Vacation Time - Things to do in Durban & Surrounding Areas
Durban, located on the east coast of South Africa, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and exciting activities to do and places to explore. Whether you're looking for an adventure-filled day out or a relaxing day at the beach, Durban has something to offer everyone. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the top things to do and see in Durban and its surrounding areas, including Ballito, Ushaka, and Pietermaritzburg.
One of the most popular things to do in Durban is to explore the beaches. There are many options to choose from, including Vetch's Pier near Ushaka, Margate Beach, Scottburgh Beach, Isipingo Beach Rock Pools, Ramsgate Beach, Saint Michael's by the Sea (which has a waterfall on the beach), Marina Beach, and Tinley Manor Beach, which boasts a natural tidal pool. These beaches are perfect for paddle boarding and snorkeling, making them an ideal spot for water lovers.
If you're looking for relaxation, you'll find plenty of options for massages in Durban. Some popular options include Mangwanani, Coastlands Ridge, Fordoun in the Midlands, Changing Faces, Seemas Beauty, and Forever Beauty (on Brickfield Road). The last three are known to be more affordable options.
For a more adventurous day out, there are many places to go and things to do in Durban. One must-see attraction is the Umgeni Bird Park and Bird Show. The Umgeni Steam Train is another great option, as well as Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, Mitchell Park, Japanese Gardens, Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, and Crow for Animals. For nature lovers, the Shongweni Dam and Nature Reserve is a great spot for hiking, as well as Umhlanga next to Breakers Hotel, Phezulu Safari Park, and the Groovy Ball Adventure Park near Pietermaritzburg.
Durban is also home to many fun hangouts and coffee shops, including Circus Circus for drinks, Elangeni Hotel for coffee, Botanic Gardens for the best crumpets, Caminettos Play Area and Pizza-Pasta, Jimmy Jungles, Go Bananz in Toti, Waffle House in Ramsgate, Revolving Restaurant for dessert, Vapor Cafe, Wakaberry, Musgrave Cafe Oasis 195 Musgrave Road (not halal), Nando's (halal) Sparks Road, Mochachos (Galleria and Beach Front), Maxis (Atrium), John Dorys (Atrium), Zambeze (Musgrave), Pot and Kettle Hillcrest (not halal), 2 Go, Address (Innes Road), Mezzaluna (Cresent Street), Exotic, Sunkist Restaurant, Ipahle 305 (in Toti) for a beautiful view and drinks, Spur (halal) Overport, Jmos outside Gateway, The Market Marriot Road, Florida Road, Big Ben Isipingo Beach (halal), Tiagos Port Shepstone (halal), Adega Gateway (halal), Eatwise (halal), Continental Bakery (halal), Maestros fine dining, Manjra's Restaurant, Sea Cow Lake, Bemath's Sea Cow Lake, My Diner's, At Tap Coffee Shop Durban North, Rj's Halal, Antique Cafe, Chocolate & Cheesecake Bar, Kebabish North Beach (halal), Pavilion and Westwood Food Courts, Belvedere Coffee Shoppe Kloof.
There are also plenty of water-based activities to enjoy in Durban, such as Sunderland Pool in Windermere, Rays World at Ushaka, and the Ushaka Marine World. At Ushaka Marine World, you can see a wide variety of marine life, including dolphins, seals, and even sharks, and take part in activities like snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.
Another popular water-based activity in Durban is Microlighting. You can take a flight at Club Venture and experience the thrill of flying over the beautiful coast of Ballito. Club Venture also offers ziplining and snorkeling. Another great spot to visit in Ballito is Hole in the Wall, located at Thompsons Beach, which offers stunning views of the coast.
If you're looking for more adventure, you can visit Burnndale Farm outside of Salt Rock and take part in activities like cane cutting. For something more laid back, you can visit Litchi Orchard and explore the beautiful farm or spend some time shopping at Tiffanys Mall or Ballito Lifestyle Center.
Waterberry Coffee Shoppe in the Forest (not halal) is a great place to grab a coffee and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. For a more upscale dining experience, you can check out Sage Restaurant (not halal) or the Virginia Airport Coffee Shoppe.
Another must-see attraction in Durban is the Shark's Board, which offers a chance to learn about these fascinating creatures and their role in the ecosystem. Lucky Linton in Tinley Manor is another great spot to learn about marine life, with a variety of different animals on display.
For a more adrenaline-pumping water-based activity, you can visit Giba Gorge and take part in activities like biking, horse trails, and even coffee tasting. Karkloof Canopy Tours offers zip-line and suspension bridge experiences in the Karkloof Forest Reserve. Harbor cruise is also one of the popular water activity, where you can see Durban's skyline while cruising on the Indian Ocean. Oribi Gorge is a great spot for hiking with beautiful views of the gorge.
