Lauren Anthony

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

Who can resist a good market? Great deals, a wide variety of choices, locally made goods and food, live music, and a strong sense of community – all without breaking the bank. Fortunately, Durban is home to a vibrant market scene, perfect for slow weekends and a bit of retail therapy.  Whether you're spoiling yourself or shopping for someone special, we've rounded up some of the best markets in the 031 to explore. 

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. 

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

When COVID-19 disrupted the farming community in Eston in 2020, Wynne Smith and Robyn Armstrong began checking in on local farm schools to see what children needed. What they found was a need that went beyond food and basic supplies: the children needed a creative outlet.     The Eston ShowWynne Smith and Robyn Armstrong are changing the lives of Eston children. The two subsequently established Eston Outreach, a grassroots programme bringing arts education to children in the Mkhambathini district — proving that you don't need a fancy art studio to make something beautiful. The project will take centre stage at this year's Eston Show, giving visitors a chance to see what the children have been creating and support the initiative. READ: 5 women reshaping KwaZulu-Natal's tourism industry It started with two women and a problem Eston Outreach was born in 2020, when Wynne and Robyn were the only two women on the Beaumont Eston Farmers Association's male-dominated executive committee. When Covid disrupted the farming community's school feeding scheme, the pair began visiting local farm schools and quickly realised there was another need: connection. “Wynne and I are both nursing sisters who married farmers, which might explain the need to heal and fix problems!” says Robyn. “We realised there was little creative outlet for the children and the need to tidy areas was huge, so we combined them!” Out of recycling came art. And Eston Outreach was born. Today, the initiative runs a

  February in Durban is hot. But things are about to get even hotter on the paddle calendar as the Dusi Canoe Marathon returns for another three-day test of endurance, skill and sheer determination. Organisers have confirmed that the 76th edition will take place from 18 to 20 February 2027, bringing three days of paddling, running and gruelling portages between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. And because 2027 is a K1 year, the focus will be firmly on individual paddlers taking on the challenge alone. Dusi Canoe Marathon | Anthony GroteThe iconic route will once again take competitors from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. READ: Durban Sunrise Run 2026 adds 42km Comrades Marathon qualifier It’s you, your boat, and the Dusi The 2027 race will put the spotlight firmly on individual paddlers, with competitors taking on the three-day journey in single-seater K1 boats. K2 paddlers can still take on the challenge as a pair, making the race accessible to those who would rather tackle their first Dusi with a partner. Either way, expect challenging river conditions, demanding portages, unpredictable weather and the camaraderie that makes the Dusi much more than just a race. Dusi Canoe MarathonBattling rapids as they head towards Durban, the best paddlers know what it takes to complete the Dusi Canoe Marathon. READ: Comrades Marathon 2027 gets a new Kings Park finish and its biggest field yet Could Andy Birkett make it 17? There could also be a rather impressive piece of Dusi history in

How do you tell women’s stories without words? With dance, of course! This Women’s Month, the Rehab KZN Women’s Arts Festival is bringing together more than 60 performers from across KwaZulu-Natal for an afternoon of contemporary dance, hip hop, traditional movement, and live music at The Playhouse Loft Theatre on Sunday, 30 August. And the best part? It’s free to attend. Val AdamsonThis free Women’s Month festival explores identity, healing and sisterhood. READ: Durban R&B artist Nanette on her new project and the future of African R&B Expressing women's stories through dance Previously known as the KZN Dance Festival for Women, the festival uses dance to explore the experiences, challenges and triumphs of women. Five dance groups and soloists, selected through an open audition, have each created an original piece inspired by women’s stories and lived experiences. The performances tackle difficult subjects including gender-based violence, human trafficking, abuse, identity and recovery, while also exploring the strength that comes from sisterhood and the possibility of finding hope after hardship. While the subject matter is serious, the programme ultimately aims to be emotional, uplifting and life-affirming. The festival is being presented by Mandisa Ndlovu and her Dance Academy, with support from Lucky Cele and in partnership with Ulozolo Youth Organisation, supported by the National Arts Council. Ndlovu says the festival also creates an opportunity for KZN’s dancer

