With Durban’s year-round sunshine, there’s no excuse not to get out and explore. Whether you’re a tourist with a chunky travel budget or a local saving those pennies, we’ve updated the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Durbs without breaking the bank.
Fun for Free
Durban Botanic Gardens
Escape the city buzz in Africa’s oldest surviving botanical garden. It’s an absolute must-see for a laidback afternoon among exotic plants. The garden also hosts various concerts throughout the year.
- Vibe: Sub-tropical trees, palms, and the famous Orchid House
- Cost: Free entry to the garden, but concert tickets may vary
- Location: 9A John Zikhali Road, Berea
- Hours (Gardens): Winter 07:30 – 17:15 and summer 07:30 – 17:45
Jameson Park (The Rose Garden)
This park was once a pineapple plantation and is now home to about 1 500 roses of 200 different varieties. It’s known as a beautiful and spacious spot to unwind, so pack a picnic, enjoy the hundreds of rose bushes, and you can even bring your four-legged best friend!
- Vibe: Perfect for picnics and a popular dog-walking spot
- Cost: Free
- Location: Morningside, Berea (across the road from Mitchell Park)
- Hours: 06:00 – 18:00 daily
Amphitheatre Gardens
The Amphitheatre Gardens, also known as the Sunken Gardens, are situated in the heart of Durban’s Golden Mile, where visitors can slip away from the crowds and enjoy peace. Take a lovely stroll through these well-maintained gardens on the beachfront. They’re a relaxing, leafy break right next to the sea.
- Vibe: Intricate pathways, pergolas, and a refreshing green space
- Cost: Free
- Location: Snell Parade, Beachfront
- Hours: Daily from 8:00 – 19:00 during summer (September to March) and 8:00 – 18:00 during winter (April to August)
Durban Natural Science Museum
Want to rub shoulders with a T. rex or check out a rare Dodo skeleton? Get your geek on at the museum that showcases the history of Earth and life through exhibits like dinosaur replicas, realistic dioramas, and fossil displays. Established in 1887, it emphasises biodiversity conservation and ecology.
- Vibe: A deep dive into Earth’s history. Great for curious minds!
- Cost: Free
- Location: 1st floor, City Hall, Anton Lembede Street
- Hours: Monday – Saturday 08:30 – 15:45 and Sunday & Public Holidays 11:00 – 15:45
Victoria Street Market
Dive into the fragrant heart of Durban’s Indian Quarter! This market is a sensory explosion of spices, textiles, and traditional goods.
- Vibe: Lively, aromatic, and the ultimate spot for unique finds.
- Cost: Free to wander and explore
- Location: 151/155 Victoria Street, Durban Central
I Heart Market
Hunt for unique treasures, from gourmet food and homemade treats to beautiful upcycled goods. This is Durban’s top spot for supporting local creatives.
- Vibe: Crafty, culinary, and very local
- Cost: Free
- Location: The Hay Store in Durban’s Point Waterfront
- Dates: First Saturday of every month
Super Saver: Under R50
Mini Town
Feel like a giant! See Durban’s major landmarks, from the harbour to the cricket stadium, all shrunk down to a 1:24 scale. This unique adventure is a classic Durban must-do that is fun for the entire family – big and small (pun intended)!
- Vibe: Whimsical and nostalgic. A tiny city world that offers great photo opportunities.
- Cost: R40 per adult, R30 per child (2–13 years)
- Location: 114 Snell Parade, near Snake Park Beach
- Hours: 09:30 – 16:30 daily
Durban Rickshaw Ride
Experience the Golden Mile like a local celebrity! The rickshaw drivers, famous for their magnificent, bright outfits and tricks, offer a scenic beachfront experience.
- Vibe: Energetic, colourful, and distinctly Durban. It’s a quick, fun, cultural experience with the rhythmic clang of the rickshaw bells and the sea air.
- Cost: Prices can be below R50 depending on the number of passengers and the distance travelled.
- Location: OR Tambo Parade, Beachfront
Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
If you love nature walks, this reserve offers a beautiful escape into a coastal forest and grasslands. This reserve falls under the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Management and boasts a variety of hiking, walking and mountain-biking trails that range from 5 to 13 km, as well as a wheelchair-friendly trail, accessible from the main car park.
- Vibe: Spot wildlife like zebra, bushbuck, and various bird species. It offers hiking and mountain-biking trails.
- Cost: R40 per adult, R20 per child
- Location: Yellowwood Park (Outer West Durban)
Adventures at The Fun Company
The Fun Company is an ideal spot for guaranteed indoor fun, with multiple branches across the greater Durban area. This family entertainment centre offers activities like bowling, arcade games, laser maze, bumper cars, and XD theatre and is perfect for a family outing or birthday parties.
