Are you yearning for the hustle and bustle of Durban or just a moment to refresh and collect yourself? There are so many things to do in the energetic Durban North; you will have the opportunity to tend to any of your heart’s desires. All you have to do is read along to determine where you will eventually end up…
Planning a trip to Durban? Looking for things to do? Check out these pages below:
Attractions in the area
1. Gain knowledge at the 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.
Address: 500 Esther Roberts Road, Glenwood, Berea
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday (8 am – 4 pm), Friday (8 am – 3 pm) & Saturday (10 am – 2 pm)
2. Stroll on the beach
There is nothing like the sound of crashing waves and the feeling of warm sand between your toes. Experience this at either Beachwood or Virginia Beach. Glenashley Beach is where you’ll find them if you are looking for more powerful waves!
3. Play a game of golf
Photo courtesy of Beachwood Country Club
Initially designed by Percy Gilbert Stiebel in the 1920s, Beachwood Country Club is the pride and joy of Durban North and an absolute must on the list of things to do! Nestled in the mangrove swamp, this course is any golf fanatic’s dream. Be sure to stop by the on-site restaurant and bar, pro golf shop along with the biokinetics studio!
Address: Beachwood Pl &, Fairway, Beachwood
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday (7 am – 5 pm)
4. Have a picnic at the park
Photo courtesy of SA Venues
See the lily ponds, walkways and sculptures and discover your inner Zen at the Japanese Gardens. The oriental landscape is a fantastic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Clipped hedges, Japanese Khoi Carp and blossoms, bamboo… can it get more Eastern than this?
Address: 6 Prospect Hall Road, Prospect Hall
Operating hours: Sunday (8 am – 5 pm), Monday – Thursday (8 am – 6:30 pm), Friday (all day) & Saturday (8 am – 6 pm)
5. Hop on a helicopter and explore more
Photo courtesy of Sky Adventures
Ascending from Durban North’s Virginia Airport, you can take a River Run Picnic Flight with Sky Adventures. This magnificent coastal flight will have you witness the Umgeni River, Valley Of 1000 Hills and Inanda Dam. You will then land atop a mountain where a cute picnic awaits!
Address: 25 Thousand Hills Drive, Drummond
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday (8 am – 5 pm)
6. Take a shot at archery
Photo courtesy of King’s Park Archery Club
Known as one of the oldest archery clubs in SA, King’s Park Archery Club is definitely one of the best things to do just outside Durban North. Bring your little one along for this activity – they provide kids’ courses for those aged 9 to 12 years!
Address: Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Stamford Hill
Operating hours: Sunday – Monday (10 am – late)
7. Buy new goodies at the market
Photo courtesy of SA Venues
For this one, you have two options! You can go to the rustic Golden Hours Family Market on Uitsig Road where you will find fresh vegetables and fruit, handmade soaps, beautiful pottery and clothing pieces. You can also go to Durban Food Market on High Grove Road where you can shop for anything, from home-baked cakes to wild meats. Why not purchase pretty flowers, too?
Address: Uitsig Road, Prospect Hall
Operating hours: Sunday (10 am – 3 pm)
8. Marvel at the birds at an aviary
Photo courtesy of Umgeni River Bird Park
One of the special things to do in Durban North is visiting Umgeni River Bird Park. Here, you can find over 800 birds from 200 different species. The park spans 3.5 acres and has a variety of animals, some of which are found only in Africa and others that are kept as household pets.
This made our 30 things to do in Durban list, too!
Address: Riverside Road
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday (9 am – 4 pm)
9. Feed your appetite at a restaurant
This might be the most important on the list of things to do in Durban North! Craving Greek cuisine? NIKOS Durban North is your best bet. There is also Lupa Osteria for Italian food lovers.
Our other favourite options include:
- Mayfair Café
- The Lookout
- Indian Summer
- Atasca (A Portuguese Restaurant!)
10. Watch a show at the theatre
Photo courtesy of The Barnyard Theatre
There is nothing quite like the combo of great food and top-tier entertainment. With a 12-minute drive, you can experience it all at The Barnyard Theatre at Suncoast Casino.
Address: Suncoast Casino Suncoast Boulevard, Durban Beach
11. Explore a nature reserve
Photo courtesy of Colour Africa’s Outdoors
With trails suitable for the young and the old, Virginia Bush Nature Reserve deserves a spot on the list of things to do in Durban North. On the other hand, this area has Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve at the mouth of the Umgeni River. This is perfect for those wanting to disconnect a bit!
Address: Adelaide Tambo Drive
Operating hours: Sunday – Monday (7 am – 4 pm)
12. Make new friends at the zoo
Photo courtesy of Travelground
Also from the list of things to do in Durban is Mitchell Park Zoo! Since 1910, the zoo housed many animals, including an Indian elephant named Nellie that was donated in 1928. Excited to meet the birds, crocodiles and giant tortoises we are sure the kids won’t mind taking that 13-minute road trip!
Address: 10 Ferndale Road, Morningside
Operating hours: Sunday – Monday (9 am – 4 pm)
Nearby attractions
13. Step inside a world-famous stadium
Photo courtesy of Moses Mabhida Stadium
The Moses Mabhida Stadium was built for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. If you travel an extra 11 minutes, you can explore the stadium with an Adventure Walk or take a Segway Gliding tour. Or if you want to see Durban from a different perspective, you can go on the SkyCar and Viewing Platform.
Address: 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Stamford Hill
Operating hours: Sunday – Monday (9 am – 5 pm)
14. Have fun in the sun while kitesurfing
Photo courtesy of Ocean2Air
Spend 14 minutes on the road and head to La Lucia to find Ocean2Air. There you will learn how to kite surf! For those not enthralled by kitesurfing, you can always visit La Lucia Mall for the best shopping experience
Address: 5 Forest Crescent, La Lucia
Operating hours: Monday – Friday (8 am – 5 pm) & Saturday (08:30 pm – 2 pm)
