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In a country where the history vouches for its amazing landscape, resources and well, past itself, there is indeed ought to have hundreds of exciting things to do. Staying true to the expectations you may have from it, the Rainbow Country of the world surely provides you plentiful of mesmerizing attractions that are certainly famed to leave their spectators spellbound. Even apart from its inexplicable natural beauty, thanks to its endless coastlines, interminable desert and lush mountains, there are still ample of attractions in South Africa waiting to be discerned. Exploring the rich foliage and regal jungle creatures, with special mention of the big five through safaris, walking the vastly spread vineyards and wineries, discovering the energetic towns, meeting the warm local folk and soaking in the absorbing culture and history of the place, add to your list of some very interesting things to do in South Africa.
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and is also the capital of the Gauteng province. It has the perfect mixture of beautiful traditional heritage of the land and modern advancements that establishes this lovely city as a must-visit destination on your trip to this country. A city known for its rich arts and culture scene with many art gallery and cultural centres, and for hosting international cricket matches, Johannesburg has a lot to offer to its visitors. The city Johannesburg in South Africa is the country's chief industrial and financial capital. It was initially a part of Transvaal, one of the provinces of South Africa. Johannesburg was established in 1886, after the revelation of gold. Today the city is a part of Gauteng, one of the nine territories of South Africa.
Nature too has favoured this erstwhile South African city with abundance of beauty and wildlife which can be witnessed through its numerous parks and tropical rain forests. It is also a wonderful place to shop and eat to your heart’s fill.
Attractions in Johannesburg:
Things to do in Johannesburg:
There are many adventure sports that can be done at Johannesburg city. They include adventure rides at Gold Reef City amusement park, adventures sports like bungee jumping, abseiling at Orlando Tower, scuba diving at Prism Business Park or a paintball game at the Bush Paintball Range. One can also play golf at World of Golf or visit various sports centres and museums.
Hotels in Johannesburg:
Restaurants in Johannesburg: Trumps Grillhouse and Butchery in Sandton, Tashas, Moyo Melrose Arch at the high street, Quills Restaurant at Kempton Park, Marble Restaurant and The Fat Zebra in Randburg are some of our favourite restaurants in Johannesburg city.
Nightlife in Johannesburg: Some of the best nightclubs in Johannesburg City are Lord’s Cigar Bar, Stanley Beer Yard, The Hide Out, Hush, Upstairs at Mesh and The Marabi Club.
Shopping in Johannesburg: Artisanal spirits, gold jewelleries, African crafts and artifacts, a Krugerrand and Ndebele art are some of the most popular souvenirs you can buy from Johannesburg in South Africa. Carlton Centre, Neighbourgoods Market, African Craft Market and Rosebank, Mall of Africa and 44 Stanley are some of the top recommended places for shopping in Johannesburg.
The capital of Western Cape Province of South Africa, Cape Town is a terrific city that’s famous all over the world for its spotless golden beaches and superb cultural heritage. The great Table Mountain, glittering seas, gigantic boulders, mystic underground caves and the sprawling vineyards just add to the allure of this delightful city which is often called as the Mother City. From practically any stand point, you can witness a mountain or a sea in, and most of the times, both.
Cape Town is known to have some of South Africa’s most significant history and culture. It forms a vital part of your itinerary for a trip in the country especially due to the endless attractions and activities that it offers you to enjoy here. Its street art, delectable food and thriving nightlife are sure something to experience.
The Cape Town in South Africa is famous for its tricky climate and weather conditions. Its Mediterranean climate is characterized by dry summers and mild, wet winters. If you’re lucky enough you can witness up to four seasons in a day.
Places to Visit in Cape Town:
Things to do in Cape Town :
Hiking, scuba diving, skydiving at Diepkloof Airfield, watching marine creatures at Two Oceans Aquarium, mountain biking, strolling at Tokai Forest, wine tasting, surfing, kayaking, paragliding, wildlife watching at Silvermine Nature Reserve etc. are some of our picks of the best things to do in Cape Town.
Restaurants in Cape Town:
Pigalle Restaurant, Haiku Cape Town CBD and Mzansi at Cape Town Central, Miller’s Thumb at Tamboerskloof, La Mouette Restaurant near Sea Point, Stardust Theatrical Dining at Foreshore and Market on the Wharf are a few top restaurants in Cape Town.
Nightlife in Cape Town:
Some of the popular clubs at Cape Town are Bob’s Bar District Six, Cocoon Cape Town, Shimmy Beach Club, Reset, Chez Ntemba Nightclub, Julep Bar etc.
Shopping in Cape Town:
No trip is complete without shopping, so here are some of the places for shopping in Cape Town. Baraka Gifts & Décor, Old Biscuit Mill, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Greenmarket Square, Cape Diamonds & Arican Trading Port.
Durban is the third most populous city in South Africa, following Johannesburg and Cape Town. It is a part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and was one of the cities that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Previously called Port Natal, Durban is among the most popular holiday destinations in the country, attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors throughout the year. What makes the city special is its incredible natural beauty and renowned tourist attractions. From mesmerising views of the seaside, mountains and valleys to serene beaches, beautiful temples and grand stadiums, there’s a lot to see while you visit South Africa. The history of Durban dates back thousands of years to when it was first inhabited by groups of hunter-gatherers. However, the city that we see now dates back to around 1824, when a group of a few Britishers established their settlement in the region.
