Durban route: Golden Mile Beach to Durban Botanic Gardens
Explore Durban's 63.6 km coastal route featuring the Golden Mile Beach, Ushaka Marine World, and the revitalized Durban Point waterfront. The journey connects major attractions including the Durban Botanic Gardens, Mitchell Park Zoo, and Moses Mabhida Stadium, showcasing South Africa's third-largest city blending beach culture with urban landmarks.
- Distance
- 63.6 km
- Duration
- 12 h 43 min
- Mode
- route
- Start
- The Pavilion Shopping Mall
- End
- Florida Road
- Stops
- 15
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- The Pavilion Shopping Mall — 10th largest shopping mall in South Africa, first major landmark upon arrival in Durban
- Golden Mile Beach — 8 km stretch of golden sands, number one highlight of Durban perfect for beach activities
- Sun Coast Casino — Casino with slot machines, table games, and private beachfront area at the southern end of the Golden Mile
- Ushaka Marine World — One of the largest marine parks in the southern hemisphere, located at the southern end of the Golden Mile
- Royal Natal Yacht Club — Historic gem established in 1858, one of the oldest yacht clubs in South Africa
- Durban Point — Vibrant redeveloped area at the entrance to Durban Harbor with converted industrial buildings turned into bars and eateries
- Durban Harbor — Busy harbor entrance with gondolas taking passengers through canals and waterways
- Durban Botanic Gardens — Africa's oldest surviving botanical garden, featuring plants and green spaces in the center of town
- Mitchell Park Zoo — Charming zoo and family destination that started as an ostrich farm in 1910
- Victoria Street Market — Historic covered marketplace featuring vibrant stalls of spices, textiles, and local crafts that showcase Durban's multicultural trading heritage.
- Juma Mosque — Mosque located near Victoria Street Market in the culturally diverse area
- Durban City Hall & Central Post Office — Edwardian-era architectural landmark with ornate domed design symbolizing the city's colonial past and civic importance.
- Umhlanga Lighthouse — Iconic landmark in Umhlanga adding to the town's charm with sea views
- Moses Mabhida Stadium — Structure built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with a sky car to the top for city views
- Florida Road — Buzzing area perfect for people watching and grabbing food, with historical buildings and cafes
Useful for your trip
- Where to stay
- Roadside hotels offer budget accommodation; one night stayed for $45 per room.
- Food
- Try muffins at Mug and Bean, a classic South African chain with good coffee and breakfast.
- Food
- Wimpy is a beloved South African restaurant chain; order their all-day big breakfast combos with eggs, bacon, sausages, and toast.
- Transport
- South Africa's road infrastructure is solid for road tripping; max speed is 120 km per hour.
- Tip
- Golden Mile Beach is an 8 km stretch with jogging, surfing, swimming; has vibrant promenade with cafes, street vendors, and security patrols.
- Tip
- Ushaka Marine World features water slides, laser river, and aquarium built into old cargo ships.
- Tip
- Moses Mabhida Stadium has a sky car to the top for city views; currently out of service but hoped to resume by summer 2025.
- Tip
- Durban Botanic Gardens is Africa's oldest surviving botanical garden, perfect for picnics and relaxation in the city center.
- Tip
- Mitchell Park Zoo is family-friendly; features a 120-year-old tortoise, the oldest resident of Durban.
- Avoid
- Durban CBD has high homelessness and crime; avoid going alone especially after dark and stay aware of surroundings at all times.
- Tip
- Durban is known as the city with 300 days of sunshine and has warm Indian Ocean waters year-round.
- Tip
- Midlands Meander route features rolling hills, quaint villages, artisan shops, cozy hotels, wineries, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants.
Video on this route
Durban: Africa’s Miami? I Didn’t Expect This