Do you love pushing yourself to the limit? Spending your Saturday running laps while carrying heavy weights, smashing out burpees and generally questioning your life choices? Good. Because Deadly Dozen Durban is back. The popular functional fitness race returns to Kings Park Athletic Stadium on Saturday, 24 October 2026, for what will be the event's only Durban race of the 2026/2027 season. And organisers are promising a bigger, tougher and louder event than ever. The format is brutally simple: complete 12 x 400m runs, with every lap followed by a different functional fitness challenge. Expect farmers carries, deadlifts, lunges, snatches, crawls, presses and, just when you think you're done, a final round of Devil Presses. Don't let the intensity fool you, though. Deadly Dozen is designed for everyone, from experienced athletes and gym regulars to first-time racers looking for a serious personal challenge. You can enter as a Solo competitor, in Doubles or as part of a Relay team, depending on how you'd like to tackle the course.   Deadly DozenThere’s Solo, Doubles and Relay categories, plus a full day of fitness, food, spectators and serious Durban gees. READ: Durban Sunrise Run 2026 adds 42km Comrades Marathon qualifier Twelve runs. Twelve challenges. One very deadly day. The race alternates between 400m runs and functional fitness stations, testing both endurance and strength from start to finish. Here's what you'll be taking on: 400m run + 240m Farmers Carry 400m

What if your grandmother’s kitchen was the best cookbook you never wrote down? That’s the idea behind MATRIARCHS – Preserving the Flavours of our Heritage, an ongoing series at award-winning The LivingRoom at Summerhill, where the women behind generations of South African home cooking are invited into the restaurant kitchen to share the recipes, techniques and stories passed down through their families.   This Women’s Month, the spotlight turns to Zulu culinary heritage, with 64-year-old grandmother Thandi Mchunu taking centre stage on Sunday, 23 August. The LivingRoomThe LivingRoom head chef Johannes Richter will work with Thandi Mchunu on the menu. READ: From Disney to Durban: Chef Nokx Majozi brings her new cookbook home Meet the matriarch behind this month’s menu Mchunu, grandmother of Summerhill Guest Estate manager Uluthando Mandlana, lives in Molweni with her family, but was raised by her grandparents in Hillcrest. It was in her grandmother’s kitchen that she learnt to cook, picking up recipes and techniques passed down through generations. For this edition of MATRIARCHS, Mchunu will work alongside The LivingRoom head chef Johannes Richter and his kitchen team, sharing her knowledge of Zulu food and the cooking traditions she learnt growing up. Her recipes will then form the inspiration for a five-course Sunday lunch celebrating the food and culture of KwaZulu-Natal. READ: Durban chef scoops 2nd consecutive Eat Out Top Chef win This isn’t the first MATRIARCHS fea

A Polish violist and oboist with expertise in science and maths. A Russian pianist and winner of 15 international piano contests. A Brazilian gold medallist in orchestra conducting and composition who grew up on a Kibbutz. A Russian-born, Austrian-raised world-renowned violinist who rocks out with Deep Purple. What do all these women have in common? They’ll be performing in Durban this month, with the first concert taking place tonight! The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2026 Early Spring Season has a strong female presence, with three concerts planned at the Playhouse Opera Theatre. The first two performances put the spotlight firmly on these exceptional women musicians.  Illa ThompsonThe KZN Philharmonic Orchestra. READ: Umzulu Phaqa on nearly quitting music and refusing to conform Week one: Meet the mathematician maestro Opening the season on Thursday, 20 August is Polish conductor Barbara Dragan, whose career spans symphonic, operatic, and contemporary repertoire. Born into a Polish family of scientists, Dragan began playing violin at just five and later trained as an oboist. Alongside her music studies, she completed final examinations in mathematics and physics and still plays the baroque violin. “This programme reminds us that strength doesn’t have just one sound or one shape. In Brahms and Dvořák, we find power alongside vulnerability and intimacy, freedom, individuality, and joy,” Dragan told Time Out Durban. “These contrasts reflect something essential about female

