As we head into spring yet again, visitors from around the world will be visit Durban; here are our 8 popular sites to visit. Some sites will charge an entrance fee but others are free of charge. Most of the sites are open 7 days a week but it’s always a good idea to call ahead of visit their website to check.
Durban offers visitors so many different experiences to enjoy, these are just a small selection of our favourites. So, without any further rambling, here is our list of popular Durban sites to visit in no particular order.
1. Durban Botanical Gardens
The gardens are everyone’s favourite site to visit; as the oldest surviving botanical gardens in Africa, this grand-daddy of botanics deserves special mention.
The gardens are home to some special species of plants including some of the oldest in the planets, the cycads, as well as the rarest tree on earth, “Wood’s cycad”. There is also a sensors garden for that with sensory challenges, a small lake home to some terrapins and plenty bird species and best off all, free entry!
When you do visit, book a tour with Vishnu, the gardens official tour guide – it’s an amazing experience!
- Durban Botanical Gardens website.
- No entry fee.
- Open 7 days a week.
2. KZNSA Gallery
The KwaZulu Natal Society of Ats gallery is a fantastic and inspirational site to visit in Durban. There are art exhibitions of different mediums held throughout the year and over the December period, the members of the gallery get to display and sell their own art.
On site is a great little cafe that often has live music and there is a little curio shop on site for last minutes gifts.
- The KZNSA Gallery website.
- Open 7 days a week, closed some holidays.
3. Durban City Hall
Durban City Hall was completed in 1910 and is a great example of Victorian-era architecture in Durban; designed by Stanley Hudson in the Edwardian neo-baroque style, it takes it’s inspiration from the Belfast city hall.
Unfortunately the main hall is closed to the public owing to renovations, but on south side entrance is the science museum and the Durban art gallery.
The Durban Natural Science Museum
As much as I hate the phrase, the Durban Natural Science Museum is one of those hidden-gems. Situated in the city hall, it’s not apparent that he museum is there, but when you get inside, it has to be one of the best museum experiences in Durban! Just to whet your appetite, there is a t-rex, a dodo and an Egyptian mummy on display!
Durban Art Gallery
The Durban Art Gallery is located one floor above the science museum and I personally love visiting the museum. The art gallery focuses a great deal on local artists and is always hosting new exhibitions.
- The Durban Natural Science Museum website.
- The Durban Art Gallery Facebook page.
- Both are open most days but it’s best to double check.
- No entry fees.
4. M.O.T.H. Museum Of Militaria
Next up on our 8 popular sites to visits is a fascinating one site to visit, especially if you have an interest in military history.
The Memorable Order of Tin Hats is an organisation created by Charles Alfred Evenden. Witnessing the annual ANZAC parades, Charles Evenden turned his thoughts to the formation of an association of front line soldiers to perpetuate the comradeship gained from front line service.
The museum is small but packed to the brim with memorabilia of bygone wars and everything is meticulously dated and researched. Well worth on afternoons exploring.
- The MOTH website.
- Open only on certain days, best to call ahead.
A little overwhelmed with all the choices of things to do in Durban? Want to make it a little easier on yourself?
We offer a range of tours designed to give you the very best experience of Durban. Our tours include;
5. uShaka Marine World
Another favourite for visitors, uShaka is home to the largest aquarium by volume of water in the southern hemisphere. The marine world is home to;
- The Aquarium: great to explore and you can book and experience swimming with sharks and or snorkel in some of the displays.
- Wet ‘n Wild: a fun filled family destination with water slides, pools and rides.
- Sea World: amazing dolphin shows, seal and penguin presentations and just a lovely place to spend some time learnign more about our blue water neighbours.
- Village Walk: outdoor shopping precinct for those looking for some curios, or want to book a gondola ride or just enjoy a delicious lunch.
6. Moses Mabhida Stadium
Built for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the stadium is considered to by one the best stadiums in South Africa. It’s iconic arch is 105m off the ground and you can book a climbing tour up the arch.
Sports fans will be delighted to learn that you can enjoy a tour of the stadium itself, visiting the changing rooms, the presidential box and the field itself. There are so many interesting facts to learn including that the roof is made of a type of glass and that the rain water is harvested!
At the stadium you can also book a Segway Gliding tour from the helpdesk.
7. Umgeni River Bird Park
The Umgeni River Bird Park is a fun destination for the entire family. The park is set against the Umgeni river and is home to not only indigenous species of birds, but some amazing exotics as well – totally 220 species of bird!
The bird park is open throughout the week and they do have displays and shows at specific times throughout the day. One of the great draw-cards is that you get to actually walk through some of the aviary.
- Visit their Facebook page for more info.
- There is an entry fee and it can get really busy on weekends.
8. Xpressions on the Beach
Life in Durban revolves around the beach and that’s why Xpressions is on our list!
The promenade in Durban is the longest uninterrupted on the east coast of Africa and all that lovely paving is perfect to enjoy a cycle along. Hire bikes at Xpressions and get the blood flowing while soaking in some vitamin D.
If cycling is not your thing, you can book some surf or even SUP lessons at Xpressions as well. And once you’re done, enjoy a healthy lunch at the restaurant below.
- Visit the website for details on hire costs.
- Open 7 days a week.
8 Popular Sites to Visit: The End
Durban is an amazing city with so much to explore, experience and soak in that we could never cover everything in just one blog post, but these 8 popular sites to visit is a great start.
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