Durban, South Africa

Durban has a number of museums and sites worth visiting, so you won't run out of interesting things to do in the city. That being said, Durban is also ideally located for those wanting to spend some time on the ocean or among the inland mountains and valleys. From boat trips and safaris to guided museum tours, there's something for everyone to experience in Durban.

City Hall
This is a great place to visit, and not only to see where the local government does its business. The Durban City Hall is home to two different museums, conveniently located under one roof in the center of town. On the first floor, there's the Durban Natural Science Museum, where you can view a towering life-size Tyrannosaurus Rex or an ancient Egyptian mummy. After you've had your fill of science, head upstairs to the Durban Art Gallery where you can view African, Asian, and European artwork from the 15th-century to the present. Afterward, cross the street and relax at one of the bars and cafes at the Royal hotel, like the Exchange Bar or the Royal Coffee Shoppe.

Kwa Muhle Museum
The Kwa Muhle Museum examines Durban's cultural history, as a place where many ethnic groups have come together. The museum also deals with the history of apartheid in South Africa, and how it affected Durban. After this, go north on N.M.R. Avenue to the Old Fort at Warrior's Gate, a reconstructed 19th-century fort and military museum. The fort is now a National Heritage site, and provides an interesting and educational destination for an outing. When you've finished viewing the fort, head east to the beach and take a rickshaw ride or stop in at one of the many hotel restaurants and bars in the area. After recovering from your walk, you can jump on the trampolines at Lower Marine Parade.

Moses Mabhida Stadium
Start off your day with a leisurely brunch at the Hops Restaurant & Bar at the Riverside Hotel. Next, you can pursue some natural beauty and visit Burman Bush, or else drive or take a taxi over to the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Take the funicular to the top of the stadium's arches for panoramic ocean and city views. When you're back on solid ground, head back toward the beach for a sunset walk in the sand.

Day Trips

If you still need something to do after all these options, rent a car and drive out to Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, which consists of 448 hectares of natural forest in the gorge below Kloof and contains a wealth of animal and bird-life. If you stay all day in the reserve, you may want to spend the night. Try the Kloof Falls Lodge, where the rooms overlook the Molweni River as it tumbles into the ravine over the pretty Kloof Falls.
If that doesn't strike your fancy, head south to the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary, which contains a self-guided trail through the forest and three hides from which you can view many of the 150 species of birds that inhabit the area. Finally, if you'd rather see another town than explore the natural wonders of the area, head northwest on the N3 to Pietermaritzburg, about an hour's drive away.

Touring Companies

With its proximity to the ocean, plus miles of beaches and nature reserves, there are many things to do outdoors. Some you can do alone, such as surfing or swimming, but for more adventurous or technical activities, it's best to have a guide. Popular options for the area include boating and water activities (after all, Durban has a large and very active harbor), safaris and nature tours.

Water Activities: 

Blue Dolphin Tourist Services ((+27 31 207 5138/ http://www.blue-dolphin-ts.co.za)
Casea Charters (+27 31 561 7381/ http://www.caseacharters.co.za/)

Nature Tours and Safaris:

Amani African Tours (+27 11 524 0430/ http://www.amanitours.co.za)
1st Zulu Safaris (+27 31 337 3103/ http://www.1stzulusafaris.co.za/)
BirdsAfrica Tours (+27 31 266 3950/ http://www.birdsafrica.co.za)
Shongololo Tours (+27 31 564 0330 / http://www.shongololotours.co.za/)
 

Durban is a mix of different cultures, each with its own cuisine. Together, they compose the many-flavored culinary experience of this city. Durban's position on the coast of the Indian Ocean and its history of immigration and colonization by many groups has contributed to a culinary tradition rich in Indian curries and fresh seafood. African influences remain, but are less heavily felt than the Indian and English influences. As a large port city, Durban also has many examples of world cuisine, including several Italian and French restaurants, along with Asian restaurants and more. There are a few good bars of note, but generally drinking is confined to Irish pub chains, hotel bars and clubs around the Golden Mile area.  

City Centre/Harbor

The city center has many dining options, most of them quite unique. The Royal Hotel has a number of restaurants, providing a conveniently located culinary experience the center of town. Ulundi serves Indian food and curries in an elegant, colonial-style atmosphere. For a quick bite to eat or a pick-me-up, check out the Royal Coffee Shoppe, also in the Royal Hotel. In the harbor area, try some Italian food at Roma on Victoria Embankment. The harbor also has some bars and cafes that make for an interesting night out. Try Zack's cafe, which has typical coffee drinks, plus food and cocktails. There's also an open mic night, so you can hear the latest Durban talent while you enjoy your drink.

Golden Mile

The Golden Mile has a huge number of restaurants and bars, most of which are in hotels or connected to them. For a nice Indian meal and live Indian music, go to the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza's Jewel of India restaurant. If you're looking for some European food, the Victoria Bar and Restaurant serves unpretentious Portuguese seafood and has great drinks. For a taste of Cuba and a nice glass of wine, head to Havana Grill & Wine Bar, where the focus is on cigars, food, and Cuban style.

With a large concentration of bars and pubs, the Golden Mile is one of the best places to go for a night out. Surfers tend to frequent Joe Cool's, a well-known beachfront bar and restaurant with pool tables, but there are many other options available.

Berea/Kloof/Botha's Hill

The suburbs around Durban have much to offer, including sights, attractive housing and some hotels, and many different types of restaurants. There are several Indian and Pakistani restaurants in Berea and other nearby suburbs. For great North and South Indian cuisine, try Berea's Amaravathi Palki, or The Gulzar in Greyville which serve tandoori, curries, and other favorites. Families dining out should try the Mustang Spur, for a big salad bar and lots of choices in a child-friendly setting. Another option is Coimbra's, in Berea's Umbilo area, which serves Portuguese food and has live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

Near the Berea area, in Windermere, there's a trendy cafe and restaurant called Beanbag Bohemia. Housed in a 19th-century building, Beanbag has become a Durban institution, serving good food and drinks in a fun atmosphere.

Durban North/Umhlanga

One of the local treats in Durban is seafood from the Indian Ocean, such as langoustines or prawns from Mozambique. If you're in North Durban, try the Riverside Cafe, located in the Riverside Hotel. This restaurant serves very tasty food, including chicken satay and fried prawns, and there's a nice view of the Umgeni river.  

Whatever area of the city you are in, Durban's many restaurants are sure to tempt you with exotic flavors and enticing aromas. Go ahead, embark on a culinary adventure!