Visitors can enjoy the magnificent environment and cultural wonders of the Valley of the Thousand Hills in the North, long sandy beaches of the South and the up-market atmosphere and lifestyle of Umhlanga.
Sports enthusiasts love Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, there is so much to do. The Comrades Marathon and the Duzi Canoe Marathon are held here every year, drawing many competitors and visitors alike.
There are also great dive and snorkelling sites, about 12 sites including a couple of ship wrecks. There are about 8 museums in the greater Durban area including the Port Natal Maritime Museum and the Natural Science Museum, which is one of the smallest but busiest with many interesting activities and exhibits all year, visitors can see a life size T.rex model and even an Egyptian Mummy.
Fun things to do in and around the city of Durban
uShaka Marine World - Bell St
A world class entertainment and tourism destination. It has the 5th largest aquarium in the world by volume of water, waterslides, an amusement park as well as family entertainment, education tours and the 1200 seat Dolphin stadium.
The aquarium has indoor and outdoor displays with realistic features. Kids can be thoroughly entertained by watching the seals, joining in at the touch pool and loads of other activities at this massive complex right on the beach. There are various places to get a bite to eat before exploring Wet 'n Wild, an excellent water park with great rides for the young and adventurous.
Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World - Durban's Golden Mile
Located right on a great stretch of beach and with plenty to do and lots of food experiences for the whole family.
Funworld - Beachfront
The Beachfront Amusement park is a wonderland of fun for adults and kids, providing secure entertainment for the whole family. There is a cable car and many exciting rides and paddling pools nearby.
The Workshop Shopping Centre - Aliwal St
A colonial historical landmark now a super shopping centre with everything you need.
Wilsons Wharf - Durban Harbour
The trendiest place to be for food, fun, crafts and top shows in the boating marina.
The Point - North Pier
In the process of massive redevelopment, visitors can spend time along the quayside at one of the many pubs and restaurants watching the ships come and go in Africa's busiest Port. There is also a flea market.
Indoor Miniature golf - Brickhill Rd
This is an indoor and air-conditioned 36 hole course. Put-Put and outdoor miniature golf - Blue Lagoon offers 19 hole putting course open every day till late.
Mini Town - North Beach
A mini city within a city, this popular attraction has stood the test of time for 30 years. Fitzsimons Snake Park - next to Mini Town - Combine this with a trip to Mini town for beachfront entertainment.
Paintball Arena - Old Fort Road
This is an outdoor arena at Hoy Park Club.
Ice World - North Beach
Open during the school holidays.
Forts, Temple, Monuments and Mosques - in and around the city
Always something for everyone and no lack of history and culture. A totally unique building would be the Temple of Understanding in Chatsworth.
Coastal Attractions
Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom - near Umhlanga
A casino on a grand scale, with Afro-chic interiors and striking architecture. There is a warm welcome here and excellent service.
Gateway Shopping and Entertainment Centre - Umhlanga
This is the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere and has everything available for the whole family.
Board - Umhlanga Rocks
The only organisation of its kind in the world offering educational audio-visual shows, there is a curio shop with various shark related products.
Crocodile Creek - Tongaat
Visitors can see various reptiles and tortoises as well as lots of crocodiles.
Crocworld - Scottburgh
Something to see whilst visiting the beaches in the area.
Funworld - Amanzimtoti
A centre offering fun and games for the whole family including ten pin bowling and dodgem cars and video games.
Amanzimtoti Bird Park/Sanctuary - Amanzimtoti
A peaceful and spacious park with a central stretch of water surrounded by rolling lawns and gardens on one side and indigenous riverine forest on the other. There are winding trails where visitors can observe the prolific birdlife.
Umgeni River Bird Park - on the banks of the Umgeni River
Kids will love the waterfalls and lush vegetation as well as the more than 400 bird species that can be observed. Right on the river bank, families can relax in the tea garden or watch the free flight bird show.
Heading inland
Phezulu Safari Park - Botha's Hill
This is an exciting experience just 35km from Durban. The park enjoys great views of the Valley of 1000 Hills and offers a Zulu welcome to visitors so that they can experience traditional Zulu culture and learn about it, there is also a tribal dancing show. On the grounds there is a reptile park with crocodiles and various indigenous snakes.
The Beer Route - various breweries from the city to up country
This route is like the Cape Wine Route, showcasing breweries both large and small to be found in the city and in great destinations in the country. There are demonstrations on the art of beer making; beer tasting and gift packs can be purchased.
Umgeni Steam Railway - from Kloof through the 1000 Hills
Departing the first and last Sunday of the month through this scenic area and the Valley of 1000 Hills to Inchanga.
Horseback adventures - all over the KwaZulu-Natal
There are many stables situated in a variety of settings, from beach to forest throughout the Kingdom of the Zulu.
