Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

06 December 2025

4-minute read

Known for its golden beaches, year-round warm climate, and melting pot of cultures, Durban is a true gem on South Africa’s east coast. From the bustling beachfront promenade to the aromatic spice markets and the rich history woven through its streets, Durban offers something for every traveller.

Haadfidh Muhammed maintains that the best way to reach this amazing city he calls home is by driving there. Durban is accessible via main highways from every other city in South Africa, and while it is sometimes possible to find cheap flights there, driving is definitely more affordable, especially if you’re coming from Johannesburg with more than two people.

Durban is famous for its beaches, the most popular of which is the very central North Beach. However, during the holiday season, this beach does tend to get “quite busy,” so for visitors looking for a quieter swimming beach, Hf Muhammed suggest Point Beach that is closer to the harbour, although there are no lifeguards on duty there. Umhlanga is rocky and also gets quite busy in peak periods, but between Umhlanga and Ballito there is a beach called Umdloti that is a swimmer’s paradise and is ideal for snorkelling. Hole in the Wall and Thompsons Bay just past Ballito are also good options to try if you’re in the mood to drive out about an hour from central Durban. Hf Muhammed does not recommend visiting the more secluded beaches “purely for safety reasons.”

Apart from the beaches, there are numerous unmissable sights and attractions in and around the city. The uShaka Water Park and Aquarium is a great place for kids of all ages, and the Moses Mabhida stadium has a lift to the top where one can enjoy a spectacular view of the city and the coastline. In the city, there is the Botanical Gardens, ideal for walks and picnics, and the historic Grey Street Masjid, one of the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere, where salaah is still prayed five times daily.

For adventure seekers, there are all kinds of activities to look forward to in Durban—both on the beach and elsewhere. uShaka offers shark cage diving, an activity not for the feint-hearted, and while Hf Muhammed says that he himself is too afraid to try it, for the even more daring souls, South of Durban close to Amanzimtoti shark cage diving is offered in the open sea. Closer to Pietermaritzburg, there are both beginner and advanced hiking trails that end in amazing views within places like the Giba Gorge and the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, while Sugar Rush Park in Ballito has some land-based activities.

There is an abundance of halal food options in the city, so when it comes to food, depending on what you are looking for. Hf Muhammed’s top recommendations are Stone Pizza close to central Durban for pizzas, Smoking Joe’s for burgers, Nonnas for pasta, Empire Steak or Steak-Out for steaks, and Bilal’s for an authentic Durban bunny chow.

Some tips for staying safe and making the most of your holiday include taking rests when road-tripping down to Durban, staying safe on the beaches, being wary, not going out unnecessarily at night, and avoiding secluded beaches especillay during the peak holiday periods.

Listen to the full program with Ml Muhammad Kara and Hf Muhammed Kharsany here.