We wish we could say that petrol prices are cheaper in Durban but sometimes the impossible is just that. However, if you hang tight, you can find out about (very possible) cheap things to do in Durban. This way, you can testify to an authentic Durban experience without spending too much money – and use the extra rands to fill up that fuel tank!
Planning a trip to Durban? Looking for things to do? Check out these pages below:
1. Moses Mabhida Stadium Tour
Photo courtesy of Moses Mabhida Stadium
Would you like to learn about the ins and outs of one of SA’s most loved stadiums? Get down to Moses Mabhida Stadium and experience this space just like your favourite sports stars would with an all-access tour!
Operating hours: 9 am – 4 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Pricing: Between R30 and R60 (off-peak) & R40 and R70 (peak)
Also Read: Explore Johannesburg Zoo
2. Mini Town
Photo courtesy of Mini Town
Mini Town – the best place you will learn more about SA’s famous landmarks. Built to the scale of 1:24, this place is characteristic of a South African coastal city that features Durban buildings, along with well-known buildings from the rest of the country.
Operating hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Pricing: R40 (adults) & R30 (children)
3. Mitchell Park Zoo
Photo courtesy of Travelground
It is insane to think that you can visit a zoo at such a low price! Make a stop at Mitchell Park Zoo to see a wide variety of mammals and birds – also keep an eye out for the crocodiles and giant tortoises. Further, you will find picnic lawns and braai areas, along with a big playground.
Operating hours: 9 am – 4 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Pricing: R12 (adults), R10 (children) & R6 (pensioners)
4. Funworld
Photo courtesy of The Travelling Chilli
Tap into your inner child and head to Funworld. This beachfront amusement park has a myriad of rides to choose from and will keep both the young and the old entertained! With free entrance, you only have to spend money per ride.
Operating hours: 11 am – 5 pm (Friday – Sunday)
Pricing: R40 (adult rides), R30 (kids rides) & R40 – R50 (general rides)
5. Bike & Bean
Photo courtesy of Bike & Bean Durban
Bike & Bean is unique for offering the chance to experience Durban on a bike… and it is one of the cheap things to do in this city! You can even grab a coffee at the same establishment after your morning cycle.
Operating hours: 6 am – 4 pm (Monday), 6 am – 2 pm (Tuesday – Thursday and Saturday – Sunday) & 5:30 am – 2 pm (Friday)
Pricing: R40 per hour between 6 am and 8 am & R50 thereafter
6. Wavepark Gateway
Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor
Have your share of water fun at Wavepark Gateway, offering Flow Riders which combine elements of surfing and wakeboarding. Here, you can also enjoy snowboarding and skating! And who can forget to mention the 7 waterslides?
Operating hours:
Flow Riders: 9 am – 5 pm (Wednesday – Sunday)
Supertubes: 10 am – 1 pm (Wednesday – Sunday) & 2 pm – 5 pm (Wednesday – Sunday, out of season)
Pricing:
Flow Riders: R90 per hour
Supertubes: R70 per person
Viewing: R25 per adult
7. Durban Ricksha Bus
Photo courtesy of Durban Routes
Take your pick at the North Coast and Inland, South Coastal or Western Route onboard the Durban Ricksha Bus. This will allow you to get a scenic overview of the best Durban has to offer.
Tour times: 9 am – 12 pm (tour 1) & 1 pm – 4 pm (tour 2)
Pricing: R100 (adults), R51 (children) & R51 (pensioners)
8. Giba Gorge Biking
Photo courtesy of Travelground
Giba Gorge Biking is one of the many cheap things to do in Durban if you are an adrenaline junkie. Just imagine taking on a 45km mountain biking trail!
Operating hours: 7 am – 5 pm (Monday – Tuesday and Thursday – Sunday) & 7 am – 8 pm (Wednesday)
Pricing: R85 (adults), R55 (children) & R55 (pensioners)
9. Galleria Ice Rink
Photo courtesy of The Ice Rink
Though general entrance and skate hire fees are fairly affordable at Galleria Ice Rink, we absolutely love their Half Price every Tuesday session. So, if you love ice skating… this one is especially for you!
