Discover Family-Friendly Durban: Your Ultimate Guide
🇿🇦 Durban, a beautiful coastal city in South Africa, is a fantastic destination for families seeking adventure, culture, and stunning natural beauty. With its warm climate, fantastic beaches, and a wide range of activities for all ages, Durban is sure to become your family’s favourite holiday spot. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best family-friendly experiences in and around Durban. Let’s get started!
🏖️ uShaka Marine World
uShaka Marine World is a must-visit destination for families in Durban. This world-class marine theme park features an incredible aquarium, thrilling water park, and beachfront restaurants, allowing you to spend an entire day of fun in the sun.
- Sea World: Explore Africa’s largest aquarium, and marvel at the incredible marine life, including dolphins, seals, penguins, and various species of fish.
- Wet ‘n Wild: Cool off at this exciting water park, featuring a range of slides and pools suitable for all ages.
- uShaka Beach: Relax on the pristine golden sands of uShaka Beach, just a stone’s throw from the marine park.
- Dining: Enjoy a family meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes within the park, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets.
🌳 Durban Botanic Gardens
Established in 1849, the Durban Botanic Gardens is the oldest surviving botanic garden in Africa. This lush, tranquil space is perfect for a leisurely family stroll, picnic, or simply relaxing in the shade of the magnificent trees. Be sure to visit the Orchid House and explore the various themed gardens, showcasing plants from around the world.
🚂 Umgeni Steam Railway
Take a step back in time and experience a unique and memorable ride aboard the Umgeni Steam Railway. Operating on the first and last Sunday of each month, this vintage steam train takes passengers on a scenic journey through the picturesque Valley of a Thousand Hills, just outside Durban. The train ride is an ideal family outing, with kids of all ages sure to be captivated by the sights, sounds, and smells of this bygone era.
🐘 Tala Game Reserve
Experience the thrill of a family safari at Tala Game Reserve, located just an hour’s drive from Durban. Home to over 380 bird species and a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and antelope, Tala offers guided game drives, bush walks, and even horseback safaris. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty and get up close and personal with some of Africa’s most iconic animals in this family-friendly game reserve.
🌄 Moses Mabhida Stadium
For a family outing with a difference, head to the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium. Not only can you tour the stadium itself, but you can also take the SkyCar or climb the 500 steps to the top of the stadium’s arch for breathtaking views of Durban and the Indian Ocean. For the more adventurous, there’s even a thrilling 100m Big Rush Big Swing across the stadium!
🏞️ Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature at the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve. This hidden gem is perfect for family walks or picnics, with boardwalks weaving through the mangroves and a variety of birdlife to spot. Keep an eye out for the elusive mudskippers and fiddler crabs as you explore this unique coastal ecosystem.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Durban
| Hotel | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|
| uShaka Manor Guest House | Umhlanga Rocks | Swimming pool, close to beach |
| The Oyster Box | Umhlanga | Beachfront, kids’ club, swimming pool |
| Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani | Golden Mile | Swimming pool, kids’ club, beachfront |
| Blue Waters Hotel | North Beach | Swimming pool, beachfront, family rooms |
With its wealth of family-friendly activities, stunning natural beauty, and warm, welcoming atmosphere, Durban is the perfect destination for your next family holiday. We hope this guide has inspired you to explore all that this incredible city has to offer. Happy travels! 🌍