Lauren Anthony

Can you feel it? It is here! While the World Cup didn’t get off to a sterling start for South Africa, as we once again played Mexico in the opener (we miss you, Shabalala!), that 2010 buzz is resonating as football fever takes hold. Bafana Bafana came crashing out of the tournament after co-host Canada beat them with an extra-time goal. Despite a historic end to a 16-year dry run, it was not meant to be for our boys.  Still, the 2026 tournament action continues. From beach bars and buzzing pubs to cosy Midlands firesides, here’s where you can catch every goal, upset and dramatic penalty shootout up until 19 July.  This guide was written by Lauren Anthony, a KwaZulu-Natal-based lifestyle writer. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

While the rest of South Africa is layering up and scraping ice off windscreens, Durban is doing what Durban does best in winter: getting out and enjoying this epic city.  Because we all know, winter is when Durban truly comes alive! With school holidays starting this week, the province is expecting one of its biggest winter tourism seasons yet. According to the latest Winter 2026 Tourism Forecast, more than 920,000 visitors are expected to travel to KwaZulu-Natal between 26 June and 20 July, generating close to R1.9 billion in tourism spend. "The projected increase in visitor numbers and tourism spend is a strong indication that KwaZulu-Natal remains one of South Africa's most attractive destinations," said KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi. What are you waiting for?   Check out these epic events taking place in Durban and surrounds this winter!  This guide was written by Lauren Anthony, a KwaZulu-Natal-based lifestyle writer. At Time Out, all of our travel guidesare written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Durban isn’t just a top holiday destination, it’s a pet-lover’s paradise too. From breezy beachfront cafés to countryside pubs with dedicated doggy menus, KZN offers plenty of spots where your furry companion is just as welcome as you are. So hook the leash, pack the treats, and plan a day trip with your favourite travel partner. Great food tastes even better when shared with someone who never judges your order and is always happy to see you. Basic etiquette While you may love and adore your pets, not everyone around you will feel the same. Being mindful and considerate of others sharing the space is essential. Most restaurants enforce a "leash-only" rule, so be sure to follow it at all times. Always clean up after your pet and remember to bring waste bags with you. But, without further ado, here are some of Durban and surrounds' paw-approved pitstops to raise the woof… TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 📍 The best things to do in Durban😋 The best restaurants in Durban🏨 The best hotels in Durban🛏️ Where to stay in Durban

If you grew up in KZN, you’ve likely spent at least one childhood holiday riding horses, hiking, and swimming in streams found within the dramatic Drakensberg mountains. If not, then this is your sign to pack your bags and head for the hills, because the Drakensberg is unmatched in scenic beauty and outdoor fun! Speaking of packing, here’s a checklist to help you prepare for a one-day hike in the Drakensberg. Must-pack items: Water bottle Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes A warm jacket and waterproof clothing (mountain weather changes fast) Sunglasses First-aid kit Torch or headlamp, with extra batteries Nutritious snacks and meals to keep your energy up Navigation tools: a mobile GPS or compass, plus a map Power bank – better safe than sorry SPF Trekking pole(s) If you're camping overnight, add: Sleeping bag Toiletries Extra clothes and underwear – don’t forget thermals Tent and sleeping mat Plenty of food to last the duration of your trip Gas stove and necessary cooking accessories When is the best time to visit? It depends on what you’re looking for, but autumn (March–May) is generally the ideal time. During these months, temperatures are comfortably mild, skies are clear, rainfall is minimal, and the views are truly breathtaking. To make planning even easier, we’ve found a few Airbnbs near the Drakensberg that might be worth checking out. Click here to view. But without further ado, here are our top 10 reasons to visit the Berg (as we call it in KZN!): Time Out ma

