Durban is South Africa’s third-largest city and one of the busiest ports on the African continent. It is also one of the warmest, most culturally layered, and most underrated cities to explore by car. The Golden Mile, the Berea ridge, the Valley of a Thousand Hills, and the start of the KwaZulu-Natal South and North coasts are all within easy reach of the city centre. The best way to make the most of all of it is with a rental car from SANI SIXT.
King Shaka International Airport (DUR) sits about 35 kilometres north of the city centre, off the N2. SANI SIXT has a branch at King Shaka, so you can collect your vehicle on arrival and head straight to your accommodation without transfers or waiting for shuttles.
Getting your bearings in Durban
Durban is built around the bay. The city centre sits on the waterfront, with the Berea ridge rising steeply to the west. The N2 runs north to King Shaka and south along the coast. The N3 heads inland to Pietermaritzburg and eventually Johannesburg. The beachfront Golden Mile runs north from South Beach to uShaka Marine World and beyond. Once you understand that geography, the city is easy to navigate.
A suggested first-day self-drive route
01.
The Golden Mile and uShaka Marine World: Start at the waterfront promenade that runs along Durban’s Indian Ocean coastline. The Golden Mile is the city’s most recognisable stretch, with beaches, surf breaks, and the uShaka Marine World complex at its southern end. It is a good orientation point for first-time visitors.
02.
The Victoria Street Market and Warwick Junction: Head into the city centre to the Victoria Street Market, Durban’s oldest and most vibrant Indian market. The surrounding Warwick Junction area is one of the most fascinating urban street-market environments in South Africa and worth a slow drive through.
03.
The Berea and Musgrave: Drive up the ridge to the Berea suburb for views back over the harbour and bay. The Musgrave area has a good range of restaurants and coffee shops and makes for a comfortable lunch stop after a morning on the beachfront.
04.
The Dolphin Coast: Heading north on the N2 from King Shaka, the coastline opens into a stretch of quieter beach towns including Ballito, Salt Rock, and Tinley Manor. The Dolphin Coast self-drive is a half-day or full-day trip depending on how many stops you make.
05.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park: If you have more time, the N2 north of Durban leads to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, one of South Africa’s great wilderness areas. Allow at least a full day and an early start. The park entrance is roughly 250 kilometres from Durban city centre.
06.
The Midlands Meander: Head inland on the N3 towards Pietermaritzburg and into the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The Midlands Meander route winds through rolling farmland, craft studios, and country restaurants. It is about 90 minutes from Durban under normal traffic.
Driving tips for first-time visitors to Durban
South Africans drive on the left. Durban’s city centre can be congested during peak hours, and the N2 and N3 interchange in particular builds up in the mornings and evenings. A few things worth knowing before you set off:
- The N2 is the main coastal artery, running north to the Dolphin Coast and south along the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast
- The N3 runs inland to Pietermaritzburg and onwards to Gauteng and is a toll road on the Gauteng stretch
- Parking in the CBD is available in multi-storey facilities and paid street parking. Use guarded lots where possible and check signage carefully
- Petrol stations are well distributed throughout the city and along all major routes. Fuel is dispensed by an attendant, not self-service
- At four-way stops, the first car to arrive goes first. If two cars arrive simultaneously, the car to the right has priority
More to explore in KwaZulu-Natal
Durban is a great base for exploring the wider province. With a rental car, the whole of KwaZulu-Natal opens up, from the beaches of the Dolphin Coast to the mountains of the Drakensberg, and from the bush of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi to the culture of the Midlands.
Start your Durban trip with SANI SIXT
SANI SIXT at King Shaka International Airport makes collection quick and straightforward on arrival. There is also a branch in Pinetown if you are arriving by other means or need to pick up a vehicle during your stay. With a wide range of vehicles and optional extras including insurance and additional drivers, you can tailor your rental to your itinerary. Book in advance and you will be on the road within minutes of landing. And with our value-first promise, “Rent First Class. Pay Economy,” you get a premium experience without the premium price tag.
