippers, however it is not considered safe to walk on the promenade after dark. Visitors should keep watch of their belongings at all times and beware of pickpockets.

Tala Game Reserve, Durban

Tala Private Game Reserve, just a 45-minute drive inland of Durban, is a relaxed sanctuary where visitors can view zebra, hippos, rhinos, giraffe, kudu, antelope and other wildlife. Surrounded on all sides by farmland, you won't find predators like lions or cheetahs there, but Tala is a great day trip for those who can't rough it in the bigger parks like Umfolozi or Kruger. The restaurant is excellent, offering plated of buffet-style meals with African flair, and the various luxury accommodations are perfect for romantic getaways. It's also a popular venue for weddings and conferences. Tala allows self-drive safaris, which don't have to be booked in advance, or you can opt to be taken on a two-hour trips with a knowledgeable guide, either by 4x4 or on horseback.

Admission:
Game drives: R220pp

Umgeni River Bird Park, Durban

The Umgeni River Bird Park has had a dramatic history in recent years, closed down by its owners due to unprofitability, then rescued by the municipality after an uproar from the community. The park, tucked away near an industrial section of Durban North and the Umgeni River, houses over 400 species of birds, all displayed along shady winding paths. The park's free-flight bird show, which runs daily at 11am and 2pm, has been entertaining families and school groups for over a decade, featuring vultures, owls, cranes, and other impressive fowl. There is also an undercover cafe that offers sodas, sandwiches and chipsEntrance is only 30 rand for adults. The park is accessible by bus, but it doesn't run very often.

Durban Natural Science Museum, Durban

The Durban Natural Science Museum is of the old school of museums, with diorama displays and stuffed specimens of extinct animals rather than interactive experiences. There's a dusty replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and plasma screens showing natural history scenery. Still, the museum is incredibly popular with local families and school groups, attracting up to 300,000 visitors annually. It's a great alternative for kids to visit while adults take in the exhibits at the upstairs Durban Art Gallery. Located in the beautiful City Hall, the museum is on a main bus and taxi route. The area is busy during the day, and tourists should take care not to show expensive cameras and cell phones that attract pickpockets.

Opening Times:
Open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am - 5pm. Sunday and Public Holidays from 11am – 5pm. Closed Easter and Christmas Day.

Admission:
Free

Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

The Moses Mabhida Stadium was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is one of South Africa's most picturesque stadiums. With its iconic 'arch of triumph', the waves of the Indian Ocean crashing in the background, and an amazing view of Durban's Beachfront, the stadium offers a few attractions of its own. Adventurous visitors will be able to enjoy the rush of the Big Swing, the world's only stadium swing and the largest of any kind, facilitating a jump from the stadium's arch 348 feet (106 m) above the pitch where people will swing out over the pitch and 80,000 seats below. The Sky Car is perhaps the stadium's most notable attraction which ferries up to 20 people to the stadium arch's highest point, from where they can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the city, while the Skywalk takes visitors up 550 steps of the arch and back down again. Tours of the stadium are also available.

Opening Times:
Public tours 11am-4pm weekdays, 9am-4pm weekends

Admission:
Tours start at R20, Skycar R50, Adventure Walk R80, Big Swing R595. Concessions available.

Natal Sharks Board, Durban

For something fun and educational, take the kids to the Natal Sharks Board, just 9 miles (15km) north of Durban in Umhlanga, to learn about the marine life that lives off the shores of Durban's 'golden mile' as well as the shark nets that provide protection against shark attacks across the Kwazulu-Natal coastline. There are daily presentations and shark dissections at the complex and kids will love visiting the display hall to view the variety of lifelike replicas of sharks, fish and rays, including that of a 1966-pound (892kg) great white shark. There are even boat trips running seven days a week to view the shark nets being serviced and to see and learn about the dolphins, seabirds and fish life that abound off Durban's coast. Boat trips must be booked in advance. The Sharks Board is near Gateway mall and the Umhlanga Rocks city centre, but isn't within walking distance of public transportation.

Opening Times:
Open Tuesday to Thursday at 9am and 2pm; Sundays at 2pm. Closed public holidays

Admission:
Presentation and dissection: R25 (adults); R12 (children). Boat trip: R250. Bookings for boat trip essential. Tel: 082 403 9206

Mini Town, Durban

This knee-high miniature replica of Durban makes a great outing for families and kids of all ages. Located on Durban's beachfront, Mini town is a popular and well-loved tourist attraction for kids and adults alike. It features moving models of planes and trains, a circus complete with gorilla, a movable bridge which makes way for passing ships, landmark buildings, and even a tug boat that makes its way around its very own miniature dock. All models and buildings have been created on a 1:24 scale. Mini Town is owned by the Quadriplegic Association of KwaZulu-Natal and is used as a method of raising funds for their organisation while providing employment for some of their members. It's located on a main bus line, and is within easy walking distance of Suncoast Casino and many popular beachfront hotels.

