Durban, South Africa-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Durban

  • Morning: Arrive at King Shaka International Airport. Take a taxi or shuttle bus to your accommodation.
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel and freshen up. Visit the nearby Umhlanga Rocks, a scenic coastal area with beautiful beaches, restaurants, and shops.
  • Evening: Head to The Waterfront in Durban for dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants. Try The Oyster Box for a luxurious dining experience.

Day 2: City Tour

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at The Bannister Hotel’s rooftop restaurant, which offers stunning views of the city.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Durban Botanic Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
  • 11:30 AM: Stop by the Golden Mile, a 6-kilometer stretch of beachfront that offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional South African cuisine at The Durban Curry House.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Iziko Dumeni Cultural Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Zulu people.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the city center.

Day 3: Beach Day

  • Morning: Spend the day relaxing on Durban’s famous Golden Mile. Soak up the sun, take a dip in the ocean, and try some water sports like surfing or paddleboarding.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at one of the many beachfront restaurants, such as The Beachcomber.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Uphongweni Nature Reserve, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Day 4: Snorkeling and Diving

  • Morning: Take a guided snorkeling or diving tour to explore the Protea Banks, a popular spot for shark sightings.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach or at a nearby restaurant.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Umhlanga Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the coastline.

Day 5: Zulu Culture

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands, where you can experience traditional Zulu culture and visit local villages.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Zulu cuisine, such as umngqusho (maize meal) or sosaties (meat skewers).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Ilanga Museum, which showcases the history of the Zulu people.

Day 6: Adventure

  • Morning: Take a guided zip-lining tour through the forest, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant or pack a picnic to enjoy in the forest.
  • Afternoon: Visit the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles and hippos.

Day 7: Last Day

  • Morning: Spend your last day in Durban relaxing on the beach or exploring the city.
  • Lunch: Try some local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the city center.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Durban Art Gallery, which showcases a variety of South African art.

Accommodation

There are many great places to stay in Durban, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Some popular options include:

  • The Oyster Box Hotel: A luxurious hotel with stunning views of the ocean.
  • The Bannister Hotel: A comfortable and affordable option with a rooftop restaurant.
  • The Beachcomber Hotel: A beachfront hotel with stunning views of the ocean.

Getting Around

Durban is easily accessible by taxi or shuttle bus from King Shaka International Airport. There are also many public transportation options, including buses and minibus taxis.

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: The official language of South Africa is Afrikaans, but English is widely spoken.
  • Currency: The South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency.
  • Weather: Durban has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
  • Safety: As with any city, take normal precautions to stay safe.

Other Essentials

  • Medical Services: There are many good medical facilities in Durban, including private hospitals and clinics.
  • Shopping: Durban has many shopping centers and markets where you can buy local handicrafts and souvenirs.
  • Dining: Durban is famous for its seafood restaurants and traditional South African cuisine.