Durban offers visitors an extraordinary expanse of beauty to explore and play in. With so many outdoor options, it’s hard to pick what to see and do during a trip, apart from the obvious “visit the beach” approach. If you’re only in the area with 24 hours to spare, then keep reading to discover some of the top activities and attractions.

My, what big teeth you have. By Michael Dawes (Flickr)

Botha’s Hill

If you’ve arrived in KwaZulu-Natal and have overnighted at an accommodation in the Durban outskirts, then think about heading to Botha’s Hill and visiting PheZulu Safari Park. It’s only 35 minutes outside of Durban central, overlooks the beautiful Valley of 1000 Hills, and has several great attractions.

Zulu Dancers. By Squashimono (Flickr)

Your very first stop should be the Crocodile and Snake Farm – which is home to the oldest, as well as the largest, crocodiles in captivity. The second attraction to see is the Zulu Village, which has daily dancing shows, and allows you to experience authentic Zulu culture. PheZulu also offers game drives, which take one hour and allow you to spot local wildlife such as giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and impala. While on the drive, indigenous plants with healing properties will be pointed out to you.

Pinetown

Less than half an hour away from Botha’s Hill, you will find Paradise Valley, an indigenous coastal forest with a wide variety of birdlife, flora, and antelopes. You’ll appreciate the lusher surroundings, and the waterfall here is one of the most beautiful places to relax. If you packed a picnic basket, take advantage of the picnic sites available here or follow one of the paths along the river which take you to the waterfall.

Once you’re satisfied, and have had your fill of the beautiful Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, it’s time to head back into civilization. Perhaps you’re keen to buy some local artwork or pottery, in which case the African Arts Centre along Monty Naicker Street in Pinetown should be on your list. It is a non-profit centre that sells the works of rural and township artists, and you can get everything from original Xhosa and Zulu antiques, to hand-made beadwork and sculptures here. If you’re from out of town, or overseas, your purchase can be shipped to you.

The figures of Krishna, Sita, and Ravana. By Roel Wijnants (Flickr)

Chatsworth

To continue with the cultural side of things, and for a fantastic vegetarian lunch and garden walk, take a twenty minute trip to Chatsworth and visit the lotus-shaped Sri Sri Radhanath Temple of Understanding. This Hare Krishna temple boasts decadent décor, crystal chandeliers, murals of Lord Krishna and his gopi (consort) Radha, a lush garden, and a fantastic restaurant which serves a wide variety of traditional Indian vegetarian meals. This restaurant also works as a non-profit organisation and feeds over 1000 homeless and destitute locals on a daily basis. This is considered to be the largest Hare Krishna temples in all of Africa.

Yellowwood Park

This lush and leafy suburb is situated on the border of the Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, which is well worth visiting for its abundance of bucks, birds, nature trails, mountain biking trails, and evening game drives. You may even spot a shy vervet monkey or the elusive bushbabies if you come at night. While in Yellowwood Park, the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (aka CROW), is well worth a visit, though it is only open to the public on the last Sunday of every month. A tour of the facility starts promptly at 11am, and you can sign up for volunteer work or donate if you are moved.

A look at a ragged-tooth shark at uShaka Marine World. By champagne for monkeys (Flickr)

Durban Point

One of the top attractions within Durban is uShaka Marine World, so you shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to stop in. It’s a short 20 minute drive from Yellowwood Park, and there’s so much to experience while on-site! See the African Penguins, stop in at the new and improved Dolphin and Seal Shows, or gaze in awe at the “Dangerous Creature’s” exhibit. There’s a water park that charms visitors with hours of aquatic fun, and children eight years and older can dive in the aquarium. For adults, depart from uShaka Beach with Calypso Dive Company and explore over 30 beautiful reefs in the area. Once you’re done adventuring, consider viewing The Cargo Hold restaurant – a unique draw for many people. You’ll enjoy the below-deck dining experience, characterised by sumptuous cuisine while watching the sharks from the “Shark Tank” circle you.

Let us know what fantastic places you’d recommend for visitors spending 24 hours in Durban.

Main image credited to Palm Gardens Guesthouse in La Lucia.