Durban is the largest city of KwaZulu-Natal and one of the busiest ports in Africa. Its position on the Indian Ocean gives it warm water all year, and the beach strip along the shore known as the Golden Mile is the heart of the city. The descendants of Indian labourers brought to the sugar cane fields in the 19th century made this one of the largest Indian communities outside India, and it shows in the kitchen: bunny chow, a hollowed loaf filled with curry, was invented here. The arch of the Moses Mabhida Stadium is the city's newer landmark.
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See flights to Durban →When to visit Durban
The seasons are the reverse of Türkiye's, but Durban is mild all year. April to September is the dry winter, with daytime around 23C, sea temperatures rarely below 21C and low humidity, which makes these the easiest months to travel. November to March is hot and humid with afternoon downpours, and the sea warms to about 26C.
Things to do in Durban
Golden Mile
The six kilometre promenade and cycle path along the shore links the beaches, piers and tidal pools. Lifeguard patrolled beaches with shark nets run its length, and it fills with runners in the morning.
Moses Mabhida Stadium
A 106 metre steel arch spans the stadium built for the 2010 World Cup. A cable car carries visitors to the top of the arch, or a stairway of 550 steps does, and from above the city, the harbour and the ocean are seen together.
uShaka Marine World
The marine park at the southern end of the beachfront holds South Africa's largest aquarium, laid out inside the setting of a wrecked ship. Beside the aquarium are a water slide park and its own beach opening onto the ocean.
Juma Masjid
Built in 1881 and enlarged later, the mosque is considered the largest in the southern hemisphere and stands with its gold domes in the middle of the Grey Street district. Visitors are received, and the surrounding streets are full of spice and fabric shops.
Victoria Street Market
The two storey covered market is the trading centre of the city's Indian community and holds about 170 stalls. Curry blends, spices, rice and handicrafts are sold here, with fish and meat halls on the ground floor.
Durban Botanic Gardens
Founded in 1849, the garden is the oldest surviving botanic garden in Africa and is within walking distance of the centre. It holds an orchid house, a cycad collection and a specimen of the plant known as Wood's cycad, and entry is free.
Flights from Turkey to Durban
Turkish Airlines flies from Istanbul to Durban on a single ticket with a stop in Johannesburg, a journey of about 12 hours 30 minutes. The route operates four days a week, so the return date needs to be planned around those days.
Durban FAQ
How many days do you need in Durban?
Three days cover the beachfront, the stadium, the markets and uShaka. Adding the Drakensberg mountains or a safari and nature trip such as the iSimangaliso wetland to the north brings it to six days.
How far is the airport from the city centre?
King Shaka International Airport is about 35 kilometres north of the centre. The taxi ride along the motorway takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
Do you need a visa for South Africa?
No visa is required for a Turkish passport for tourism, and stays of up to 30 days are allowed. The passport must be valid for at least a year and contain blank pages, and a return ticket may be asked for on arrival.
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