Durban's summer scene offers more than just beaches. From the 6km Golden Mile coastline to the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa's coastal gem delivers adventure, culture, and relaxation in equal measure. Whether you're after world-class surfing, wildlife encounters, or authentic Indian markets, this guide reveals why Durban should be your next summer destination.
Picture this: you're surfing waves in the morning, hiking through mountains, visiting art galleries in the afternoon, and sampling curry in an Indian market by evening. That's just a typical day in Durban, where South Africa's cultural melting pot meets one of the continent's most spectacular coastlines.
Exploring Durban in the Summer
Durban's weather remains inviting year-round, even during the winter. Perfect for activities for yourself, family and friends.
Durban's Golden Mile: 6km of Coastal Paradise
Durban is known for its “Golden mile”, a beachfront that stretches for 6-7km with a variety of beaches, such as:
North Beach, Dairy Beach, The Bay of Plenty & South Beach. Perfect for surfers to ride the waves, go swimming, fish, or just set up an umbrella and blanket and enjoy the warm sandy beaches or go for a jog.
The beachfront also features attractions:
- Traditional vendors - Selling a variety of unique Zulu crafts.
- Blue Lagoon - Perfect fishing spot and picnics.
- The Skate Park - For skateboarders, roller bladers and BMX riders.
- uShaka Marine World - Visit the aquarium, water park, dolphinarium, and restaurants featuring shark tank viewing.
- Suncoast Casino - A private casino complex with a private beach area, restaurants, shops and entertainment facilities.
- The Royal Natal Yacht Club - One of the oldest yacht clubs in the country, combining rich maritime history with modern sailing facilities.
- Durban Point - A new vibrant redeveloped area, offering bars and residential towers with sweeping ocean views, gondolas taking passengers on a ride through canals and waterways.
- Victoria Street - Take a stroll through the Victoria Street market, take in the colours, smells and find authentic Indian spices.
Security carefully patrols these areas to ensure your safety and play.
Beyond the Beach: Mountain Adventures and Wildlife
uKhahlamba – Drakensberg Mountain
Need a break from beach life? The Drakensberg Mountains (locals call it "The Berg") rise just hours from Durban's coast. This UNESCO World Heritage site straddles the border with Lesotho and offers some of Southern Africa's most dramatic landscapes.
The terrain is ideal for enjoying its breathtaking scenery of river valleys, mountain streams and rugged cliffs, hiking trails and learning or capturing its San rock paintings and a huge diversity of protected plant and animal species.
Shongweni Valley
Shongweni Valley caters to adventure seekers with activities ranging from gentle giraffe walks to challenging three-hour Sugar Loaf climbs. You can paddle the dam, abseil down cliff faces, or spend a night camping under the stars. Most activities require adult supervision, making it perfect for groups of friends or couples seeking active experiences.
Planning Your Durban Adventure
Durban delivers a variety that most destinations can't match. You can surf at sunrise, explore 4,000-year-old rock art by midday, and sample some of the world's best Indian cuisine by sunset. Pack light but pack smart – you'll need everything from hiking boots to swimwear. The only real challenge is fitting everything into one trip.
