This city by the sea overlooks the wild Indian Ocean, making it an ideal destination for surfers and water-lovers. Durban’s long and complicated history has made it a multicultural gem—you’ll find this reflected in the stalls of the long-running Victoria Street Market, where bags of spices sit next to fresh, tropical fruit. Things to do in Durban include wandering the famous botanic gardens, taking in the stretch of beach known as the Golden Mile, and heading to Florida Road for the buzzy, busy nightlife.
Durban’s gorgeous sub-tropical climate has led to its reputation of having the best winter weather in the southern hemisphere. As a contrast, its summers are hot, humid, and rainy, so the best months to visit are the dry winter months of June and July—when you can enjoy sunshine, surfing, and strolling. In July, look out for the Durban International Film Festival; which has been showcasing documentaries, feature films, and short films annually for over 40 years.
In a similar way to LA—Durbanites go nearly everywhere by car, so if you’re planning a visit, car hire is your best bet. If you don’t want to drive—there’s always Uber. There are also metered taxis, and minibus taxis—but minibus taxis aren’t recommended for tourists. As for public transport, a local bus service called People Mover has a city route that stops at notable sightseeing locations, and a beachfront route too.
A Durban institution—formally known, and still nicknamed by locals as “Johnny’s Roti”—Sunrise Chip ‘N Ranch is the place for hearty any-time-of-day comfort food. This restaurant is known for its bunny chow (a hollowed-out loaf filled with curry) and the standout dish—its rotis (stuffed flatbread wraps). Be sure to try its chips ‘n’ cheese roti with mutton gravy.
