Best Train Station & Airport Layover Destinations in Durban, South Africa
1. Ushaka Marine World
A popular aquarium and theme park with a variety of marine life exhibits, including sharks, sea turtles, and dolphins. It also features water slides and a wave pool.
- Marine Life: Offers a unique opportunity to view diverse marine life in interactive exhibits.
- Theme Park Attractions: Includes thrilling water slides and a wave pool for fun-filled family activities.
- Convenience: Located near Durban's city center and conveniently accessible from the airport and train stations.
2. Moses Mabhida Stadium
A multi-purpose stadium that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It offers a SkyCar ride to the top for panoramic city views.
- Sports History: Has significant sports history as the venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
- Panoramic Views: Provides stunning views of Durban and its surrounding areas through the SkyCar ride.
- Accessibility: Located near the train station and close to the airport, making it easy to reach.
3. uMngazi River Biodiversity Corridor
A nature reserve offering guided walks, bird watching, and elephant interactions. It's a sanctuary for various wildlife species.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Provides a safe haven for numerous wildlife species, including elephants.
- Guided Experiences: Offers guided walks and bird watching activities led by knowledgeable guides.
- Accessibility: Located about an hour's drive from Durban, making it accessible for a layover visit.
4. Durban Botanic Gardens
A beautiful and tranquil garden showcasing over 700 species of plants. It includes a sunken garden, conservatory, and bamboo collection.
- Beautiful Landscape: Boasts a stunning and peaceful landscape with a variety of plant species.
- Historical Significance: Established in 1849, the gardens have historical significance as one of South Africa's oldest gardens.
- Accessibility: Located near the city center and easily reachable from the airport and train stations.
5. Golden Mile
A bustling promenade along Durban's beachfront with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
- Beach and Shopping: Offers a mix of beach activities, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Scenic Beauty: Provides breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Durban's skyline.
- Accessibility: Located near the city center and close to the airport, making it easy to reach.
6. Victoria Street Market
A vibrant marketplace selling a variety of African arts, crafts, spices, and textiles. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs.
- Unique Shopping Experience: Provides a unique shopping experience with African art, crafts, and spices.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers an immersive cultural experience showcasing Zulu and Indian influences.
- Accessibility: Located in the city center, making it easily accessible from train stations and the airport.
7. KwaMuhle Museum
A museum dedicated to the Zulu culture and history, showcasing artifacts, exhibits, and traditional dance performances.
- Cultural Education: Provides an educational experience about Zulu culture and history.
- Traditional Dance Performances: Offers traditional dance performances that showcase the richness of Zulu culture.
- Accessibility: Located near the city center and easily reachable from train stations and the airport.
8. Royal Durban Golf Club
A classic golf course with a rich history dating back to 1890. It's considered one of the best golf courses in Africa.
- Golfing Experience: Offers an exceptional golfing experience on a historic course.
- Historical Significance: Has historical significance as one of the oldest golf clubs in Africa.
- Accessibility: Located near the city center and easily accessible from train stations and the airport.
9. Phumula Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of the Indian community in Durban. It showcases artifacts, exhibits, and traditional dance performances.
- Cultural Education: Provides an educational experience about the Indian community's history in Durban.
- Traditional Dance Performances: Offers traditional dance performances showcasing the richness of Indian culture.
- Accessibility: Located in the city center, making it easily accessible from train stations and the airport.
10. Bat Centre
A bat sanctuary offering guided tours where you can learn about bats and their importance in ecosystems.
- Educational Experience: Offers an educational experience about the role of bats in ecosystems.
- Guided Tours: Provides guided tours where you can learn from knowledgeable guides.
- Accessibility: Located near the city center, making it easily accessible from train stations and the airport.
11. Durban's Beachfront Funworld
An amusement park on Durban's beachfront with rides, games, and attractions for all ages.
- Family Entertainment: Offers a fun-filled family entertainment experience.
- Scenic Location: Located on Durban's beautiful beachfront, providing stunning views.
- Accessibility: Located near the city center and close to the airport, making it easy to reach.
12. Wild Coast Sun Resort
A resort located along the Wild Coast with a golf course, casino, spa, and multiple dining options.
- Relaxation and Recreation: Offers relaxation and recreational activities such as golfing, spa treatments, and a casino.
- Scenic Beauty: Located along the Wild Coast, providing breathtaking views and natural beauty.
- Accessibility: Located about an hour's drive from Durban, making it accessible for a layover visit.
13. Umhlanga Rocks
A coastal suburb with beautiful beaches, upscale restaurants, and shopping centers.
- Beach and Shopping: Offers a mix of beach activities, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Scenic Beauty: Provides breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and picturesque cliffs.
- Accessibility: Located near the city center, making it easily accessible from train stations and the airport.
14. Suncoast Casino, Hotels & Entertainment
A large entertainment complex with a casino, multiple dining options, a movie theater, and a water park.
- Entertainment Options: Offers a variety of entertainment options such as a casino, movie theater, and water park.
- Scenic Location: Located on Durban's Golden Mile, providing stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
- Accessibility: Located near the city center and close to the airport, making it easy to reach.
15. Gateway Theatre of Shopping
One of Africa's largest shopping malls with over 400 stores, a food court, and a cinema complex.
- Shopping Experience: Offers an extensive shopping experience with over 400 stores.
- Dining Options: Provides a variety of dining options in the food court and at individual restaurants.
- Accessibility: Located near the city center, making it easily accessible from train stations and the airport.