Top things to do in Durban, South Africa
There is plenty to do in South Africa's bright and pleasant city, Durban, and tourists are often amazed at how affordable most things are. With western foreigners having the exchange rate in their favour, any holiday in Durban, South Africa can be filled with the most adventurous things to do and at a reasonable price.
Durban has an array of entertainment centers, cinemas, vibrant and modern shopping malls. The city sits in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, offering unforgettable wildlife viewing and safari trips just a few hours away from the city.
1. Go snorkeling
A snorkeling session at the uShaka Marine World can be extremely fun. There's a vast display of aquatic life, and this offers a great opportunity to get up close and personal with sea creatures of every kind.2. Do as the locals do
Watch a Rugby match. Rugby is big in South Africa and if you ever find yourself in this city of Durban be sure to grab tickets and head to the Kings Park Stadium. It has a lively atmosphere with people streaming all over the place in hopes to get a glimpse of their international champions. Don't forget to buy the local lager to toast to the occasion!3. Try Golfing
Golfing in South Africa is a fancy affair. With lush estates around the country, it is not hard to find a golf course that matches an expert players needs or a beginner for that matter. The country has hosted many domestic and international golf tournaments and proudly shows off world acclaimed players.
It makes an ideal destination for South African golfing holidays. Durban's Windsor Park Municipal Golf Course is a great place to start. It is an extremely appealing course to play, not the easiest but average players can get along fine here, too.
4. Visit uShaka Marine World in Durban
Not only does it offer great snorkeling activities for both kid and adult, uShaka also is an ideal place for a family day out or just a coffee break, or even a quick shopping spree for local goodies. The list is endless.
Picnics, adventure water rides, shark diving, discovering the remake of ancient shipwrecks and much more. uShaka Marine world in Durban, South Africa holds title to the fifth largest aquarium in the world. It is worth a visit!
5. African Fashion, horse riding, glitz and glamour!
The Vodacom Durban July is the event of the year. The excitement of this particular spectacle surpasses any other event of its kind on the African continent. This is a true reflection as to why Durban is known as South Africa's Playground.
More than 56 000 people are expected to witness South Africa's best solid-hoofed herbivores storm down the race track to finish off the R2 million, Vodacom Durban July. Splendid horses and elegantly dressed horse-lovers snootily parade the grand event to see and be seen by South Africa's elite.
The event also has many other activities and shows on display. Artists, surfers, musicians, food stalls, beach volleyball tournaments and loads more to enjoy and soak up in the warm African sun.
6. Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World
Living large Las Vegas style is what it's all about. 1250 slot machines and 50 game tables (Poker, Roulette, Punto Banco, Dice and Blackjack). There are smoking and non-smoking zones, trendy bars and private VIP lounges. The entertainment center is loaded with great eating places.
From fast foods and chain stores to five star gourmet restaurants and diners. There is also a cinema and elite nightclub with strict age restrictions. Suncoast Casino and Entertainment Center has something for everybody. Entry - Free.
7. Ride a colourful and interesting Rickshaw
While strolling the sandy beaches of Durban or discovering the local beachfront markets, you will no doubt have a colourfully dressed man approach you to ride one of his equally colourful rickshaws. By all means, take him up on his offer and discover this interesting city like a true tourist.
Even locals enjoy these rides. It's a breath of fresh air. A fun way to see the famous Durban Beachfront. Cost - There is a standard fee but you can always negotiate with the Rickshaw man.
8. Eating places in Durban - Tantalize your taste buds
Durban has the best Indian foods outside of India, and if you have a knack for hot and spicy foods from the East, then indulge in one of the many great restaurants in and around the city. Curries with aromatic rice are a delightful treat if you had a long day of travel. Also try local African meals that are meaty full and filling if you are really hungry.9. Shopping in Durban
Just the thought of all the malls and shopping opportunities the city of Durban offers is enough to make one tingle. South Africa has some of the best developments on the African continent and its shopping malls are a testament to its rising social and economical growth.
Pavilion Shopping mall in Westville, Durban is a favorite amongst young Durbanites and they contribute to its lively atmosphere and "buzz". Gateway Theatre of Shopping has an array of world class stores and recreational facilities and is said to be the largest mall on the Southern hemisphere. A day at this mall is never an average experience.
10. Visit the parks, rivers and museums
For the globally aware, The Mangrove Swamps on the bank of the Umgeni River is a good way to enrich your knowledge of birdlife and nature. The area has a Nature Conservation Education Center. For total peace and relaxation laze around or have a picnic at Durban's Botanical Gardens or a nice cup of tea in the Tea Garden.
A visit to the Durban Natural Science Museum is always great for kids and adults alike. The museum has a number of educational displays of reptiles, mammals, fish and even an Egyptian mummy.