In the Midlands, you can take a drive on the Midlands Meander, a beautiful road trip through the scenic countryside, and Hillcrest- Kloof area, which is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Zimbali and Killarney 4x4 trails are also popular spots to explore. Kranskloof Nature Reserve and Duck and Deck Animal Farm are also worth a visit. Mini Town and Rickshaw Tour Bus are also good options for family fun and learning the history of Durban.
For a more unique water-based experience, you can visit Midmar Dam and Inanda River Valley and Dam. Tala Game Reserve also offers a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes. Helicopter tours and Sunset Ridge Farm are also popular options for an exhilarating experience.
Durban and its surrounding areas are a treasure trove of exciting activities and beautiful natural attractions. From the beaches to the mountains, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or simply looking for a relaxing day out, Durban has something to offer. With the perfect combination of sun, sea and adventure, Durban is a destination not to be missed.
In addition to the many outdoor activities and natural attractions, Durban and its surrounding areas also offer a variety of options for entertainment, including theatres and movie places.
One popular theatre in Durban is The Playhouse Theatre, which offers a wide range of performances, including plays, musicals, and stand-up comedy. The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is another great option, with a diverse range of performances, including dance, drama, and musicals.
For a more intimate theatre experience, you can check out The Winston Theatre, which is known for its small and cozy atmosphere. The Catalina Theatre is another great spot, offering a variety of performances and workshops for all ages.
For those looking for a cinema experience, there are many options in Durban and surrounding areas. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping offers a wide range of movies and a state-of-the-art IMAX theatre. The Ster-Kinekor at the Galleria and Westwood Mall are also popular options. The Nu Metro at the Pavilion and the CineCentre at the Musgrave Centre are also great options.
If you're looking for a more unique cinema experience, you can check out the Suncoast CineCentre, which is located at the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World, and the Ster-Kinekor at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre. The Suncoast Cinema is a great spot for a family day out with a variety of movies to choose from.
In addition, there are also some independent theatres and movie places, such as the Labia Theatre in Durban and the Barnyard Theatre in Pietermaritzburg. These theatres offer a more unique cinema experience with a variety of movies and plays that rotate frequently, many of them showing independent, foreign and art-house films that you might not find at the multiplex.
Overall, Durban and its surrounding areas offer a wide variety of theater and movie experiences for all ages and interests, from large, state-of-the-art theatres to intimate, independent venues. So whether you're in the mood for a classic drama, a blockbuster movie, or a unique film experience, you're sure to find something to suit your taste.
One of the most popular things to do in Durban is to explore the beaches. There are many options to choose from, including Vetch's Pier near Ushaka, Margate Beach, Scottburgh Beach, Isipingo Beach Rock Pools, Ramsgate Beach, Saint Michael's by the Sea (which has a waterfall on the beach), Marina Beach, and Tinley Manor Beach, which boasts a natural tidal pool. These beaches are perfect for paddle boarding and snorkeling, making them an ideal spot for water lovers.
If you're looking for relaxation, you'll find plenty of options for massages in Durban. Some popular options include Mangwanani, Coastlands Ridge, Fordoun in the Midlands, Changing Faces, Seemas Beauty, and Forever Beauty (on Brickfield Road). The last three are known to be more affordable options.
For a more adventurous day out, there are many places to go and things to do in Durban. One must-see attraction is the Umgeni Bird Park and Bird Show. The Umgeni Steam Train is another great option, as well as Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, Mitchell Park, Japanese Gardens, Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, and Crow for Animals. For nature lovers, the Shongweni Dam and Nature Reserve is a great spot for hiking, as well as Umhlanga next to Breakers Hotel, Phezulu Safari Park, and the Groovy Ball Adventure Park near Pietermaritzburg.
Durban is also home to many fun hangouts and coffee shops, including Circus Circus for drinks, Elangeni Hotel for coffee, Botanic Gardens for the best crumpets, Caminettos Play Area and Pizza-Pasta, Jimmy Jungles, Go Bananz in Toti, Waffle House in Ramsgate, Revolving Restaurant for dessert, Vapor Cafe, Wakaberry, Musgrave Cafe Oasis 195 Musgrave Road (not halal), Nando's (halal) Sparks Road, Mochachos (Galleria and Beach Front), Maxis (Atrium), John Dorys (Atrium), Zambeze (Musgrave), Pot and Kettle Hillcrest (not halal), 2 Go, Address (Innes Road), Mezzaluna (Cresent Street), Exotic, Sunkist Restaurant, Ipahle 305 (in Toti) for a beautiful view and drinks, Spur (halal) Overport, Jmos outside Gateway, The Market Marriot Road, Florida Road, Big Ben Isipingo Beach (halal), Tiagos Port Shepstone (halal), Adega Gateway (halal), Eatwise (halal), Continental Bakery (halal), Maestros fine dining, Manjra's Restaurant, Sea Cow Lake, Bemath's Sea Cow Lake, My Diner's, At Tap Coffee Shop Durban North, Rj's Halal, Antique Cafe, Chocolate & Cheesecake Bar, Kebabish North Beach (halal), Pavilion and Westwood Food Courts, Belvedere Coffee Shoppe Kloof.
