Durban & KwaZulu-Natal Travel Guide
From pristine beaches to safari escapes, discover the heritage and natural beauty of the Zulu Kingdom.
For South Africans the sun-kissed beaches of Durban are synonymous with carefree summer holidays, but there’s so much more to KwaZulu-Natal province than this laid-back seaside city.
From spices to safari, snow-capped peaks to surfing, there’s no end of adventure waiting to be discovered in the land of the Zulu kingdom.
Durban revels in its seaside location, from high-rise luxury hotels overlooking the warm Indian Ocean to the five-mile seafront promenade. And using the promenade as your guide is a fine way to discover the city. Down south, explore the world-class aquarium and water-park at uShaka Marine World, or hire a guide to walk you through Durban’s colourful history on a stroll through the colourful Victoria Street market. Book a surf lesson at North Beach, or keep heading north to the adrenalin-packed Big Swing at the Moses Mabhida stadium.
But there’s more to ‘KZN’ than Durban, and the province offers a wealth of wonderful road-trips for adventurous travellers. The Kwazulu-Natal Midlands is a haven of art, craft and design, while a drive west brings you to the foot of the dramatic uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History buffs shouldn’t miss the battlefields of central KwaZulu-Natal, where talented guides recreate the drama and tragedy of the Anglo-Zulu wars that raged here in the late-1800s.
Further north, the lush hills of Maputaland offer remarkable opportunities for Big Five safari adventures, while a handful of luxury eco-lodges on the coast offer marine safaris that include whale-watching, scuba diving and up-close turtle encounters.
Durban takes a laid-back approach to its restaurant scene. On the promenade you’ll find relaxed seaside cafes just off the beach. Circus Circus is a local favourite, complete with service at sun loungers on the sand.
Come evening book a table at 9th Avenue Waterside, overlooking the yacht basin, where chef Wesley Aucamp delivers a superb seafood-focused menu.
But Durban is most famous for its fiery curries. Ask your guide for their favourite takeaway joint for a ‘bunny chow’, else head for the legendary curry buffet at The Oyster Box Hotel.
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Step one: pack your swimming costume, as you won’t want to miss out on a dip in the warm seas of KwaZulu-Natal. Durban is (in)famous for its humidity, so pack light, comfortable cotton clothing for exploring the city. A wide-brimmed sun hat is also recommended. Durban is famously laid-back, and aside from a handful of high-end restaurants, casual attire comes standard. If you’re going on safari, or exploring the Drakensberg, comfortable walking shoes are a must.
KwaZulu-Natal province enjoys a warm sub-tropical climate. Though the Drakensberg and Midlands regions can feel the chill of winter (June-August), most of the province – including Durban – enjoys mild to warm weather throughout the year. Summer (December to March) is the rainy season, with high temperatures and humidity, while winter days are typically mild and clear.
Durban, the Drakensberg and most of KwaZulu-Natal are entirely malaria-free. In the far north of the province there is a very low risk of malaria, particularly during and after the rainy season (October-May). Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure.
Plan your adventures in the Zulu kingdom with our informative maps.
Situated 30 minutes north of the city, Durban’s King Shaka International Airport is the main gateway to the region. Convenient domestic connections link Durban to both Johannesburg and Cape Town, while a handful of direct international flights connect to Europe and the Middle East. Private charter services are the fastest way to reach the game reserves of northern KwaZulu-Natal, a three-hour drive from Durban.
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