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Durban is a coastal South African city located east of Lesotho. From game drives and national parks to art galleries and fine dining, Durban has it all. The city was extensively renovated when it hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, making it more appealing than ever for visitors.
Maybe you’ve already visited and are looking for new things to do, or perhaps you prefer to avoid the crowds and see sites that others miss. Either way, you’ll love these 12 incredible hidden gems in Durban.
1. Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve
This 76-hectare reserve has the largest population of mangrove trees in Durban and is used as a conservation education center.
Visitors can wander among black, red, and white mangroves or explore the creeping plans among the sand dunes that dot the shoreline. Birdwatchers will enjoy rich birdlife, including Mangrove Kingfishers, Curlew, and Water Dikko, and three marked trails and a boardwalk make the reserve an accessible place to explore on foot.
Beachwood Mangroves is only open to the public every third Saturday of the month from 8 am to 1 pm.
2. Phansi Museum
Phansi Museum is home to several of the largest collections of traditional crafts, arts, and artifacts in South Africa. What started out as a private collection is now one of the leading institutions in Durban and an essential stop on any cultural tour of the city.
The museum is located in Roberts’ House, home to Esther Roberts, one of South Africa’s first female anthropologists. Here, you’ll get a unique glimpse into the spiritual and cultural development of Indigenous communities in the region. Expect to see artifacts such as life-size dolls wearing ceremonial clothing, 19th-century beadwork, and Zulu pots.
3. Himeville
Himeville makes a great full-day trip from Durban. Located in KwaZulu-Natal, around 132 miles from Durban and close to Drakensberg highlands, this is the starting point for the Sani Pass that leads to Lesotho.
The city’s museum offers a fascinating glimpse into this rural region’s agricultural history. Or, if you’re more into outdoor activities, you can try your hand at water sports, including rafting, plus horseback riding and fly fishing.
While you’re in Himeville, take a 4-wheel-drive adventure along Sani Pass. This rocky road is perched 2,865 meters above sea level and is full of hairpin curves and sharp ascents that adrenaline junkies will love.
4. Inanda Mountain
For unbeatably spectacular views of Durban, Inanda Mountain is the place to go. This beauty spot is just a 30-minute drive from central Durban, and the views of the dramatic cliffs dropping down to Inanda Dam are well worth the journey.
Find a quiet spot atop the mountain and look out over Durban, and keep your eyes peeled for birds of prey in the late morning — this is when they are most actively hunting and will often glide right in front of visitors.
5. Port Natal Maritime Museum
Port Natal Maritime Museum is located across the bay from uShaka Marine World and gives visitors great insight into the region’s history of seafaring. Spanning hundreds of years, exhibits are interactive and extremely interesting.
Start your trip by boarding and exploring various vessels, including minesweepers SAS Durban and NCS Challenger and steam tug JR More. Here, you can learn about their daring voyages, including details of NCS’ Challenger’s 22,890 nautical mile journey around the world.
The picturesque location of the museum delivers panoramic views of Durban Harbour — grab a drink or snack from the museum’s on-site cafe and enjoy the views and Durban’s beautifully sunny weather.
6. Cycling and Mountain Biking
Durban is an ideal jumping-off point for cycling and mountain bike adventures. The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South Coast has a wide variety of exciting terrains, including dense forests, farmlands, gorges, and cliffs, making it a perfect choice for keen bikers.
There are several well-maintained trails to choose from, ranging from simple tracks for novices to more extreme mtb trails for professional and highly experienced riders. Some of the best-loved tracks include:
Golden Mile
Durban’s beachfront promenade is a fitness enthusiast’s dream, and you’ll see many locals and tourists skating, jogging, and cycling along the picturesque path. Start at South Beach and make your way to Blue Lagoon, or head toward Umgeni River Bird Park in Durban North if you’re up for the challenge and enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean along the way.
This easy ride is suitable for all riders, and there’s a bike hire spot next to the skate park on North Beach, which has well-maintained bicycles for children and adults. It’s possible to book guided bicycle tours here, too.
Giba Gorge
Giba Gorge is a popular place for hiking trails and horseriding paths, but its main draw is mountain biking. The dramatic route runs through forests and waterfalls, and there are various trails to suit skill levels from beginner to expert. There’s even an obstacle course if you’re up for the challenge.
