Top Unique Things To Do And See In Durban

On the east coast of South Africa, Durban offers more than just beautiful beaches and Indian cuisine. From nature and unique food to adrenaline-pumping activities, the city has so much to offer; here is a list of some of the unique things tourists can do and see in in this laid-back seaside city.

Sunrise over the sea

There are not many places in the world that can boast a sun rising out of the water every morning. It’s the best show Durban has to offer, and it’s completely free. Early-bird Durbanites get to the beach while it’s still dark and after taking in the sunrise on the sand, they go cycling, jogging, or even catch a sunrise yoga class. While on vacation in a city with a coast that gets the first light, get a beautiful head start to any day.

1. Dine with the sharks

Restaurant, Seafood, South African

The Cargo Hold is a fine dining restaurant located in the heart of the Phantom ship at Ushaka Marine World in South Beach. The restaurant aims to make patrons feel like they are immersed in the aquarium’s fish tank. There are two levels: one overlooks the tanks and the other is against the floor to ceiling shark tanks. Enjoy a world-class menu that boasts seafood like freshly shucked oysters, seared Norwegian salmon, and grilled crayfish. Booking is essential, and they employ a smart casual policy in the evenings.

Get a masala pineapple

Durban has a unique palate and one of the basic street food favourites is a chunk of pineapple on a stick dipped in a variety of Durban spices that range from sweet to hot. This messy hot, sweet, and/or sour snack is often eaten with dripping fingers on the beach but can be found at local fairs, flea markets, and vendors along the promenade.

Pineapples are first sliced and then sprinkled and dipped in spices

Walk on the sky

Also at the Moses Mabhida Stadium is the Adventure Walk. At the top of the 106-metre (347.8-foot) high arch above the stadium is a viewing deck that provides panoramic views of Durban. There are two ways to get there: take the SkyCar, a glass elevator that moves along the arc or walk on the sky, a 500-step adventure walk that takes 20 minutes along the arc to get to the top. It’s a fun and safe activity for families or solo travellers.

The arch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium offers spectacular views of Durban

Chow a bunny

Durban’s culinary delight is ‘bunny chow‘. This hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with various veg and non-veg curries is a local favourite at hole-in-the-walls, and no visitor to the city should leave without trying it out. Be warned though, it’s a messy delight that’s best eaten with hands and on the hood of a car.