Explore Durban this Summer

I’m not sure what it is about us city dwellers. We work ourselves to death during the week and, by the time the weekend arrives, we get so caught up in errands and our social responsibilities, that we often live in the same city for decades without ever getting to know the area just over the hill, metaphorically speaking. 

Whether you live in Durban full time, or you have selected it as a location for your holiday, this list should come in handy if you find yourself stumped for what to do while you’re in the area.

Umhlanga (20km – 30 minutes drive)

Let’s start out small and explore Umhlanga on the our first day. Kick off your trip by giving education a nod with a visit to the Natal Sharks Board. Finish off the day with tea at The Oyster Box Hotel. See, you can do this. Road trips are fun!

Now it’s time to go inland to the mountains.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site Howick (120km – 2 hours drive)

Howick is one of my favourite places to explore. And that was before I found the Florentines Chocolate shop about 500 metres away from the Capture Site Museum. This would make a great stop on your way to…

Champagne Castle in the Drakensburg (220km – 3 hours drive)

Do I actually need to justify this? I didn’t think so. Breathtaking views, hikes and wildlife. Enough said. You will not want to rush through the Drakensburg so, set aside at least 3 days to explore and enjoy the magnificent sunrises and sunsets.

Or would you prefer to head north for some wildlife and nature reserves?

isiMangaliso in St Lucia (245km – 3 hours drive)

Yes, I know there is a lot between Durban and St Lucia so I would suggest you allocate enough time to get there and spend a night or two exploring the area and cruise along the St Lucia Wetland to learn about the hippos and crocs.

A great place to stop is Empangeni as it is close enough to St Lucia to do the last part of the drive in under an hour, but also close enough to Richard’s Bay to give you another little town to explore. And don’t forget the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Nature reserve which is also just down the road.

On your last day before you fly home with CheapFlights, take one last drive and head out for some waffles.

The Waffle House in Ramsgate (140km – 90 minutes drive)

This is a lovely drive through the little towns that surround a big city like Durban. The waffles at The Waffle House are well worth the drive and there is a lovely area behind the restaurant to walk off all those calories. And, considering they have been around since 1957, the place is something of an institution. If you choose a lovely summer’s day, take along your beach bag and spend the day on the beach. There are even pedal boats for hire. How retro cool!?

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