When you think of Durban, what comes to mind? Golden beaches, warm weather, bold flavours? You wouldn’t be alone, and you wouldn’t be wrong. But this friendly coastal city has far more to offer than first meets the eye. From historic markets woven into the fabric of the city to Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden, and local artists celebrating Durban’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems that make KwaZulu-Natal truly one-of-a-kind, there’s a deeper story just waiting to be discovered. And quite frankly, if Durban isn’t on your 'must-visit' list, seriously, what is wrong with you? And before you say it, no, we’re not being biased… well, maybe just a tiny bit. After all, we’ve got the official title to back us up: Durban was named one of Time Out’s Best Places to Travel in 2026. Whether you’re a curious local, a first-time visitor, or looking to impress at your next quiz night, here are 10 fun facts about Durban you might not know. TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 📍 The best things to do in Durban😋 The best restaurants in Durban🏨 The best hotels in Durban🛏️ Where to stay in Durban

If you couldn’t imagine anything better than muddy trail shoes, spectacular scenery, great live music, and that typical KZN vibe, then we have a brand-new event you don’t want to miss. The WESSA Ultra Trail Festival debuts on Saturday, 24 October 2026, transforming the WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve near Howick into a trail running mecca. But don't let the word ‘ultra’ fool you. While elite runners can tackle a gruelling 100km adventure, there are distances for every fitness level. This outdoor festival is a space where anyone can enjoy a day out in one of KZN’s most beautiful spots. READ: Lesotho's Neheng Khatala storms to first-ever Totalsports Women's Race Durban victory Run through the scenic KZN Midlands Hosted across 900 hectares of indigenous forest, grasslands, river crossings and dramatic escarpments, the festival celebrates 100 years of WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) and its long-standing commitment to conservation. Runners can choose from seven distances: 6km Short Course Medium Course Long Course Extended Course 50km Ultra 75km Ultra 100km Ultra Even if you're not planning to hit the trails, there's plenty happening throughout the day. The organisers are creating a festival atmosphere that celebrates everything people love about the Midlands, from local flavours to live entertainment. READ: Catch some Olympic-class sailing in Durban this August KZN Trail RunningWESSA Ultra Trail Festival What you can expect Seven trail-running d

Women's Month is always a special time in Durban, with events celebrating empowerment, sisterhood, music, wellness and community taking place across the city. Whether you're planning a girls' day out, looking for live entertainment, or simply want to celebrate the incredible women in your life, there's plenty happening throughout August. Here's our pick of the best Women's Month events in and around Durban. Old Mutual Music at the Lake: Lira, Nomfundo Moh & DJ Sbu Date: Sunday, 9 August 2026 Time: 1pm Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens Cost: Up to R350 Tickets: Webtickets Spend Women's Day enjoying one of Durban's favourite outdoor concert series. Lira, Nomfundo Moh and DJ Sbu headline this year's Music at the Lake, with proceeds supporting the Durban Botanic Gardens' Garden Window Project. Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy an afternoon of music in one of Durban's most beautiful settings. READ: Meet the Durban woman giving youth a voice in ocean conservation Webtickets Durban Botanic GardensMusic in a beautiful Durban setting is a great way to spend Women's Day weekend! The R&B Movement – Women's Day Celebration Date: Sunday, 9 August 2026 Time: 4pm Venue: Cuba Premium Day Club, Moses Mabhida Stadium Cost: R250 Tickets: Webtickets Ladies only! Dress in your favourite little black dress and enjoy an afternoon of classic R&B, dancing and celebration with one of Durban's most stylish Women's Day parties. READ: Shall we dance? Durban's dazzling dance show is returning Webti

