Backpackers in Durban
Welcome to SA backpackers guide
Durban is one of the most exciting cities in South Africa and appealing to all kinds of people and backgrounds especially those looking for a good time attracting young travellers with its amazing night life and diversity of cultures and except for those young travellers on a budget you might not get to see the real Durban therefore we offer cheap accommodation in a great atmosphere.
A unique experience
Backpackers in Durban may choose to stay in our hostel, you will be able to enjoy the real and outstanding experiences that Durban has to offer and will give you the opportunity to get a your more value for less money, we will provide you with good quality service, clean and safe accommodation for people travelling on a budget.
Low cost hostel
Our Durban backpackers guide provides budget accommodation for backpackers and international travellers. We are amongst one of the best backpackers in Durban with facilities and amenities readily available for our entire budget traveller
Home away from home
The friendly hostel is in a well located and safe residential neighbourhood, seconds away from transport, shopping and all local amenities. The hostel offers beds in dormitory style accommodations, both single sex and co-ed rooms. Other facilities include, guest kitchen, common lounge with TV, pool table, internet facilities and public phones.
Central Durban Hostels
Looking for a great central Durban hostel while travelling? Your search can come to rest at SA backpackers guide in Durban. We take pride in providing an excellent central Durban hostel facility for your stay, whether for a single night or several. We offer a clean, contemporary environment with all the amenities you will need.
Our staff at SA backpackers guide are able to assist you in booking train, flight, or coach tickets or arranging day trips to local area attractions. As your Backpackers in Durban we offer many free services, including free internet access, free linens and blankets, free TV access, free food storage space and free literature for sightseeing while staying at our convenient central Durban hostel.
Our kitchen is open 24 hours a day and is fully fitted with all the appliances, cookware, and utensils necessary for food preparation. During your stay at our modern central Durban hostel, you can enjoy a relaxing game of pool or darts in the clean and comfortable game room or watch television in the TV lounge.
Numerous services are available at the receptionist at SA backpackers guide including laundry soap, booking assistance, telephone calling cards, and sightseeing information for Durban. Our central Durban hostel offers well maintained showers, washbasins, and toilets – plus we guarantee hot water 24 hours a day! For your convenience during your stay at our up-to-date central Durban hostel, we offer a laundry room with full washing and drying capabilities and for your security; we have lockers and a luggage room. SA backpackers guide wants your stay with us to be carefree, inexpensive, and a memory that brings a smile to your face.
Tourist attractions in Durban
Durban (eThekweni in Zulu) is the third largest city in South Africa and the country’s leading holiday resort. Backpackers in Durban may appreciate the beauty of our attractions, like:
1 Golden Mile
A good starting-point for a walking tour of Durban is the “Golden Mile.” This bustling beachfront promenade is lined with high-rise hotels, entertainment complexes, shops, and restaurants. The broad, golden beaches are a magnet for water sports enthusiasts who come here to surf, swim, fish, or just bask in the sunshine.
2 Durban Botanic Gardens
The Durban Botanic Gardens is the oldest surviving botanic garden in Africa. Set on the slopes of Berea Hill, northwest of the city centre, the gardens were established in 1849 for the trial of agricultural crops. Today, visitors can stroll among the indigenous and exotic subtropical plantings, including majestic heritage trees, some of which are more than one hundred years old. The main plant collections include cycads, orchids, bromeliads, and palms, and visitors can also experience the Garden of the Senses. In addition to the rich plant biodiversity, at least fifty different species of birds are permanent residents of the gardens.
3 Umgeni River Bird Park
In the Riverside district, on the north bank of the Umgeni River, Umgeni River Bird Park features more than 200 species of birds, and some are the only representatives of their kind in Africa. On a network of paths running through lush landscaping and waterfalls, visitors can observe a variety of indigenous species as well as birds from Southeast Asia and Australia, including lories, cockatoos, and aras. One of the highlights of the park is the bird show where visitors can learn about more about the exotic species as they perform.
4 Indian Quarter
Encompassing the Victoria Street Market and Juma Masjid Mosque, the largest in the southern hemisphere, Durban’s Indian Quarter is now a multicultural mix of sights, sounds, and exotic aromas. Chinese, Pakistani, Indian, and Somali street vendors haggle along the narrow pavements, selling everything from spices and saris to beaded sandals, incense, and intricate, handmade jewellery. Savvy shoppers will find bargains here, and the restaurants boast some of the most authentic Indian cuisine in Durban.
5 Mitchell Park and Jameson Park
Mitchell Park, in the upmarket suburb of Morningside, is one of Durban’s oldest parks. It’s also popular for picnics and walks thanks to its shady lawns, mass plantings of colourful blooms, and wide wheelchair-friendly paths. Children will love the playground, mini zoo, and walk-through aviary, while those seeking a bite to eat can dine at the alfresco cafe. Adjoining Mitchell Park is Jameson Park, which displays more than 200 species of roses.
6 Ushaka Marine World
uShaka Marine World, one of the main attractions on Durban’s Golden Mile, is a water-themed wonderland packed with attractions. Sea World, set on replicas of four shipwrecks, features the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere, where visitors can get up close to marine life through underground viewing galleries. Other attractions here include a Dolphin Stadium, Seal Stadium, and Penguin Rookery. Wet ‘n’ wild is an extravaganza of splash pools, slides, and super tubes, while uShaka Kids’ World is a paradise for two- to twelve-year-olds. Little ones will love the playgrounds, treasure cave, and creative activities here. After a fun day enjoying all the sea-themed attractions, visitors can stroll among the outdoor shops and restaurants at Village Walk.
7 Moses Mabhida Stadium
Moses Mabhida Stadium is a world class sporting and event venue on Durban’s Golden Mile. Completed in 2009, the stadium provides a spectacular 360-degree view of Durban from the top of the stadium’s arch. The Sky Car whisks visitors to the top, or they can climb the 500 steps. Thrill-seekers will love the 220-meter Big Rush Big Swing, the world’s highest. Segway tours of the stadium are available, and visitors will also find a few restaurants on-site as well as shops selling sporting merchandise.
8 The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (Hare Krishna Temple)
The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple is the largest Hare Krishna temple in Africa. Surrounded by a beautiful lotus-shaped garden, the temple is an impressive confection of gold-tinged domes, gilded statues, chandeliers, marble tiles, and ceiling frescoes. Besides admiring the lavish architecture, a highlight of a visit here is enjoying a meal at the vegetarian restaurant, Govinda’s. Hungry tourists can feast on a vast array of inexpensive Indian vegan dishes and fresh-squeezed fruit juices. The restaurant also provides food for the poor and destitute of the city.
9 Valley of a Thousand Hills
A beautiful region of gently rounded hills sprinkled with scenic viewpoints, villages, and gorges. The hills rise up along the banks of the Umgeni River as it flows into the Indian Ocean from the distant Drakensberg Mountains. The old road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg runs along the southern edge of the valley, an area with magnificent views. After passing Hillcrest and Botha’s Hill it comes to Phe-Zulu, a typical Zulu village where visitors can see traditional dance performances and witness the rituals of witch doctors.
10 Umhlanga Rocks
Umhlanga Rocks (pronounced Umshlanga), 16 kilometres north of Durban, is a popular, upscale resort town. Long golden beaches, interrupted by rocky coast, stretch for 200 kilometres north of Durban to the beautiful Isimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do here. Surfing, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, dolphin viewing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are some of the aquatic pursuits on offer. Shopping is also a favourite pastime. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping here is one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. Other attractions in the region include championship golf courses, the KZN Sharks Board, nature reserves, and museums, including the former dwelling of Mahatma Gandhi.