Ballito and Umhlali
For cycle tourists, Ballito is a dream destination. This pretty vacation town is 25 miles north of Durban and has many cycling routes. The scenic 22-mile route to Ballito is a smooth ride with lots of downhill sections, or for something a little more rugged, check out the 4-mile jeep track down the valley toward Umhlali.
Shongweni
Shongweni Dam and Game Reserve is just 30 minutes from Durban and is a much-loved area to enjoy hiking and canoeing expeditions. However, if you prefer your fun on two wheels, there’s also a mountain bike path where you can spot buffalo, giraffes, and warthogs as you ride. There are also lodges and camping sites available for those wanting to make it into a multi-day trip, and bicycle tours are available if you don’t want to go self-guided.
7. Dine with Sharks
The Cargo Hold is a unique dining experience that is a must-do for any foodies visiting Durban. This fine-dining restaurant is tucked away in the stern of the Phantom Ship and creates the illusion of being submerged in the aquarium’s fish tank. The first level overlooks the tank and is a little tamer, but the second is among floor-to-ceiling shark tanks.
The food is as impressive as the surroundings — sample fresh seafood, including shucked oysters, grilled crayfish, and seared salmon. Booking is essential, and the dress code is smart casual in the evenings.
8. Emdoneni Lodge
Emdoneni Lodge is a few hours’ drive from Durban but is well worth the journey to visit their cat breeding project. The lodge takes care of captive-bred African wild cats, including cheetah, serval, and caracal (Lynx), with the aim of releasing them. The lodge is also home to wildebeest, impala, zebra, and other wildlife.
Guides lead twice-daily tours where guests can learn about the conservation efforts to protect the species and ensure they are around for generations to come. Visitors can even interact with some of the animals, and there’s also an adorable feeding show in the late afternoon.
Visitor numbers are limited, so bookings are essential.
9. Codemore Castle
Codemore Castle is tucked away in Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve and is a fascinating place to spend a morning exploring. Built by Dering Stainbank in 1885 as a family home, the castle has remained in the family ever since. Visitors can peruse original 19th-century furniture, antique silverware, and family portraits.
Guests can take a guided tour and then relax in the garden with tea, a sticky bun, and friendly zebras.
10. Mfula Store
Mfula Store is hidden deep in the Valley of 1000 Hills, just a 30-minute drive from Hillcrest.
First established in 1947, Mfula was the first trading store in the valley, and it’s still in operation to this day. Overnight accommodation is available, and sleeping in the lush forest in the peaceful valley will have you feeling like you’re thousands of miles from civilization. iSithumba Adventure Centre is also nearby, where you can hire mountain bikes and enjoy walking trails.
11. Take a Steam Train Through the Valley of 1000 Hills
While exploring Mfula Store, consider taking a steam train ride through the valley. Enjoy verdant views while enjoying this traditional style of traveling, starting at Kloof and heading to Inchanga’s small Victorian station and back.
There are trains on the first and last Sunday of every month, and seats fill up fast, so booking is essential and can be done here.
12. Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
Oribi Gorge is in the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and shouldn’t be missed if you’re planning on spending time on the South Coast.
The gorge is 17 miles long, 400 meters deep, and 3.1 miles wide at its widest, and the sheer size of the gorge is enough to make your jaw hit the floor. This incredible natural landscape of this game reserve is also stunning in its own right and combines dramatic sandstone cliffs, winding rivers, and dense forest,
There are plenty of viewpoints where you can take in Oribi Gorge, and you’ll also be able to spot several bird species as well as antelope, baboons, and maybe even a leopard. Hiking trails of various difficulties can be enjoyed, and if you have a mountain bike you can explore on two wheels instead.
If adrenaline is what you’re after, try abseiling down a 110-meter cliff face, walking across the 83-meter suspension bridge, or rafting down the white waters of the river.
Explore the Many Hidden Gems in Durban
Durban is often overlooked by tourists in favor of Cape Town and Johannesburg, but those in the know make sure they don’t skip this fascinating part of South Africa. There’s so much to see and do that you may find yourself returning more than once to complete this list of hidden gems!