Session times: 9:30 am – 11:30 am, 12 pm – 2 pm, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: R45 (entrance fee) & R20 (skate hire)*
10. Adventure Putt-Putt Gateway
Photo courtesy of Travelground
Durban’s only outdoor mini golf course will have you live out your putt-putt dream! Adventure Putt-Putt Gateway offers an 18-hole experience that features rocks and waterfalls. Can it get more exciting than this?
Operating hours: 10 am – late (Monday – Sunday)
Pricing: R80 (adults) & R60 (children)*
11. Umgeni River Bird Park
Photo courtesy of Umgeni River Bird Park
From the African Spoonbill to the Laughing Kookaburra, you will see it all at Umgeni River Bird Park. Experience over 200 bird species through bird shows and aviaries!
Operating hours: 9 am – 4 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Pricing: R70 (adults), R46 (children) & R39 (pensioners)
12. Sugar Terminal Tour
Photo courtesy of Travelground
Interested to see what is believed to be the most advanced sugar terminal in the world? Then head to SA Sugar Terminal for a tour where you will learn about the nitty gritty of the largest sugar terminal in southern Africa.
Operating hours: 8:30 am & 10 am and 11:30 am & 2 pm (Monday – Friday)
No afternoon tours on Fridays
Pricing: R20 (adults) & R10 (scholars)
13. Zulu Rickshaw Runners
Photo courtesy of Berea Mail
Getting to know the Durban beachfront cannot get more unique than this. Be greeted by a driver with a warm smile and a show-stopping headdress when you hop on a rickshaw. This two-wheeled attraction is run by the city’s Zulu population, boasting with 20 registered drivers.
Operating hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Pricing: Between R20 and R130
14. Phezulu Safari Reptile Park
Photo courtesy of Phezulu Safari Park
If you are a reptile lover, make your way to Phezulu Safari Park today! You will learn interesting facts about snakes, tortoises, crocodiles and exotic reptiles. Are you ready to meet the Southern Brown Egg Eaters and Burmese Pythons?
Operating hours: 8 am – 4 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Pricing: R60 (adults) & R50 (children)
15. Snorkel Lagoon
Photo courtesy of uShaka Marine World
Now is your chance to take up snorkelling at uShaka Marine World. With free entrance, you only have to pay for the activity to get up close and personal with the fish of the KZN coastline waters.
Operating hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (Monday & Tuesday)
During off-peak season
Pricing: R70
16. Dangerous Creatures
Photo courtesy of uShaka Marine World
Another uShaka Marine World experience that makes the list of cheap things to do in Durban is a visit to Dangerous Creatures. Here you will find a reptile exhibit with the world’s most venomous creatures!
Operating hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Pricing: R62
17. Phansi Museum
Photo courtesy of Phansi Museum
From an African Art Centre to frequently hosted lectures and exhibitions, Phansi Museum is here to give you the cultural dose you need.
Operating hours: 8 am – 4 pm (Monday – Friday) & 10 am – 2 pm (Saturday)
Pricing: R40 (adults) & R30 (children)
May vary according to group size
18. Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
Photo courtesy of SA Venues
And, of course, we have something for nature enthusiasts! Spot bushbabies to zebras in the beautiful coastal/riverine reserve, dotted with grassland areas.
Operating hours: 6 am – 5 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Pricing: R40 (adults) & R20 (children)
19. Umhlanga KZN Sharks Board
Photo courtesy of Visit Durban
Sit in on an Audio Visual and Shark Dissection session at the Sharks Board. You will be amazed by all the facts about sharks!
Show days: 2 pm (first Sunday) and 9 am & 2 pm (Tuesday – Thursday)
Pricing: R60 (adults), R40 (children) & R40 (pensioners)
20. Eat a bunny chow!
Last but definitely not least of the cheap things to do in Durban – you have to eat while you are here, right? So, why not tuck into a traditional street food delicacy?
Pricing: Between R40 & R100 (depending on the restaurant and type of curry)
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