If you’re a runner, walker, or just looking for an excuse to get active, sign yourself up for the Boxer Super Run, which is landing in Durban on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Organisers have confirmed that the popular 5km event will return to Durban as the first stop, before the race heads to Johannesburg a month later. Anthony GroteThe Boxer Super Run is a real vibe! READ: Durban scores! City confirmed as Cricket World Cup 2027 host A race for everyone Since launching in 2023, the Boxer Super Run has quickly become one of South Africa's most accessible running events. “The Boxer Super Run has grown into a celebration of fitness, community and fun, proving that the 5km distance truly is for everyone,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “Whether you're chasing a personal best, taking on your first road race or simply looking to enjoy an active day out with friends and family, the Boxer Super Run offers an experience that welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels." Participants can choose from different start waves depending on how they want to experience the day. These include: 7am: The Open Wave kicks off for runners of all abilities. 8am – 9.30am: The Super Social Wave for dress ups and groups. 45am for the Elite Women’s Race. 10am for the Elite Men’s Race. Tobias GinsbergSign up for the 5km Boxer Super Run in Durban! READ: All Blacks legend Ma'a Nonu to call Durban home What you need to know Event: Boxer Super Run Durban Date: Sunday, 1

If you've been looking for an excuse to hit the road and explore more of KwaZulu-Natal, here's some good news. From tomorrow (Wednesday, 5 August), South African motorists will pay 52 cents less per litre for both 93 and 95 unleaded petrol, following the latest monthly fuel price adjustment announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. The decrease comes after lower international petrol prices and a reduced slate levy helped offset a slightly weaker rand during the review period. Unfortunately, it's not all good news. Diesel users will see an increase of more than a rand per litre, with illuminating paraffin also becoming more expensive. READ: Getting around Durban just got easier thanks to major road upgrades What changes on 5 August? Petrol 93: Down 52c/litre Petrol 95: Down 52c/litre Diesel 0.05%: Up R1.38/litre Diesel 0.005%: Up R1.23/litre So, while diesel motorists may be feeling the pinch this month, petrol drivers have one more reason to get out and experience everything Durban has to offer. Safe travels! READ: Durban scores! City confirmed as Cricket World Cup 2027 host TIME OUT DURBAN RECOMMENDS: 📍 The best things to do in Durban🍽  The best restaurants in Durban🏨 The best hotels in Durban🛏️ Where to stay in Durban📢 Latest news from Durban Follow Time Out Durban on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok! To get the coolest news, features, and things to do straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has voted to continue operating independently of both Athletics South Africa (ASA) and KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA), marking a significant moment in the history of the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon. While the governance decision has generated plenty of discussion within South African running circles, the message from the CMA is simple: the race is on, training continues as normal, and preparations for the historic 100th Comrades Marathon are already well underway – with runners at the heart of all plans. More than 1 000 CMA members participated in a Special General Meeting on Saturday, 1 August, where members voted to endorse a ‘Comrades-first’ approach to the future governance of the race. According to CMA Chairperson Mark Leathers, the decision reflects what members believe is in the best long-term interests of the iconic race. “Our members have once again confirmed their preference for the CMA to chart its own course. We are confident that we have the resources, experience, and commitment to continue presenting a world-class event, and we are excited about next year's Centenary Edition of the race on 13 June 2027. “The CMA remains willing to engage constructively with all parties for the betterment of the sport, the event, and the broader running community, and the door remains open for further discussions with KZNA and ASA.” READ: Lesotho's Neheng Khatala storms to first-ever Totalsports Women's Race Durban victory What

Durban’s Nicole Christie is one of the athletes chosen to compete in the UIPM Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) World Championships in Beijing in September. This is pretty impressive considering that, less than two years ago, Nicole (34) had never seriously considered obstacle course racing. A Communications Manager at Food & Trees for Africa by day, Nicole is one of eight athletes from The Iron Movement gym in Winston Park who have secured places on South Africa's national team after standout performances at the South African Championships. SuppliedNicole Christie practicing for the upcoming World Champs. READ: Meet the Durban woman giving youth a voice in ocean conservation From fitness to competition After becoming a first-time mom, she began training at Iron Movement in 2023 for general strength training and functional fitness - but everything changed when she decided to give the gym's obstacle course racing sessions a try. "It was incredibly challenging at first," she says. "The more I trained, the more I enjoyed it. Before long, I completely fell in love with the sport." That enthusiasm quickly turned into results. Earlier this year, The Iron Movement became an official South African Modern Pentathlon Association (SAMPA) qualifying venue, giving athletes the chance to compete for national selection. Nicole earned her place at the South African National Championships before finishing 4th overall to secure her ticket to Beijing. READ: Catch some Olympic-class sailing in Durb

