This 5-day itinerary, covering about 600 km, is designed for families who want to make the most of their time in Durban while experiencing some of the city’s most popular and exciting sites. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, learn about the local culture, or get up close and personal with South Africa’s wildlife, this itinerary has got you covered. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure in Durban that you and your family will never forget!
Day 1: Explore the Golden Mile
- Visit the Golden Mile and Promenade: Start your trip with a leisurely walk along Durban’s famous beachfront, known as the Golden Mile. Enjoy the ocean views and take a stroll on the promenade, which is lined with shops and restaurants. Take a swim in the Indian Ocean. It will be wonderfully refreshing.
- uShaka Marine World: Spend the afternoon at uShaka Marine World, a popular theme park and aquarium that offers a range of activities and exhibits for all ages. You can watch dolphin and seal shows, visit Africa’s largest aquarium, or try out the water slides and other rides at Africa’s highest slide water park. Shark Dives and Feeding the Fish are special activities that you can try. Are you a fan of venomous creatures? uShaka Marine World caters for reptile enthusiasts too. Visit the Dangerous Creatures exhibit for your dose of thrills. Open from 09:00 – 17:00 daily, you can spend a whole day here and still want to come back for more.
- Tour the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the stadium built for the FIFA Soccer World Cup in 2010, and now welcomes the Comrades Marathon runners home at the end of the ‘down run’. It’s a beautiful stadium, with a sky car ready to take you to the top. If you’re feeling particularly brave, why not take a swing across the stadium?
Day 2: Umhlanga and Ballito
- Umhlanga Beach: Take a lovely stroll along the Umhlanga Promenade, just north of Durban, and walk along the Whalebone Pier. Enjoy the many varied restaurants in this part of the city.
- Gateway Theatre of Shopping: Visit this amazing shopping mall, watch an Imax movie, or indulge in some shopping. There is lots of entertainment available for the children.
- Bounce: Yes, you read correctly, Bounce! This is an activity just for the kids – an indoor trampoline park. It will help them get rid of any pent-up energy.
- Ballito: If you travel slightly further north, you will arrive at Ballito and then Salt Rock, where you can pick fresh litchis at the Litchi Orchard.
Day 3: Walking Tours
- Durban Walking Tour: Take a guided walking tour of Durban to learn more about the city’s history and culture. You can visit landmarks like the Durban Point, the Bangladesh Market, and the Grey Street Mosque, and sample some of the local street food along the way.
- Krantzkloof Nature Reserve: Have a picnic at this beautiful reserve in the suburb of Kloof, just west of the city centre. The reserve is home to more than 250 species of birds and other fauna and flora.
Day 4: Valley of a Thousand Hills
- The Valley of a Thousand Hills and PheZulu Safari Park: Take a day trip to the Valley of a Thousand Hills, a scenic area located about 30 minutes outside of Durban. You can hike or bike through the hills, visit PheZulu Safari Park and see a Zulu village to learn more about the local culture or take a boat ride on the nearby dam. Take a guided tour of the park to see animals like zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest up close.
- Lunch: Enjoy a fabulous lunch at one of the many restaurants. Try the Pot and Kettle and gaze out over the scenic valley below, or indulge in a treatment at the Talloula spa. As you enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Valley, reflect on all you have experienced thus far.
Day 5: Sani Pass
- Sani Pass: Finish your trip with a visit to the Sani Pass. You will have to set out early for this trip, but it will be well worth it. We recommend booking a guided tour, mainly as the road up the Pass can be dangerous. Visitors also need a 4 x 4. If the weather is good, the views are spectacular.
Would you like to extend this itinerary?
A great addition to this itinerary would be a trip to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. As it is a 3-hour drive from Durban, you might wish to make use of a guided tour company for this one so that you can sit back and enjoy the drive. You may be fortunate enough to spot the Big 5.
The Midlands Meander is also a great addition to any itinerary near Durban. The wonderful thing about the Midlands Meander is that you can tailor it to suit your needs.
Head south and enjoy the magnificence of Oribi Gorge.
