Top things to do in Durban during summer.

Famed for its golden, sun-kissed coastline, warm, subtropical climate, diverse cultures and urban lifestyle, the city of Durban is the pride and joy among locals, and also manages to consistently steal the heart of visitors too – and rightly so!

Although the weather is pretty glorious year-round, with many people even swimming in the ocean during winter in July, summer in this sunny South African city is truly special.

If you’re planning to visit delightful Durban this summer, here are some great activities you can partake in to best ensure your visit offers a healthy dose of both good fun and interesting adventures:

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1) Visit the unforgettable uShaka Marine World

The world’s fifth largest aquarium, as well as the largest in Africa, uShaka Marine World offers unforgettable excitement, fun and entertainment for the whole family.

This water theme park offers a host of excellent and educational attractions, including the following: Wet & Wild, Sea World, uShaka Kids World, Village Walk and uShaka Beach & Dangerous Creatures.

For more information, please see www.ushakamarineworld.co.za or call them on (031) 328 8000.

2) Enjoy some wavescapes in sunny Durban

Durban – one of South Africa’s hottest surfing locations – is well loved for its laid-back beachside lifestyle. As such, no visit to this port city is complete without participating in at least one ocean activity.

Kayak in the Umgeni River, explore the well-known Durban harbour, stop by Moyo Pier (one of the city’s most recognisable and photogenic places) or even wine and dine at Wilson’s Wharf. Or, if you prefer, you can hit the ocean and either surf, suntan or stroll your way along the Durban beachfront, known famously (and for good reason too) as the Golden Mile.

Another fun option is joining the company, Surf. Sup. Yoga, for all that the name suggests… Choose to welcome in the new day with some beach yoga, followed by a healthy breakfast, before enjoying some surfing and yes, you guessed it, SUP-ping in the warm saltwater.

For more information, email Lauren at lauren@surfsupyoga.co.za.

3) Tour and explore the majestic Moses Mabhida Stadium

Built to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, this majestic stadium has since brought a great deal of aesthetic beauty and sky-high fun to Durban.

The stadium offers visitors three wonderful ways to best experience its tall, graceful arch. You can take a Sky Car (R60 per ride), climb 500 steps up (and down), attached to a safety harness, with the fearless Adventure Walk (R90 per person; recommended for the fit) or experience the thrill of the Big Rush Swing (R695 per person).

The Big Rush Swing is the world’s only stadium swing, and has also been confirmed as the world’s tallest bungee swing by the Guinness Book of Records (May 2011). Enjoy swinging (and screaming) your way out into the heart of the stadium, as you do a huge, 220-metre arc under the stadium’s iconic arch.

Additionally, dotted around the stadium, are several eateries and a lovely public space to enjoy, as well as the I Heart Market, which is held on the first Saturday of every month, and more frequently over the Festive Season.

For more information, please visit www.mosesmabhidastadium.co.za or call them on (031) 582 8242.

4) Delve into the Valley of 1000 Hills

With the benefit of being ideally positioned in the heart of the countryside – but also effortlessly close to the exciting hustle and bustle of Durban – Valley of 1000 Hills is certainly a great place to explore. Situated some 30 minutes from the Durban epicentre, this is a region rich in tranquillity, scenic beauty and ancient culture.

Attractions to enjoy while there undoubtedly include (but are not limited to) the following: Phezulu Safari Park (game drives on offer), the Crocodile and Snake Park and the Umgeni Stream Railway Train. Embark on a wondrous journey around this thriving region when you opt for a day trip on their 100-year-old choo choo train.

For more information, please visit www.1000hillstourism.com or call them on (031) 777 1874.

5) Relax in the uber-cool Umhlanga Rocks

Lying just north of Durban proper, Umhlanga Rocks offers visitors a party atmosphere, luxurious beach resorts, nature reserves and of course, some classy wining and dining, coupled with great, lavish shopping experiences. It’s a superb holiday destination for couples and families alike, and offers a little fun and indulgence for everyone.

Here, you can find the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, which is the largest shopping mall in the Southern Hemisphere. Its offerings include: vast supermarkets, trendy boutique stores, movie cinemas, restaurants and many other retail stores besides.

For more information, please visit www.umhlangatourism.co.za or call them on (031) 561 4257.

So whether it’s beautiful beaches, fun in the sun, gloriously warm weather, excellent shopping experiences or wonderful countryside explorations that you’re after, a summertime visit to Durban is sure to meet every traveller’s holiday needs.

This content was created for The Travel Manuel about Accommodation Direct.