Durban Water Attractions

Durban's Bluff

Take a stroll along the tidal pools on the southside of Durban's Bluff. Afterwards take a dip at Ansteys Beach, one of South Africa's least-known but best swimming beaches. It used to be a case of 'you're rough and tough if you come from The Bluff' but not any more. 

©Roger de la Harpe
Aerial view of The Bluff in Durban.

This little world of its own has many natural attractions, not least of all the views over Durban city and the harbour and beaches beyond. The Bluff has its own nature reserve with pans and coastal forest, some of the best swimming and surfing beaches in the province, Anstey's, Brighton and Cave Rock - more frequented by surfers than bathers, and little-spoilt rock pools, where parents can take their children to show them what the whole coastline used to be like. Yes, it's got its industrial and working-class areas, but this has turned out well for its residents, as they've suddenly found the city below has choked itself and they are sitting in the good seats.

Beachwood Mangroves

©Roger de la Harpe
Hikers in Beachwood Mangrove Nature Reserve in Durban.
Not too far from the concrete centre of Durban, at the mouth of the uMngeni River, is a mangrove swamp forest called Beachwood Mangroves. The ecosystem here is incredibly complex and the trees rely on a specialised tidal environment for survival; the birdlife is prolific. There's a rustic bird hide and a boardwalk into the forest.

Beachfront Pools

©Roger de la Harpe
Aerial view of the Durban promenade and the beachfront pools.
Durban's beachfront is a real treat for kids. Along the promenade, freshwater pools in all shapes and sizes invite children to splash about for a few hours. There are comfortable benches for adults and all the fast-food shops to fill up hungry tummies.

Shongweni Dam

©Jacques Marais
Canoeing in Durban.

The Shongweni Dam, just 30 minutes from Durban, has many things to recommend it. Firstly, it is so unexpected to find such a wild place so close to town. Then there is the surprising variety of wildlife around — some 200 bird species as well as rhino, buffalo, giraffe, eland and zebra.

This is one of five dams in the province run by the Msinsi authority as a game reserve for recreational activities. You can fish, sail, canoe, go on game trails and rock climb. Accommodation choices include the luxury Mkangoma Bush Lodge or a tented camp built on the water's edge.

By David Bristow