Women's Month got off to a flying start in Durban on Sunday (2 August), with Lesotho's Neheng Khatala claiming her first-ever Totalsports Women's Race Durban title in an impressive 32:06. The national record holder crossed the finish line ahead of Emma Pallant-Browne of Great Britain (32:45), while Kenya's Fridah Ndinda secured third place in 33:15 after a closely contested race along Durban's scenic beachfront. Speaking after the race, an elated Khatala said the victory had been a long time coming: "I'm so excited to be part of the race today. It's been a good year for me. The route is fast, but the wind made it difficult to push the pace. The competition was very strong, so we stayed together for much of the race. Around the 5km mark, I knew I was going to win." The victory carried extra significance for Khatala, who previously set her Lesotho national record in Durban. "Crossing the finish line first means a lot to me. Durban is where I set my national record. I missed it today, but without the wind I think I could have run faster. I love this race. The organisers take great care of us, and everything is exceptionally well organised." READ: Meet the Durban woman giving youth a voice in ocean conservation Tim HayThe start of the Elite Field at the Totalsports Women's Race Durban, as seen from the air. Thousands celebrate Women's Month While the elite athletes battled it out at the front of the field, thousands of women of all ages and fitness levels filled Durban's street

Update: Saturday, 1 August 2026: Durban confirmed as host city for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027! Durban Tourism announced the great news that Durban will be one of the host cities for next year’s Men’s Cricket World Cup. The world will be heading to our shores as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia unite to host one of the biggest sporting events on the global calendar. As one of the 12 official host venues, Durban is ready to welcome cricket fans from around the world with world-class sporting action, warm hospitality, breathtaking experiences and unforgettable moments. This is great news for Durban, and really great news for Durban's tourism industry! Tourism bodies celebrate as Durban bags Africa's biggest travel showcase until 2030   Durban has secured some serious bragging rights. One of Africa's biggest tourism events, Africa's Travel Indaba, will continue calling Durban home through to 2030. This follows the successful hosting of Africa's Travel Indaba 2026, and is a big boost for the city, which is set to remain the centre of the continent's travel and tourism industry for the next four years. READ: Tourism businesses take top spots at KZN Top Business Awards eThekwini MunicipalityThe continent's biggest tourism trade show is calling Durban home until 2030. Why this matters for KZN The annual trade show is regarded as Africa's leading tourism marketing event, connecting African tourism products with international buyers and media. It attracts thousands of to

If you thought comic books and gaming were reserved for pre-teen boys and the odd IT nerd, we’re about to take off your blinders. Geek culture is big. And more than that, it’s growing - with Durban its newest playground! The city is home to a creative and surprisingly diverse geek community, where artists, gamers, comic book lovers, cosplayers, musicians, and designers regularly get together to celebrate the things they love. And this year, they're stepping into the spotlight through Just Geekin', an exciting new addition to the Hilton Arts Festival curated by local creatives Daniel Sheldon and Iain ‘EWOK’ Robinson. We caught up with Daniel to unpack what geek culture really means, where Durban's geeks hang out, and why this movement is only just getting started. Iain EWOK RobinsonJust Geekin' is an exciting new addition to the Hilton Arts Festival curated by local creatives Daniel Sheldon and Iain ‘EWOK’ Robinson. So... what exactly is geek culture? According to Daniel, it's far bigger than most people realise. “People often think geek culture is one niche hobby, but it's actually this huge web of creative communities that overlap,” he says. Comic books, anime, gaming, cosplay, tabletop role-playing games, trading card games, miniature painting, K-pop, fantasy literature, science fiction, collectables, and digital art all fall under the same colourful umbrella. "I mean, almost every month there's another superhero blockbuster in cinemas. That's geek culture too." For Dani

