The Golden Mile

Durban, South Africa

Along the Indian Ocean, featuring golden sandy beaches, oceanfront restaurants, and uShaka Marine World.

Places in The Golden Mile

Britannia Hotel The most famous spot for bunny chow, a loaf of bread with the inside scooped out and filled with curry.
Wilson's Wharf waterside restaurants Waterside restaurants in the harbour area.
uShaka Marine World An oceanarium and water park at the southern end of the Golden Mile.
Zulu Rickshaw tradition Colourful Zulu Rickshaws offering rides along the Golden Mile, a distinctive Durban cultural tradition.

Best time to visit: March to May and September to November offer warm, comfortable weather without the peak summer humidity.
Getting around: The Golden Mile beachfront, Florida Road in Morningside, Umhlanga Rocks to the north, and bohemian Glenwood each offer a distinct Durban experience, all connected by short drives.
Currency: South African Rand (R)
Language: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu and isiXhosa are all widely spoken.
Timezone: SAST (UTC+2)
Current trends: Durban's dining scene continues to be anchored by Florida Road's mix of casual curry houses and refined South African cooking, with bunny chow's Indian-community origins at Britannia Hotel remaining the city's signature culinary export, while Umhlanga Rocks' wooden promenade restaurants and Glenwood's bohemian authenticity give the city a range from upscale to alternative.

Florida Road (Morningside) — Durban's best restaurant and bar strip, with options ranging from casual curry houses to refined South African cooking.
Umhlanga Rocks — North of Durban, an upscale area with luxury hotels, pristine beaches, the iconic lighthouse, and refined restaurants along the wooden promenade.