24 hours in Durban

I was in South Africa in July and had very little time to see and do everything there is in this wonderful country. I decided this trip to focus on the big cities so of course I would spend time in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Once the itinerary began to unfold, I realized it only left me 24 hours for Durban a city on the Eastern portion of the country closer to the Indian Ocean. Was it really worth it to go all that way for 24 hours? I decided to chance it since I was unsure when I would be able to return to South Africa and because it would help me know whether to visit the city again next visit. It was a great decision.

We chose a hotel close to North Beach and were able to walk down to the water shortly after our morning flight from Johannesburg. The flight was a little over an hour and very reasonable on South African Airways. I used my hotel points since we were there such a short time and to save. We stayed at the Hilton Durban, a nice hotel connected to the convention center. This is great because there is an ATM in the building next door, the staff is very friendly and you are just a few blocks from North Beach.

After spending several weeks in Johannesburg, during their winter months, the warmth of Durban was a very welcome change. The oceanfront is beautiful and you will find great cafes to sit and have a drink and food as you look out on the water. We took in the sites of surfers, swimmers and others enjoying the beach from our table at a local waterfront bar.

We then walked down the beach past more hotels and even a little park where a dance group was practicing. Our goal was to find a reasonable spa to have massages before our flight the next day. The Spa at Suncoast Hotel and Towers was amazing. The hotel is part of a larger entertainment complex with movies, casinos and restaurants. The spa with its large picture windows with views of the sea makes you feel as though you are having a seaside massage, allowing you to completely escape during your treatment.

For food, Durban is a seafood lovers dream. Also with the largest population of people of Indian descent outside India you are sure to find excellent Indian options. And let’s not forget that Kwazulu Natal ( the province where Durban is located) is the center of Zulu culture within South Africa. The choices for food throughout the city are abundant.

No trip to Durban would be complete without visiting Ushaka Marine World. Everyone ( and I mean everyone) suggested we visit it during our stay and it is the city’s main highlight. For dinner, we ate at the Cargo Hold. This restaurant has an open glass shark tank so you  feel as though you are eating underwater during your meal. It is a pricer meal option in Durban but worth the extra Rand. We had a wonderful bottle of white wine, shared a salad, lovely fish entrees and dessert for around $30 US per person. It is not to be missed.

Another great seafood choice is the New Cafe Fish Restaurant and Bar. Located in the Victoria Embankment next to yachts and the marina, you can enjoy an amazing lunch or dinner. We had lunch here before our flight and enjoyed our last bit of Kingklip ( a local fish) before heading back to the US. Great service and a great meal.

If you are headed to South Africa, do not forget to include Durban in your itinerary. It has a different feel than the other major cities with an emphasis on Zulu culture and the warmth of a beach city. I know I look forward to seeing more and spending more time there in the future.

Here is a brief video highlight of Durban

Spa- Suncoast Hotel and Towers

The Cargo Hold Restaurant

The New Cafe Fish