Durban, South Africa, is filled with activities for the active and adventurous. Choose an activity type below and find out more about how to get involved.
*If you are only here for a weekend and would like a comprehensive itinerary with the best of the best, scroll down.
Activities that make you Sweat
Run
The Durban promenade is a fantastic place to get some steps in with an ocean breeze and gorgeous views
If you're here on the weekend, try the 8 a.m. Saturday morning North Beach Park Run
North Beach Park Run
The start of this volunteer-led, free, timed 5km run/walk is outside Suncoast Casino in front of the Mugg ’n Bean coffee shop on Suncoast Beach (follow the crowd).
You'll run south towards uShaka Beach, whip around as indicated by the marshal and belt it back. It’s a solid, flat running route. Dog-walkers and strollers are welcome to tail.
I recommend a post-run breakfast at Circus Circus restaurant on the beach in front of Bay of Plenty (you will run past the orange and green umbrellas on your run) and can even dip in the ocean to cool off.
Pro tips
Get to Suncoast Casino at least 30 minutes prior to the run to find a parking. Other parking options are at Pirates beach, south of the Casino or outside the Blue Waters Hotel.
Register online here and keep your barcode on you.
Swim in the ocean
Relax on the beach and catch a swim in the Indian Ocean (North Beach or Umhlanga)
Head south to uShaka Marine World
uShaka Marine World encompasses a water park called Wet ’n Wild, an aquarium constructed inside a ship, a myriad of restaurants and shops as well as rentals for further action.
The beach in front has a recently renovated promenade and is a safe space to swim—life guards on duty.
Dare
uShaka Marine World also has a shark tank luring all those daring enough for a dive, as well as a tamer snorkeling area inside the open water tanks (no danger there).
Skate, surf, SUP
Xpression on the Beach offers stand up paddle boards (SUP), surf board or skate rentals (bring your driver’s license or ID card).
Hardcore ‘skatepark’-related skateboarding (as opposed to long-board cruising) can be found in front of Battery beach at the skatepark (you will run passed it if you do the Park run or dine next to it if you go to Circus Circus Cafe on the beach).
Ride
Cruise the Golden Mile by hiring a bicycle at Xpression on the Beach—it's located above trendy restaurant Surf Rider’s at Addington Beach, before or after ordering a decedent milkshake or wood fired pizza.
Alternative starting points for bike rides include Moses Mabhida Stadium and the Bike and Bean along the Durban Country Club beach.
Swing
Okay, you crave adrenaline but haven’t the fitness to keep up? Try a Stadium Big Swing at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. If you chicken out (I doubt it), the Adventure Walk is an option to walk the Moses Mabhida Stadium Arch. If you've been dragged along but it isn't your thing, get a lift to the top on the Sky Car. Click the titles for more info.
Walk
If none of the above tickle your fancy but you still want to stretch your legs, the Virginia Bush Nature Reserve is a casual way to incorporate fitness into a weekend for a meander through shrubbery to the beach.
It’s only open on the third Saturday of each month, however, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. but dogs are welcome. Watch for updates, here.
Eat
The favorite local beach joint that favors the palette and the pocket is Afros Chicken Shack.
You can’t miss the iconic yellow container-converted restaurant. Strips and Tjips are the meal of choice and come in two flavors–lemony and hot - spicy peri-peri (it will make you sweat but then you can buy a soft serve vanilla ice-cream after to cool off I’m sure).
Check out the vibe here.
Endure
Enduro rides, MTB trails, trail runs to a waterfall and horse-rides are all on offer a mere 30 minute drive inland from the coast at Giba Gorge.
Popular for children’s parties and serious riders, it’s a day of adventure for all levels of experience. No need for a packed lunch as many popular restaurants are grouped in the chill zone for pre or port refueling.
Find out more here.
Hike
30 minutes inland from the city, you will find an area of coastal forest and grassland where two river gorges meet, namely the Molweni and Nkutu. The Kranzkloof Nature Reserve (more commonly Kloof Gorge) is teeming with wildlife and a spectacular getaway just outside the bustle of the city.
There are a variety of hiking trails to excite the energetic as well as well-kept picnic spots for families. Highly recommended as a day or afternoon outing when the weather is good (is it ever not?).
Read more here.
Fly
There is no better was to see a city and experience her charm than from the air. For the romantics, the adrenaline junkies and those seeking a new perspective, book yourself a flight with Durban Skyye Flight School in a microlight to view the Durban coastline, the Golden Mile, the Harbour and Umhlanga Lighthouse. Flights can be booked online here from R600 depending on your route of choice and gift vouchers are available.
If you are looking for a career in Aviation, Durban Skyye can provide formal training. Find out more here.
An Active Weekend in Durban: Itinerary ideas
Start your Saturday with a free, timed 5km Park Run/Walk along the beachfront outside Suncoast Casino (prompt 8am start). Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle for R50 a person at Bike and Bean in front of the Durban Country Club beach for an hour.
Cool off in the Indian ocean before/after refueling at the popular Circus Circus Cafe for breakfast with an ocean view.
You can spend the rest of the morning at the beach relaxing, watching skillful kids at the skatepark on Snell Parade, hiring your own board from the Skate Shack adjacent to Circus Circus or head for the water on a surf board or Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP).
Make your way south for lunch at Afro’s Chicken Shack at South Beach near uShake Marine World. You can spend the afternoon at uShaka Marine World checking out the aquarium, the Waterpark Wet ’n Wild, snorkeling in the tanks or divulge in something more daring such as a shark cage dive.
OR
If you want to stretch your legs and keep your hair dry, there are many short nature walks available. The Virginia Bush Nature Reserve is worth a visit.
Head home to freshen up before dinner. See the variety of trendy Durban hotspots to eat out and spend a night out on the town here.
Sundays are for relaxing (or are they?). I would recommend breakfast in Glenwood at Parc Cafe next to the Glenwood bakery. The Eggs benedict or Florentine are absolutely favourites.
For an adventure day, take a drive inland to Giba Gorge or Kranzkloof Nature Reserve.
Giba Gorge offers mountain biking trails, trail run options, horse-riding for all ages and skills and is surrounded by greenery, a spectacular waterfall and spots to dine and relax.
Kranzkloof is a hikers dream, a picnicker’s paradise and is teeming with wildlife. Take a packed lunch, go for a walk and snack or spend the afternoon reading/playing games beneath the trees.
On you return to Durban, drive 10 minutes north to Virginia Airport to view this dynamic city from the air. Book an introductory flight online with Durban Skyye Aviation to view the harbour, Durban coastline and up to Umhlanga lighthouse. Yes, please.
OR
Back to home base to wind down an energetic weekend, Moses Mabhida Stadium offers a variety of activities, such as an Adventure Walk across the Stadium arch, a Big Swing, Segway tour and Sky Car trip up the arch to view the dimming sky as the day draws to a close.
Whateve you end up doing, slayyyy the sweat game.
So, did you get into any of that? Shoot me a comment.
Much love,