Durban truly is the hottest place to be this summer – in all senses! The city has turned up the heat this holiday season with the launch of its sizzling new campaign, 'Visit Durban: Endless Waves of Tranquillity', which officially gets underway this month.
The campaign, launched at the scenic Isithumba Village in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, highlights Durban’s readiness to deliver an unforgettable summer of entertainment and cultural adventures.
A Durban summer to remember
Durban’s beaches and tourism precincts are being primed for the festive rush, with the city set to welcome holidaymakers looking to cool down on the coast. While Durban Central missed out on Blue Flag ratings, the KZN North and South Coasts scooped 12 full Blue Flag beaches, six Pilot Blue Flag beaches, and two Green Coast sites – a new programme that celebrates natural, less-developed coastal areas that promote nature-based tourism.
There are also lots of enhanced safety measures in place. Expect more lifeguards on duty, trained child minders along the beachfront, and smart policing technology - including CCTV and bodycams - to keep you safe. Metro Police and SAPS will maintain high visibility throughout the city’s major hotspots, ensuring peace of mind while you enjoy your holiday.
The entertainment lineup is as bright as the Durban sunshine, featuring the Dubane Summer Break, INK Kasi Experience, Gagasi FM Beach Fest, and Durban Fact Rocks, among others. The 2025/26 cruise season, which has just launched, will also see international vessels like the MSC Opera and Ryndam Europa docking in the city.
Beyond the Durban beachfront
While Durban’s famous Golden Mile beachfront remains the heart of summer fun, visitors are encouraged to explore beyond the city’s shoreline. Some great sites include:
- The Valley of a Thousand Hills offers scenic hiking trails and river adventures
- Immersive cultural tours at Isithumba Adventure
- Wildlife encounters at Phezulu Safari Park
- Heritage experiences along the Inanda Route
- Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights
More to Explore: The best things to do in Durban
A city on the rise
Durban’s tourism recovery continues to gain momentum, with nearly R5 billion in economic impact this year alone.
The city has also renewed hosting rights for Africa’s Travel Indaba until 2030, with big plans on the horizon for Durban’s iconic Elangeni and Maharani Towers – Southern Sun Hotels, located in prime spots on the beachfront.
As Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, shared: “This campaign isn’t just about numbers - it’s about sharing Durban’s story of resilience, creativity, and warmth.”
What you need to know
When: Summer campaign officially kicks off in November 2025
Expect: Beach festivals, family fun, and cultural adventures across eThekwini
Safety: Increased police visibility, CCTV monitoring, and lifeguards on duty
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