Now, Durban City has become a major spot in South Africa, with various fun things to do. Tourists can go sightseeing and witness the world-renowned places in and near Durban, like the Golden Mile, The Valley of a 1000 Hills, Umgeni River Bird Park, North Beach Durban, Botanic Gardens, etc. Shopping for local crafts, enjoying the vibrant nightlife, dining at luxurious restaurants, etc., are some other popular things tourists prefer during their visit to the city. Durban is also a great spot for fun activities, like spending a day at the uShaka Marine World, riding the Big Swing at Moses Mabhida Stadium, going shark cage diving, taking casual strolls on beaches, and more.
|
Places to vist in Durban |
Operating hours |
Ticket Prices |
|
North Beach |
Open 24 hours |
None |
|
Umgeni River Bird Park |
9 AM to 4 PM |
R40 for adults and R20 for children (age 4-12) |
|
Durban Botanic Gardens |
7 AM to 5:45 PM |
No entry fee |
|
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple |
4:30 AM to 7:30 PM |
Free admission |
|
Mitchell Park Zoo and Jameson Park |
9 AM to 4 PM (Mitchell Park Zoo) & 24 hours (Jameson Park) |
R12 for adults and R10 for children (age 2-13) to visit Mitchell Park Zoo
|
|
KwaMuhle Museum |
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
No entry fee |
|
uShaka Marine World |
9 AM to 5 PM |
Prices depend on which tour you choose |
|
Durban Natural Science Museum |
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
Free entry |
Durban is located in the eastern coastal region of South Africa. It lies at the Umgeni River’s mouth, which flows through the city, overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is KwaZulu-Natal province’s largest city and the chief seaport in the country. It is about 568 kilometres southeast of Johannesburg and just 77 kilometres from Pietermaritzburg.
The city’s history has massively influenced its culture and traditions, offering a blend of Indian, European and African backgrounds. A similar influence is seen in the regional language, making it one of the most diverse holiday destinations in the world. In Durban, the majority of the people are fluent in English. Hence, most tourists will not face any issues conversing with the locals during their trip. Other major languages spoken in Durban include Zulu (isiZulu), Xhosa, Afrikaans, Fanagalo, etc. Durban is also home to one of the largest Indian communities outside of India, so you can expect to occasionally come across individuals conversing in Indian languages.
The currency that is primarily used and accepted in Durban is called South African Rand (ZAR). It has been the currency of legal tender in South Africa since it replaced the South African Pound in 1961. The South African Rand is denoted by the symbol “R” and its value has largely fluctuated through the years. As of 9th April 2023, 09:52 AM (UTC), the value of 1 ZAR is equal to 4.53 INR and 0.055 USD.
Durban City is among the most diverse and visited holiday destinations in South Africa. The renowned vacation spot is mainly known for things like:
The coastal city of Durban is a very versatile holiday destination in South Africa. Many tourists visit the city for the Durban beach experience and gaze at the spectacular seafront views. The amusement park experience in the city is another of its primary tourist attractions. Besides these, Durban is famous for its botanic gardens, game reserves, bird parks, picnic spots, etc. It is also a great place where you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife and adventure tourism in South Africa.
The city of Durban is quite well-connected with other parts of South Africa and the world via various transport methods. Here’s how you can get to the city:
One of the fastest and most comfortable ways to reach Durban is via plane. The King Shaka International Airport (DUR) is the main airport serving the city since 2010. It is located approximately 35 kilometres from the Durban city centre. Besides international flights, the airport also features frequent domestic flights connecting Durban to major South African cities, such as Cape Town and Johannesburg. Once you land at KSIA, you can take a taxi or bus to Durban City, which should take about 30 minutes.
Travelling to Durban by road is another suitable way to reach the city quickly and comfortably. You can hire a taxi or go for a rental car for this purpose. If you are starting your journey from Port Elizabeth or Cape Town, consider following Highway 2 around the coast. And if you are travelling from Johannesburg to Durban, you can take Highway 3. There are also frequent bus services, like Baz Bus, Translux, Citiliner, etc., connecting Durban with the main cities in South Africa.
The Durban Railway Station offers reliable and convenient rail connectivity between Durban and other South African cities, like Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg. It is located about 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Durban is a land of many wonders, and if you are planning your next trip to this beautiful city, make sure to check out these interesting facts about it for a better idea:
There are many reasons why one should visit South Africa’s famous city, Durban, at least once in their lifetime. For instance, individuals looking to spend a memorable vacation amidst nature without steering far from city life will find Durban to be a perfect location. Apart from its magnificent beaches, valleys and mountains, its city life offers attractions like museums, amusement parks, religious landmarks, and so on. The views of the sunset and sunrise from the city are also quite popular in the region. Referred to as “South Africa’s Playground”, the clear and warm weather of Durban makes it a pleasant location to visit in the country throughout the year. Its diverse culture and rich history also draw the attention of thousands of visitors annually.
Another major reason to visit Durban in South Africa is that it is considerably cheaper when compared to other major cities, like Cape Town or Johannesburg. The availability and quality of food, transport and accommodation in Durban are quite good. You can grab a decent hotel in Durban, travel via public transport and check out the various tourist attractions in the city, all within a budget.
To answer the popular question “Is Durban safe for tourism?”, it should be noted that the crime rate in the region is a bit on the higher side. However, the main tourist areas remain considerably safe for visitors. Hence, as long as you are taking all precautionary measures and listening to the instructions of your tour guide, you can enjoy your holidays in Durban without any hindrances.
Depending on your travel budget, you can choose from the various transport methods available to reach Durban. You can find details about the general travel cost to reach the city in the following:
Keep in mind that these prices can vary depending on your starting location and date of travel.
