Durban By Car Hire: Explore The Sights

• By: Editor
• On: 20/Aug/2007
• In: South Africa Travel Tips

Drawing in tourists from all over the continent and beyond, this popular metropolis is well known for it’s array of buzzing bars and top quality restaurants.

Of course the main reason people head here is for the Golden Mile. This fifteen hundred metre stretch of sandy beach runs right alongside the city… take a wander over to soak up the sun, stroll the promenade and try your hand at one of the many watersports.

If you start your travels at the south end of the beach be sure to take in the uShaka Marine World Complex. This enormous theme park houses some 35 aquaria and is home to sharks, dolphins and various other exotic creatures of the sea. Families can swim and play together in the uShaka Wet’n’Wild water park, marvel at the uShaka Phantom ship or wander the shops of the uShaka Village.

If you stroll up to the north side of the beach you’ll come to the Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World. This multi-purpose entertainment complex is filled to the brim with bars and restaurants, as well as a cinema, casino and private beach, making it the perfect destination for holiday makers. The real petrol heads amongst you should time your arrival for the A1 Grand Prix, this track is located within the grounds of the entertainment complex and runs around the casino.

Outside Durban there’s plenty more to see. Fans of adventure should definitely take advantage of the chance to go on safari at the nearby Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve. Located just north of the city, this fauna serves as a sanctuary for over 200 different species of bird and much of the coast’s wildlife – be sure to check it out while you’re here!

The nearby town of Umhlanga itself is also worth having a look at. This place is Durban’s equivalent of Beverly Hills, so if you stop off here you can expect luxury and class in abundance. There’s a wealth of resorts here worth checking out, and it’s a beautiful spot to some shopping or just relax for a few days.

Those of you that fancy a drive north should definitely call into the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park. Some 250 km from Durban, it’s a fair drive but it’s well worth it – in amongst the river and marsh lands you’ll see crocodiles, hippos, rhinoceros and various other wildlife.

Heading north east you’ll find the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, 200 km from the city. This enormous reserve sprawls over some 100,000 hectares and is home to yet more exotic wildlife. Less populated than other tourist parks, it’s ideal if you want a really ‘natural’ feel to your adventures…

Drive southbound from Durban and you’ll come across the Hibiscus Coast – home to a colourful kaleidoscope of sea life, including sharks, dolphins and whales. Laden with beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, the Hibiscus Coast plays host to curious scenes during the months of June and July, as the Sardine Run takes place. Literally millions of sardines emigrate north to their mating grounds, pursued closely by sharks, dolphins and whales looking for an easy catch. It's not uncommon to see sharks chase their prey right up to the shore as humans paddle and swim around in the shallow water - so don’t say you haven’t been warned!

Further south you’ll eventually hit the excellent town of Port Elizabeth, a handsome spot in it’s own right and worth the visit if only for the drive up via the N2, where you’ll take in such majestic scenery as the Wild Coast, the Indian Ocean and the Garden Route.

That’s most of the attractions within Durban and around the surrounding areas, but there’s plenty more to do and see – of course the best way is to get over there yourself.

It’s worth remembering that there is little public transport in Durban, the bus system is currently on hold, so you’ll need a car to get around the city. The two main routes out of the city are the N2 and N3, both well maintained motorways which connect you to Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg, so you can head out of the city easily if you so choose. If this sounds like a good plan take a look at our Durban Car Hire page.

Another thing, be sure to buy yourself a Garage Card (sold in any bank) to pay for petrol. Most of the roads are tolled, so you’ll need money handy to pay your way, and last but not least, remember that you'll be driving on the left!

Be sure to check out our sister site PlacesToStay for accommodation if you need a hotel - they have a full range of quality hotels at affordable prices.

That just about covers it, enjoy your holiday, and remember to drop us an email in the comment box below if you have any questions, suggestions or things to say. Good luck!