A Visitor's Guide to Durban
Exploring the Best of eThekwini, the Warmest Place to Be
Welcome to eThekwini-Durban
Welcome to Durban, the vibrant coastal heart of KwaZulu-Natal. This is a city that engages all the senses, a metropolis defined by its subtropical embrace, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and a unique cultural fusion of its Zulu, Indian, and Colonial heritage. This guide is designed to navigate you through the diverse experiences available within a 40-kilometre radius of your Musgrave base, from leafy suburbs to the world-class beachfront.
Your Anchor: Coastlands Musgrave Hotel
Your accommodation, the Coastlands Musgrave Hotel, is a strategic, 4-star urban hub. Located on the popular Peter Mokaba Ridge Road, it offers beautiful views and easy access to the N3 and N2 highways, serving as the perfect gateway to the entire region. The immediate neighbourhood offers convenience with the Musgrave Centre and Berea Park within walking distance.
The Essential Durban: Beachfront & Landmarks
A short drive from Musgrave brings you to the pulse of Durban's coastal life: the iconic Golden Mile, the architectural marvel of Moses Mabhida Stadium, and the upscale alternative of Umhlanga.
The Golden Mile Promenade
A famed stretch of beachfront that runs from Blue Lagoon to uShaka Marine World. It's perfect for walking, running, or cycling. The main beaches like North Beach and South Beach are legendary spots for swimming and surfing, staffed by lifeguards and protected by shark nets.
Key Landmark: uShaka Marine World
At the southern end of the promenade sits uShaka Marine World, a world-class theme park. Its main attractions are Sea World (the 5th largest aquarium in the world), Wet 'n Wild water park, and the Village Walk retail area.
A Deep Dive: The Moses Mabhida Stadium
Dominating the skyline, the Moses Mabhida Stadium is an architectural marvel from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. While undergoing a major refurbishment, several key attractions remain operational.
CRITICAL UPDATE: The SkyCar Refurbishment (2025)
Visitors must be aware that the famous SkyCar is currently out of action. A brand-new, accessible SkyCar is being installed and is expected to be operational by Summer 2025. Please check the official stadium website for the latest updates before your visit.
| Attraction | Status (as of 2025) | Details & Booking |
|---|---|---|
| The Big Rush Big Swing | OPERATIONAL | World's tallest swing. Booking recommended: bookings@bigrush.co.za |
| Adventure Walk | OPERATIONAL | 550-step walk up the stadium's arch. |
| Stadium / Segway Tours | OPERATIONAL | Guided tours of the stadium and grounds. |
| NEW SkyCar | EXPECTED: SUMMER 2025 | Check the official website for launch dates. |
The Umhlanga Alternative: Pier, Promenade & Village
Approximately 20-25 minutes north of Musgrave lies Umhlanga, an upscale coastal destination. It's an "all-in-one" solution for a high-quality day or evening out, featuring safe swimming beaches, the iconic Whalebone Pier, the famous lighthouse, and the "vibey" Umhlanga Village for dining. Inland, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping is a mega-mall attraction.
A Taste of the City: Dining & Markets
Durban's dining scene is a direct reflection of its culture: bold, flavourful, and diverse. From the iconic Bunny Chow to curated design markets, this is a journey for the senses.
Dining: A Precinct-Driven Experience
The "Bunny" Trail
Authentic, No-Frills, Iconic
No visit is complete without a "Bunny Chow." This trail takes you to legendary institutions.
Key Venues: Gounden's (Glenwood), Britannia Hotel (Umgeni Rd).
Morningside (Florida Road)
Vibrant, Trendy, Bustling
Arguably Durban's most famous restaurant strip, perfect for a "big night out" with diverse cuisine.
Key Venues: Butcher Boys, Mozambik, Spiga, Mali's.
Umhlanga Village
Upscale, Modern, Polished
Centered around Chartwell Drive, this precinct caters to an upscale leisure and corporate crowd.
Key Venues: The Chef's Table, Lupa Osteria, Little Havana.
The Market Trail: Authentic Local Shopping
Durban's market scene offers everything from spices and crafts to high-end local design. Scheduling is critical!
| Market | Location | Schedule | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria Street Market | Durban Central | Daily | "The Classic": Indian spices, African art, traditional clothing. |
| I Heart Market | Northlands Primary, Durban North | FIRST Saturday of the month | "The Design": Curated local design, fashion, jewellery. |
| Shongweni Farmers Market | Shongweni Valley | EVERY Saturday (Morning) | "The Country": Fresh produce, huge craft/food market, live music. |
The Soul of the City: Culture & Heritage
Beyond the beaches, Durban has a deep and profound history, from the cradle of global movements to vibrant living art spaces.
The Inanda Heritage Route: A Journey into History
Located about 30km north of Durban, this is one of South Africa's most significant historical sites. It was the cradle for three major movements: Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of Passive Resistance (at the Phoenix Settlement), John Dube's work in education and liberation (at the Ohlange Institute), and the faith of Isaiah Shembe. It is also where Nelson Mandela cast his first-ever vote in 1994.
Visitor's Note: Book a Guided Tour
The Inanda Heritage Route is "off the beaten path" and can be difficult to navigate independently. To ensure safety and fully appreciate the profound context of these sites, it is strongly recommended to book a guided tour.
Museums & Galleries: The Urban Core
KwaMuhle Museum
Essential for understanding Durban's history during the apartheid era. Housed in the former "Native Affairs Department" building. Admission is FREE.
Phansi Museum
Located in a historic Glenwood house, this vibrant museum showcases an incredible collection of Southern African artifacts like beadwork and carvings.
The BAT Centre
A living community arts centre at the Small Craft Harbour. A hub for local creatives with galleries, studios, and live performances.
Adventure & Nature: Thrills & Escapes
From urban oases to world-class shark diving, Durban's surroundings offer a remarkable escalation of nature and adrenaline experiences.
The Urban Oasis (Under 15-min Drive)
Durban Botanic Gardens: Africa's oldest surviving botanical garden, located very close to Musgrave. Perfect for a quiet walk. Entry is FREE.
Umgeni River Bird Park: A lush tropical sanctuary home to over 800 birds, featuring walk-through aviaries and a famous free-flight bird show.
The "Green Lungs" (30-40 min Drive)
Krantzkloof Nature Reserve: A spectacular reserve protecting a densely forested gorge with extensive hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls.
The Valley of 1000 Hills: A breathtaking scenic area with Phezulu Safari Park as a key destination, offering game drives, a reptile park, and traditional Zulu cultural shows.
World-Class Shark Diving (Aliwal Shoal)
This is the premier "bucket list" adventure. Umkomaas, a 40-minute drive south, is the gateway to the Aliwal Shoal, one of the world's best shark-diving sites. Operators offer experiences for all levels:
- Shark Cage Diving: No prior experience needed. A safe way to get incredible views from a floating cage.
- Tiger Shark Diving (Baited): For certified divers only. An unparalleled, open-water (no cage) encounter with multiple shark species.