Opening Times:
Open daily from 9am – 5pm

Admission:
R15 (adults); R10 (children)

Juma Masjid Mosque, Durban

The grand Juma Masjid Mosque was the first mosque to be built in KwaZulu-Natal, starting construction in 1881 and continuing with renovations and improvements until 1943. One of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, its minarets dominate the central Indian district of downtown Durban, and the muezzin that calls the faithful to prayer from its tower can be heard from many parts of the city. Around the mosque is a bustling neighbourhood with takeaway curry restaurants that offer the distinctly Durban 'bunny chow', a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry; the exotic and busy Victoria Street Market; as well as many small shops selling fabric, saris, jewellery, and more. The area is easily accessible by bus or taxi, but visitors should be wary of pickpockets and travel in groups.

Opening Times:
Weekdays 9am to 4pm and Saturday mornings. Tours are recommended

KwaMuhle Museum, Durban

The KwaMuhle Museum is dedicated to the history of race laws in KwaZulu-Natal, showing through multimedia presentations the experiences of local people during Apartheid. It is housed in the building that was once the Department of Native Affairs, from which the infamous labour system was administrated. KwaMuhle means 'place of the good one' in honour of a white man who ran the department, but did his best to fight the system from within. A fascinating and very personal look at the diverse and difficult cultural history of the region. It's open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 4pm, and Sundays and public holidays from 11am to 4pm. The KwaMuhle is near the centre of Durban, close to several bus and taxi routes.

Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 4pm; Sundays and public holidays 11am to 4pm

uShaka Marine World, Durban

In January 2004 Sea World closed its doors to the public and reopened as uShaka Marine World, which has become the largest marine theme park in Africa. The park is tastefully themed with African imagery and has five zones offering entertainment, dining, a variety of shops, water slides and access to uShaka Beach. Wet 'n Wild offers eight water rides, ranging from heart-stopping, adrenalin-pumping rides to lazy activities for the less adventurous. Sea World has an aquarium with thousands of fish, reptiles, and aquatic mammals on display; a dolphinarium that performs regular musical shows; a penguin rookery, and interactive activities like snorkelling and the 'shark walk'. The Village Walk features the new Dangerous Creatures exhibit, with spiders, snakes, frogs, scorpions and other poisonous creatures. Rayz Kids World gives kids a place to burn off energy with massive jungle gyms and climbing structures. For adults, Moyo offers an oasis at the end of the pier with a brand-new double-story bar right over the water. uShaka is in South Beach, so you can walk there along the beach, or take a bus or kombie. The area can be dangerous, but once inside the park security is good and it's relatively safe.

Getting There:
Marine World is on the main Point Road bus route and is serviced by Greenline and Mynah buses

Opening Times:
Daily 9am to 5pm.

Admission:
R130 adults, R99 children

Fun World Amusement Park, Durban

A place of nostalgia for the parents who bring their children here, the Fun World Amusement Park situated on Durban's bustling beachfront provides safe and secure family entertainment that kids of all ages will enjoy. Take the gondola ride to enjoy a scenic view of the beachfront from the air, let the older kids enjoy carnival rides such as the Breakdance, Hully Gully, Tilt-a-Whirl or Swingboat, while the tiny tots can get their thrill on in the Elephant Ride or the Carousel. The nearby paddling pools, recently renovated, are a great place for smaller children who are too young for the ocean waves, and kids of all ages can find something to enjoy in the underground arcade. Fun World is relatively safe during the day, but tourists should not walk around in the area after dark. It's close to bus and taxi routes, and nearby to some of Durban's most popular beachfront hotels.

Opening Times:
Opening times vary according to season

Admission:
Free. There is a charge for individual rides

Francis Farewell Square, Durban

This historic square in the middle of Durban is the spot where the city originated as a tiny settlement of itinerant traders and hunters in the early 19th century. It is named for Henry Francis Flynn, one of the prominent inhabitants of the time. Around the square are some interesting sights, particularly the 1910 City Hall on the south side, which is an exact replica of the City Hall of Belfast, Ireland. On the first floor of the City Hall is the Natural Science Museum with an interesting insect section; on the second floor is the renowned Durban Art Gallery. Various musical, song and dance performances are held on the City Hall steps every Wednesday at 1pm. Alongside the City Hall is Durban's local history museum housed in the Old Court House, which was the first public building ever erected in Durban, in 1866. The Square is easily accessible by bus or taxi, and is a great place to take photos, but be careful with expensive cameras as the city centre is rife with pickpockets.

Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, Durban

In the far north of Kwa-Zulu Natal are a string of nature reserves and game parks, of which the largest and most exciting is the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, dominated by the fascinating St Lucia estuary and lake system. It covers five distinct ecosystems varying from dry thorn scrub to tropical forest and is bordered by giant dunes, beaches and tropical reefs. Big Five game viewing is on offer, and this is the only place in the world where you will see hippos, crocodiles and sharks co-habiting in the same lagoon. There are comfortable rest camps in the park. The Wetland Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Opening Times:
Open 24 hours daily, office hours are daily 8am to 4.30pm

Admission:
Entrance to St Lucia village is free. An entrance fee is applicable to all the reserves.

Zululand Battlefields, Durban

Zululand, ancestral home of the Zulu people and site of many a bloody battle between the British, the Boers and the Zulus during the 19th century, is best explored as a self-drive adventure, although many tours are available from Durban. Every town in this area of northern KwaZulu-Natal has a story to tell or an event to commemorate and tourism offices throughout the region provide maps and guides to assist visitors in making the most of the history, culture, scenery and wildlife. The landscape varies from plains, to rolling hills, river valleys and lush forests. This land once encompassed the Zulu kingdom led by legendary Shaka Zulu, who clashed with the British and the Boers in many epic battles. Centre of the Zulu nation is the small town of Eshowe. King Shaka was born close to the town, and it was also the site of a 10-week siege during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Other towns of note are Ladysmith and Dundee, near which were fought the historic battles of Rorke's Drift, Blood River and Isandlwana. There are numerous 'living museums' in the form of Zulu cultural villages open to visitors in the area.

The BAT Centre, Durban

On the Victoria Embankment beside the Durban harbour is a haven for artists and musicians known as the BAT Centre (an acronym for Bartle Arts Trust, the organisation that helped to found the centre). The centre features a studio where traditional artists can work; a hall that hosts concerts, conventions and festivals; exhibition galleries; a music store and drum shop where handcrafted wooden drums are made; and a restaurant serving authentic African dishes from all over the continent. There are stunning views of the harbour from the restaurant deck, which hosts live jazz music on Sundays. Nearby is the Maritime Museum, which details the history of the harbour and houses a restored tugboat and other interesting exhibits. The BAT Centre is close to bus and kombie routes, but going at night it is best to take a taxi or drive as the area isn't safe to walk in.

Opening Times:
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm; Saturday 10am to 2pm

Durban Botanic Gardens, Durban

Durban's Botanic Gardens are renowned for having the finest collection of plantlife anywhere in Africa. Established in 1851, the gardens, on Sydenham Hill Road west of the Greyville Race Track, are the city's oldest natural attraction, providing a relaxing spot to stroll among huge indigenous and exotic trees, and the stunning orchid house display. The gardens are also abuzz with birdlife and boast a lovely tea garden. Go for a picnic under the trees or by the pond, but leave the sports equipment behind as frisbee and ball games are not allowed. The gardens are a popular spot for wedding photos on Saturdays, and once a month they host a Sunday afternoon concert that attracts thousands of Durbanites. The gardens are in a nice area of Durban to walk in, or there are several bus routes that go past. There's no entrance fee, but if you drive you are expected to tip the car guard two to five rand.

Opening Times:
Daily 7.30am to 5.45pm. 5.15pm in winter

Drakensberg Mountains, Durban

The jagged peaks of the Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains) tower over the eastern border of Kwa-Zulu Natal with Lesotho, providing a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The mountains abound with hiking trails, climbing routes, 4x4 trails, pony treks and adventure pursuits, all accessible from numerous resorts in the lower reaches. Some of the more popular resorts are Champagne Castle, Cathkin Peak and Cathedral Peak, while Giant's Castle and its game reserve are famed for the more than 500 rock paintings left behind by the San people on cave walls. Eagles soar around the peaks in the Royal Natal National Park in the north, where the dramatic scenery includes the Amphitheatre, a five-mile long (8km) curved basalt wall. The region is largely untamed, and criss-crossed by lengths of rugged dirt roads. The only road that breaches the mountain range and crosses the border to Lesotho is the hair-raising Sani Pass, which is topped by the highest pub in Africa.

Midmar Dam, Durban

North-west of Durban in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal is the Midmar Public Resort Nature Reserve, offering accommodation, picnic sites and recreational opportunities around the huge Midmar Dam. At the main entrance is the Midmar Historical Village, a reproduction of a 19th century redbrick village with tree-lined streets, a village church and Hindu Temple. Many of the buildings are originals that have been relocated to the site from towns and villages elsewhere in the province. There are also vintage steam train rides on offer and Shire horse carriage rides, as well as several shops, restaurants and exhibition halls. Midmar is also the centre of the Midlands Meander arts and crafts route, which winds through the Midlands along the R103 road, taking in more than 65 participating attractions dotted across the countryside, ranging from herb farms to antique shops and artists working with stained glass. The huge dam stages the annual Midmar Mile, the world's largest open water swim.