Durban South Africa 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Time

  • Morning: Arrive at King Shaka International Airport (DUR) and take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel.
  • 10:00 AM: Check-in at the Hotel Club Contessa, a beachfront hotel with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. You can also consider other options like The Sundeck or The Bay Hotel.
  • 12:00 PM: Head to Ushaka Marine World, an oceanarium and theme park that’s great for families or those who love marine life. Enjoy the dolphin shows, shark tank, and other attractions.
  • 2:00 PM: Grab lunch at Mugg & Bean, a popular restaurant with delicious sandwiches and salads. You can also try The Waterfront for some fresh seafood.
  • 4:00 PM: Relax on Golden Mile Beach, which offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Square, a trendy restaurant serving up great steak and seafood options.

Day 2: Explore Durban

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with breakfast at The Coffee Shack, a cozy café with excellent coffee and pastries.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit Durban Botanic Gardens, which features stunning gardens, lakes, and walking trails. It’s a great place to spot birds and other wildlife.
  • 12:30 PM: Head to Umhlanga Rocks, a scenic coastal area with beautiful beaches and rock formations. Take a leisurely walk along the shoreline and enjoy the views.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit The Markets at Musgrave, which features local handicrafts, souvenirs, and delicious food stalls.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at De Bortoli Restaurant, which serves up great Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood.

Day 3: Cultural and Historical Experiences

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Phansi Museum, which showcases the history of apartheid and the struggle for freedom in South Africa.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Durban City Hall, a stunning example of late Victorian architecture that features a grand hall with impressive views of the city.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Warehouse Theatre Restaurant, which serves up great local cuisine and has an excellent selection of craft beers.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit The KwaMuhle Museum, which explores the history of African people in South Africa, with a focus on the slave trade and apartheid.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Cucina, a cozy Italian restaurant with great pasta dishes and wine.

Day 4: Adventure and Nature

  • 9:00 AM: Visit Durban’s Oceans Beach and take part in some water sports like surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at The Fish Factory, which serves up great seafood with a focus on fresh catches.
  • 2:30 PM: Head to the Botanic Gardens’ Rainforest for a scenic and peaceful walk through the gardens.
  • 4:00 PM: Take part in some Adventure Activities like bungee jumping, zip lining, or hiking at The Oribi Gorge, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Things to Know

  • Durban is generally hot and humid during summer (Dec-Feb), with average highs around 28°C.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov) and autumn (Mar-May) are great times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists.
  • Summer is also the peak season for surfing and water sports.

Transportation

  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Durban, but be sure to use reputable services like Uber or Taxi Safaris.
  • Shuttle Bus: You can take a shuttle bus from King Shaka International Airport to your hotel or other destinations around the city.
  • Bicycle Rental: Renting bicycles is a great way to explore Durban’s scenic coastline and surrounding areas.

Tips

  • Always use reputable tour operators and service providers.
  • Be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting cultural attractions.
  • Enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenic views of Durban – it’s one of the best parts about this city!
  • Don’t forget to try some of the delicious local cuisine and fresh seafood.