Durban is one of the most popular holiday destinations in South Africa, due to the warm coastal waters, the annual sardine run, and year-round great weather. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied, such as uShaka Marine World, gondola rides, fishing, and water sports such as surfing and snorkeling. Wake early at one of our great accommodations in Durban and experience Dawn Patrol first hand.
For many travelers, the distance between their hotel and the beach is a vital factor when selecting accommodation in Durban. Fortunately, the city is host to some of the best coastal accommodation in South Africa, complete with spectacular ocean views. Contrary to what you may think, there is more to Durban than its tropical climate and exquisite Indian Ocean shoreline. A variety of other world-class attractions contribute to Durban’s popularity among both locals and tourists alike.
uShaka Marine World is the perfect place to begin your exploration of Durban. The water park offers a refreshing break from the muggy weather, and includes water slides and rides, eating spots at an African village, and most notably, one of the world’s largest aquariums – uShaka Sea World. This aquarium is creatively housed in five shipwrecks with over 30 fascinating exhibits of sharks, rays, eels, and a wide variety of exotic fish. The dolphin show is not to be missed, and takes place in a 1,200-seater stadium. Umgeni River Bird Park is another draw card for visitors to Durban, and is home to over 400 bird species. The park is set in a former quarry, and has been repurposed with aviaries, a nursery, and cascading waterfalls.
A Durban holiday has it all – there is the Gateway Theater of Shopping for the fashion conscious, the Sahara Stadium Kings-mead for Sharks rugby fans, the International Convention Centre for corporate events, the Kings Park Stadium for Dolphins cricket fans, and the Moses Mabhida Stadium which is not to be missed. The stadium was originally built for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, but it is used today for football, cricket, and a variety of concerts. For the adrenaline junkies, the stadium also features the world’s largest swing, which travels a 200m long arc above the pitch.
At the end of the day, tourists can’t be faulted for spending the majority of their holiday sprawled out along the famed “Golden Mile – Durban’s most popular stretch of beach. After all, these beaches, with their golden sands and warm waters, have become famous the world over and have contributed to Durban’s popularity as an international holiday destination. There is a vast selection of excellent establishments available that will cater for your every need and budget requirement.
Be sure to make Whale’s Tale your choice of accommodation to make your Durban experience more memorable.