One of Durban's biggest Women's Month events returns this Sunday, 2 August, as the Totalsports Women's Race brings thousands of runners to the city's iconic beachfront. While the sold-out event promises an electric atmosphere for participants and spectators alike, motorists should be prepared for temporary road closures and traffic disruptions around the Suncoast precinct, Snell Parade and several key routes leading into the city. The race starts and finishes at the Suncoast Casino P3 Parking Area, with activities beginning from 6am. Some roads, however, will close as early as 4am to allow organisers to prepare the route. READ: Snowfall spotted on the Drakensberg Roads affected on Sunday The following roads and intersections will be temporarily closed during the event: Snell Parade (P3 to Battery Beach Road): Closed from 4am until runners have cleared the finish area. Casino Circle and Suncoast P3 access: Closed from 4am. Snell Parade and Athlone Drive: Closed from 6.30am. Athlone Drive and M4 ramps: Closed from 7am. Masabalala Yengwa Avenue southbound (Athlone Drive to Battery Beach Road): Closed from 7am. Masabalala Yengwa Avenue northbound (Battery Beach Road to Archie Gumede Place): Closed from 7.15am. Somtseu Road, Jeff Taylor Crescent and the bus lane: Closed from 7.15am. KE Masinga Road, Eden Crescent and Kingsmead Way: Closed from 7.30am. Masabalala Yengwa Avenue southbound (Kingsmead Way to Battery Beach Road): Closed from 7.30am. Battery Beach Road: Closed from 7am

If you took a look at your driver’s licence and realised, with a sinking feeling, it’s up for renewal sooner than you thought – you might be in luck! According to local news reports, Cabinet has approved a proposal to extend the validity of South African driver's licences for light motor vehicles from five years to 10 years.  The Department of Transport originally proposed an extension to 8 years, so this gives us an additional 2 years of breathing room! The proposal still needs legislative changes before it becomes law, so for now it's business as usual. You'll still need to renew your licence according to the current five-year validity period until the new regulations officially come into effect. Why the change? Government says the proposal aims to align South Africa with international best practice while making the licensing system more efficient. Extending the renewal period would: Reduce the number of licence renewals motorists need Ease pressure on licensing centres Improve administrative efficiency Lessen demand on the country's licensing infrastructure It's also no secret that South Africa's only driver's licence card printing machine has been feeling the pressure these last few years, leading to breakdowns that hurt us all. Fewer renewals help us, but also that overworked machine.  The announcement comes as the second phase of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system continues rolling out across South Africa.  Licence extensions… inco

Update: Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 11am: Snow has fallen in KZN Do you feel that nip in the air, Durban?  Yip! There’s snow on the Drakensberg mountains. Social media sites are being flooded with images of a light dusting of snow atop the crisp mountain range, with temperatures plummeting inland and Durbanites relishing the chance to wear those winter items found waaaaaaay back in the cupboard!   Karin AbbottAn Underberg resident captured the snowfall on the Drakensberg mountains this morning. Inland, snowfall has been reported over the southern Drakensberg and Lesotho – a result of a powerful cut-off low-pressure system that has brought icy temperatures and widespread rain to KZN. While it’s not much, it’s enough to drop the temperatures across KZN! Fortunately, the severe weather warnings from the South African Weather Service appear to have passed with no major reports of any destruction along the coastline. Today’s forecast for KZN is cloudy and cold to cool with scattered showers and rain in the north of KZN, otherwise isolated except for in the south-west. The wind along the coast will be moderate to fresh southerly to south-westerly, reaching strong in the north at times. Karin AbbottA light dusting of snow on the Berg. Wednesday 29 July, 8am: KZN prepares for possible snow today It's icy out there, people! KwaZulu-Natal authorities are stepping up emergency responses after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) elevated its disruptive weather warning to Level 6 y