Durban Tour Packages

About Durban Tourism: Durban is an incredible destination in South Africa, with something to offer for all types of travelers. It features breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine, and exciting activities, making it the perfect holiday destination.

The Durban coastline boasts long stretches of golden sand and dazzling waters, making it ideal for beachgoers searching for a romantic spot to watch the sunset or enjoy action-packed surfing. The city has a rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its numerous landmarks and museums, such as the Durban Natural Science Museum and the KwaMuhle Museum.

Those looking to explore the area can take advantage of the lush and verdant hills of the Valley of a Thousand Hills or the Durban Botanic Gardens. Plenty of tour packages from Holidify are available for visitors to make the most of their time in Durban, with options for all budgets and interests. So, whether you're looking for a luxurious stay or a more budget-friendly option, Durban is the perfect place for your next holiday. So why not add this coastal gem to your travel bucket list and experience all it offers?

Places to visit in Durban

1. The Golden Mile: Renowned for beautiful views, lots of restaurants and shops, and multiple venues for entertainment, the Golden Mile is a long stretch of beachfront of 3.7 miles, which is one of the must-visit destinations in Durban.

2. uShaka Marine World: Situated on the Golden Mile, this famous attraction offers a variety of marine-based entertainment and education, with a large aquarium, a water park, and animal shows.

3. Durban Botanic Gardens: Founded in 1849, this landmark is Africa's oldest surviving botanical garden. This verdant oasis of 37 acres is home to a variety of plant species from around the world, including ferns and orchids, to name a few, along with several walking paths and picnic areas.

4. Valley of a Thousand Hills: Nestled between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, this picturesque area boasts a variety of wildlife and several hiking trails. Another highlight of this location is that it is still home to many Zulu people.

5. KwaMuhle Museum: History lovers can experience the city's past in this historic landmark of the KwaMuhle Museum. The museum showcases exhibits including apartheid-era struggles. This location should be on your go-to list if you’re interested in South African history.

6. Moses Mabhida Stadium: Named after the former South African Communist Party’s General Secretary, Moses Mabhida, this iconic landmark is a football stadium. It features striking architecture and impressive city views. Visitors can ride on the SkyCar, a cable car that offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding area.

7. The Victoria Street Market: This bustling and colorful marketplace is a great spot to pick up souvenirs and experience the local culture, with a wide array of vendors selling everything from spices to handicrafts.

8. The Umgeni River Bird Park: Home to over 800 birds from various exotic bird species, Umgeni Bird Park is located just a 10-minute drive from the city center. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the different bird species on display and even admire the ponds and waterfalls within the facility.

Things to do in Durban

1. Experience the thrill of surfing: Durban is an amazing destination to learn how to surf, with its warm waters and consistent waves. You can take lessons at one of the many surf schools in the area, or rent a board and hit the waves on your own. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, the surfing experience in Durban will be exhilarating.

2. Explore the local food scene: Discovering the city's rich and diverse cuisine is a must-do experience. With influences from Indian and Zulu heritage, the city's food scene is bursting with flavor. Take a food tour of the city to sample traditional dishes like bunny chow and biryani, or explore the many street food stalls and markets to witness the flavor of local cuisine.

3. Get up close and personal with marine life: The marine ecosystem of this South African city is an unforgettable experience. You can head out to one of the many dive sites in the area and check out the colorful coral reefs, or go snorkeling and swimming with schools of fish and other marine creatures.

4. Discover the city's rich history: Durban's long and complex history is fascinating, and is reflected in its many museums and historical landmarks. Take a walking tour of the city to learn about the struggles in the apartheid era, or visit the KwaMuhle Museum to explore its collection of artifacts.

5. Soak up the sun on the beach: Spending a day at one of the city's beautiful beaches is a must! Stroll along the famous Golden Mile and soak up the sun and sea air, or escape the crowds and head to some quieter beaches outside the city.

6. Take in incredible views from the top of Moses Mabhida stadium: Take a ride on the SkyCar to the top of the stadium for gorgeous panoramic views. It's the perfect spot for taking photos and enjoying the city skyline.

7. Explore the local wildlife: Experience the beauty of Durban's wildlife by visiting the local parks and reserves. The Umgeni River Bird Park and the Phezulu Safari Park are great places to get up close and personal with creatures such as exotic bird species and rare primates and learn about their habitats and behaviors.

Best time to visit Durban

Regardless of the season, Durban is an amazing city to go to. If you're looking to escape the heat, winter between June to August, is perfect! With average temperatures in the high teens to low 20s Celsius, you can explore the city's cultural attractions and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. And if you're a film enthusiast, don't miss the Durban International Film Festival in the winter.

Spring is the ideal time of year for those who want to take advantage of the warm weather. Temperatures reach the mid-20s Celsius from September till November, and the city is full of verdant greenery and blooming flowers. You can also attend the Durban International Blues Festival and enjoy outdoor activities like surfing and hiking.

And, of course, Durban's summer season between December to February, is hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the mid-30s Celsius. If you don't mind the heat and crowds, this can be a great time to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, from relaxing on the beach to the Durban July horse race.

Ideal duration for Durban

A weekend getaway is perfect for those looking to relax, while a week or more is ideal for seeing the sights. 

If you’re planning a weekend vacation, you can take in some of the city’s highlights and enjoy the beaches and lifestyle. First, wake up early and stroll along the beachfront promenade, then visit the bustling markets in the afternoon. Next, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Umgeni River for pristine views before heading back for dinner.

A week or more is ideal for a complete Durban experience. Make sure to visit the majestic Moses Mabhida Stadium, wander around the famous Victoria Street Market, and hike up Signal Hill to enjoy the sensational scenery. Also, don’t forget to spend plenty of time sunbathing on the city’s golden beaches.

How to reach Durban

Air: Durban's King Shaka International Airport is located about 35 km north of the city center and is well connected to major cities in South Africa and international destinations. 
Road: If you're coming from other parts of South Africa, you can reach Durban by car or bus. The city is about 560 km southeast of Johannesburg, and the journey takes 6-7 hours by car. 
Rail: If you're looking for a more scenic and leisurely way to reach Durban, you can consider taking a train. The Shosholoza Meyl operates several routes to Durban from cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth, offering comfortable sleeper cabins and dining cars.
Sea: Durban is also a popular port of call for several cruise lines, including MSC Cruises and the Norwegian Cruise Line. If you're arriving in Durban by sea, you can admire the city skyline and coastline as you approach the harbor.