- Vibe: Loud and energetic. The perfect place for escaping the heat or the rain, with flashing lights, loud music, and the constant excitement of arcade games and bowling.
- Cost: Entry is free, but a one-time R10 fee is charged for a Play Card, which is then loaded with a value of your choice for activities. Activity prices can start from under R50.
- Locations: The Pavilion Shopping Centre, Jack Martens Dr, Westville
- Hours: 11:00 – 21:30 on weekdays and 10:00 – 22:00 on weekends
Under R100
uShaka Marine World
You don’t need a full-day ticket to get a taste of the adventure at uShaka Marine World. Look for the specific, affordable activities available, like the imaginative fun of Kids World, the reptilian residents at Dangerous Creatures and the Fish Feed experience.
Dangerous Creatures
- Vibe: This exhibit showcases reptiles and fascinating creatures from around the globe. Thrilling, educational, wildlife encounters.
- Cost: R78 (adults, kids, & seniors)
- Location: uShaka Marine World (Accessible via the Village Walk)
- Hours: 10:00 – 16:00 daily
Kids World (Ages 2–12)
- Vibe: A colourful world is dedicated to children’s play, featuring a huge wooden jungle gym, a Splish-Splash water area, and creative corners. Energetic, imaginative play.
- Cost: R75 (kids), R21 (adults)
- Location: uShaka Marine World (Near the main entrance)
- Hours: Varies in off-peak season, but generally open 09:00 – 17:00.
Fish Feed Encounter
- Vibe: Participate in feeding the marine life at the Open Ocean exhibit. Interactive, unique and a memorable photo opportunity.
- Cost: R68 (adults, kids, & seniors)
- Location: Sea Animal Encounter Island, uShaka Marine World
- Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays – Sundays at 11:00 (Booking is essential).
Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park
Hit the trails! Giba Gorge offers a great day out for riders and non-riders alike, with mountain-biking and trail-running paths for various skill levels, from beginner to advanced. The park also includes a restaurant, conference facilities, and hosts a variety of events and activities.
- Vibe: Active and outdoorsy. It’s a scenic park with a relaxed, casual atmosphere and a pleasant restaurant spot.
- Cost: R100 (adults), R70 (children under 12 years), R50 (visitor/non-rider)
- Location: 110 Stockville Road, Pinetown
- Hours: 07:00 – 17:00 daily
Gondola Canal Rides (Zulumoon Gondolas)
Drift gently down the scenic Point Waterfront Canal in a beautiful gondola. Zulumoon Gondolas offers unique, private gondola boat rides with both day and night options available. Experiences can be customised with add-ons like a message in a bottle, a picnic, or even live music.
- Vibe: Romantic, relaxing and scenic. It is a very popular spot for proposals, date nights, and a calm, picturesque activity for families.
- Cost: Day rides can start from R80 per person.
- Location: Canal Gondola Dock, Durban Point Waterfront
- Hours: Day rides 10:50 – 17:45 and night rides from 18:00
The Legendary Bunny Chow (Britannia Hotel)
You can’t visit Durban without tasting bunny chow! This is a budget-friendly meal, but prices may vary according to location. The Britannia Hotel is a well-known establishment in Durban, famous for its authentic, legendary bunny chow.
- Vibe: Delicious, traditional curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread.
- Cost: Prices can start from R98.
- Location: Britannia Hotel, 1299 Umgeni Road, Berea
- Hours: Sunday to Tuesday 7:00 – 20:30 and Wednesday to Saturday 7:00 – 21:30
The Reptile Park at Phezulu Safari Park
While the full Zulu village tour and game drive cost over R100, you can still visit the incredible reptile park on a budget. The reptile park is located within the larger safari park that features a collection of snakes, crocodiles, and tortoises and visitors can take guided tours to learn about these species.
- Vibe: Exotic and slightly thrilling. A dedicated area for close encounters with local and exotic reptiles, perfect for those interested in snakes and crocodiles.
- Cost: Reptile Park only: R75 (adult) and R60 (under 12 years)
- Location: Old Main Road, Bothas Hill (Outer West Durban)
- Hours: 8:00 – 16:30
Forget the myth that a memorable family holiday requires a massive budget. Durban’s warm, vibrant soul offers countless opportunities for adventure, learning, and connection – all for R100 or less! Ready to turn these ideas into a real getaway? Book your perfect escape in Durban on LekkeSlaap and start planning your budget-friendly break!
Ready to explore Durban on a budget? Book your accommodation here:
Feature image: Pexels
*Please note that the prices on this blog are accurate at the time of posting and are subject to change*
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Wildlife Wonders: Game Reserves and National Parks to Visit
