5 Best Sights in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and Durban

This aquatic complex combines the uShaka Sea World aquarium and the uShaka Wet ‘n Wild water park. The largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere, it has a capacity of nearly 6 million gallons of water, more than four times the size of Cape Town’s aquarium. The massive tanks house more than 350 species of fish and other sea life and the biggest variety of sharks in the world, including ragged-tooth and Zambezi (bull sharks); try to catch the divers hand-feeding fish and rays in the morning. The complex also includes dolphin, penguin, and seal shows, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians populate the Dangerous Creatures exhibit. The extensive water park comprises slides, pools, and a variety of different water rides. The intensity ranges from toddler-friendly to adrenaline junkie. Durban’s moderate winter temperatures make it an attraction pretty much year-round, though it’s especially popular in summer. Right out front, the uShaka Beach is also one of the best in the city with lifeguards on duty. Avoid public holidays, and call ahead during winter when hours may change.

Opposite the Greyville Racecourse, Africa's oldest surviving botanical garden is a delightful oasis of greenery interlaced with walking paths, fountains, and ponds. The gardens' orchid house and collection of rare cycads are renowned. On weekends it's a popular place for wedding photographs. During the Music at the Lake events, which happen on some Sundays, various musical acts perform in the gardens (additional fee) and people take along picnics.

This handsome structure, an architectural jewel in Durban's skyline, was built for the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament and seats just under 63,000. Named after General Moses Mabhida, the secretary general of the South African Communist party, it's a multi-use stadium that is busy year-round with activities for tourists. You can take a guided tour of the stadium (R60); unless you are visiting with a big school group, no pre-booking is needed.

Ranked among the world's best, this bird park shelters beneath high cliffs next to the Umgeni River and has various walk-through aviaries containing more than 800 birds. The variety of birds, both exotic and indigenous, is astonishing. You'll be able to take close-up photographs of macaws, giant Asian hornbills, toucans, pheasants, flamingos, and three crane species, including the blue crane, South Africa's national bird. Drinks and light lunches are available at the park’s tearoom.