Outdoor Fun in Durban for Next to Nothing

Easily overlooked, the city has some special treasures for visitors to Durban. Beautiful natural settings to restore the soul, invigorate the heart and barely touch the wallet!

Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve

Here, 13 kilometres of nature walks, pleasant picnic sites and over 200 different bird species, plenty of bird watching opportunities await you. In fact, the 253 hectares of land on which you will find the Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve is considered to be one of the finest coastal meets riverine forest, meets bush grassland areas in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Grab a map as well as a plant and animal list from the Field Ranger when you arrive and get exploring!

Entrance: R20 for adults and R10 for children.

The Japanese Gardens

This is one of Durban’s best-kept secrets, and the ideal place to get your Zen on. Offering more than eight hectares of garden which has been designed in traditional Japanese style, with ponds, arches, gazebos, bamboo and cobbled pathways stones providing a tranquillity to those who are keen to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The flowers have also been carefully selected so that there are always a few shrubs that are in bloom. Don’t forget to stop by the garden’s renowned Golden Frog Wishing Well and to, well, make a wish.

Entrance: Free to all.

Note: Weekend activity can have an adverse impact on the pristine garden settings. Mondays the team are hard at work to clear litter and trash left. Please be patient with them.

Mitchell Park and Zoo

Mitchell Park Zoo Park offers spacious shady lawns, landscaped gardens and a playground with jungle gyms, swings and slides. Durbanites enjoy this Park with its spectacular, colorful flower beds, which are redesigned and replanted every season.

Mitchell Park offers a whole host of animals and birds for you to see, including huge gaping crocodiles, raccoons, cranes, flamingoes, wallabies, monkeys and tortoises. There is even a walk-through aviary that will allow you to get close and personal with many of the beautiful bird varieties on display.

The Blue Zoo Cafe Restaurant is an iconic Durban favorite for tea and scones with an extensive light meals menu.

Entrance fees: Adults: R4, Children under 18 years: R3