There are also plenty of water-based activities to enjoy in Durban, such as Sunderland Pool in Windermere, Rays World at Ushaka, and the Ushaka Marine World. At Ushaka Marine World, you can see a wide variety of marine life, including dolphins, seals, and even sharks, and take part in activities like snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.
Another popular water-based activity in Durban is Microlighting. You can take a flight at Club Venture and experience the thrill of flying over the beautiful coast of Ballito. Club Venture also offers ziplining and snorkeling. Another great spot to visit in Ballito is Hole in the Wall, located at Thompsons Beach, which offers stunning views of the coast.
If you're looking for more adventure, you can visit Burnndale Farm outside of Salt Rock and take part in activities like cane cutting. For something more laid back, you can visit Litchi Orchard and explore the beautiful farm or spend some time shopping at Tiffanys Mall or Ballito Lifestyle Center.
Waterberry Coffee Shoppe in the Forest (not halal) is a great place to grab a coffee and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. For a more upscale dining experience, you can check out Sage Restaurant (not halal) or the Virginia Airport Coffee Shoppe.
Another must-see attraction in Durban is the Shark's Board, which offers a chance to learn about these fascinating creatures and their role in the ecosystem. Lucky Linton in Tinley Manor is another great spot to learn about marine life, with a variety of different animals on display.
For a more adrenaline-pumping water-based activity, you can visit Giba Gorge and take part in activities like biking, horse trails, and even coffee tasting. Karkloof Canopy Tours offers zip-line and suspension bridge experiences in the Karkloof Forest Reserve. Harbor cruise is also one of the popular water activity, where you can see Durban's skyline while cruising on the Indian Ocean. Oribi Gorge is a great spot for hiking with beautiful views of the gorge.
In the Midlands, you can take a drive on the Midlands Meander, a beautiful road trip through the scenic countryside, and Hillcrest- Kloof area, which is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Zimbali and Killarney 4x4 trails are also popular spots to explore. Kranskloof Nature Reserve and Duck and Deck Animal Farm are also worth a visit. Mini Town and Rickshaw Tour Bus are also good options for family fun and learning the history of Durban.
For a more unique water-based experience, you can visit Midmar Dam and Inanda River Valley and Dam. Tala Game Reserve also offers a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes. Helicopter tours and Sunset Ridge Farm are also popular options for an exhilarating experience.
Durban and its surrounding areas are a treasure trove of exciting activities and beautiful natural attractions. From the beaches to the mountains, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or simply looking for a relaxing day out, Durban has something to offer. With the perfect combination of sun, sea and adventure, Durban is a destination not to be missed.
In addition to the many outdoor activities and natural attractions, Durban and its surrounding areas also offer a variety of options for entertainment, including theatres and movie places.
One popular theatre in Durban is The Playhouse Theatre, which offers a wide range of performances, including plays, musicals, and stand-up comedy. The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is another great option, with a diverse range of performances, including dance, drama, and musicals.
For a more intimate theatre experience, you can check out The Winston Theatre, which is known for its small and cozy atmosphere. The Catalina Theatre is another great spot, offering a variety of performances and workshops for all ages.
For those looking for a cinema experience, there are many options in Durban and surrounding areas. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping offers a wide range of movies and a state-of-the-art IMAX theatre. The Ster-Kinekor at the Galleria and Westwood Mall are also popular options. The Nu Metro at the Pavilion and the CineCentre at the Musgrave Centre are also great options.
If you're looking for a more unique cinema experience, you can check out the Suncoast CineCentre, which is located at the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World, and the Ster-Kinekor at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre. The Suncoast Cinema is a great spot for a family day out with a variety of movies to choose from.
In addition, there are also some independent theatres and movie places, such as the Labia Theatre in Durban and the Barnyard Theatre in Pietermaritzburg. These theatres offer a more unique cinema experience with a variety of movies and plays that rotate frequently, many of them showing independent, foreign and art-house films that you might not find at the multiplex.
Overall, Durban and its surrounding areas offer a wide variety of theater and movie experiences for all ages and interests, from large, state-of-the-art theatres to intimate, independent venues. So whether you're in the mood for a classic drama, a blockbuster movie, or a unique film experience, you're sure to find something to suit your taste.