If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of the house, Durban has you covered! The weather appears to be somewhat better than last week, which is already a positive start. That means there’s a reason to get outdoors, whether it’s watching the Sharks v Lions in Pietermaritzburg, or running in the gorge. You can also get cultural with some theatre in Durban, or some top-notch orchestral music featuring soundtracks from your favourite films. Here’s our pick of what’s happening from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August. Weekend weather Friday Min: 18°C Max: 21°C Cloudy Saturday Min: 18°C Max: 24°C Partly Cloudy Sunday Min: 18°C Max: 20°C Partly Cloudy Durban Friday Night Fever at Greyville Date: Friday, 21 August Time: From 4p Venue: Hollywoodbets Greyville Entry: Free | Drinks specials from R25 Cost: Durban View Room buffet is R325 per person  Bookings: 031 314 1736 | fbbookings@racecoast.co.za  HollywoodbetsLucky Fish Friday Night Racing returns to Hollywoodbets Greyville. Swap your usual Friday night plans for a little disco, dinner and horse racing under the lights. Lucky Fish Friday Night Racing returns to Hollywoodbets Greyville with a Friday Night Fever theme, bringing live racing together with disco vibes, street food and drinks specials. Come hungry, because the food line-up includes tacos, pizza, Korean corn dogs, wings, loaded fries, Asian street food and desserts. If you're after something more substantial, the Durban View Room is serving a buffet with dishes inc

If the 2027 Comrades Marathon is already pencilled into your running calendar, there’s a new Durban race you’ll want to know about. The Pick n Pay Durban Sunrise Run returns to the Durban beachfront on Saturday, 26 September 2026, with a major new addition: a 42km marathon that serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Comrades Marathon. That could make the race particularly appealing to runners hoping to get their Comrades qualifying time sorted early — especially with the 2027 race marking the 100th running of the Comrades Marathon. Now in its sixth year, the Durban Sunrise Run will start and finish at the Amphitheatre on the Durban Promenade, with the 42km route covering two laps. There will also be 21km and 10km races for runners who aren’t quite ready to take on the full marathon. READ: Comrades Marathon 2027 gets a new Kings Park finish and its biggest field yet A new 42km Comrades qualifier in Durban The event is organised by DHS Old Boys Running Club in partnership with B-Active Events, with Pick n Pay joining as the title sponsor for 2026. For runners, the timing of the new marathon is one of its biggest attractions. “When Damian (Bradley) asked for Oldies to partner, I suggested we add the marathon in a cooler time of year here in Durban,” says DHS Old Boys Running Club captain Jamie Wardell. “The timing allows people to recover from Comrades and then slowly begin to build up and tick the qualifying box for the 100th Comrades as well as Two Oceans.” The marathon also provi

Forget cycling solo. The WOA Iqembu Cycle Challenge is all about teamwork – and finding out whether your mates can actually hold a line when the pressure is on! Iqembu means team, and that’s exactly what this race is about. Riders need to work together, maintain their formation and make every second count. The fastest team wins, but nobody gets to the finish line alone. Returning to Durban for its fourth instalment, the popular team time-trial event takes over the M4 on Sunday, 6 September, with cyclists racing from the Moses Mabhida Stadium precinct along a fast, flat 20km out-and-back course. There are three distances to choose from, so whether you’re a serious cycling squad, a corporate team, a group of friends or a family looking for a new challenge, there’s a starting line for you. It's fast, flat and all about riding together , holding the line and chasing the clock. WOA Iqembu Cycle ChallengeIt’s fast, flat and all about riding together, holding the line and chasing the clock. READ: Durban Women’s Colour Run: Free 5km Run at Bay of Plenty Pick your team challenge 1. 100km Team Event The big one! Teams of five to eight riders tackle five laps of the 20km circuit, clocking up 100km in total. The team’s time is recorded when its fifth rider crosses the finish line, meaning there’s no leaving your teammates behind if you want a fast time. The 100km event starts from 7am, with teams leaving at staggered intervals. Road bikes and TT bikes are allowed. There are Men’s, Wome

The Comrades Marathon 2027 is shaping up to be about much more than running. As the iconic KwaZulu-Natal ultramarathon prepares to celebrate its centenary, organisers have unveiled plans to make the 100th edition a celebration of runners, communities, history, heritage, charity and the people who have helped make Comrades what it is today. The plans were unveiled at the new finish venue, Kings Park Stadium, bringing together dignitaries, running legends – including Durban’s own Blanche Moila – and Comrades Marathon stakeholders. And with the race set to take place on Sunday, 13 June 2027, the countdown to one of the biggest milestones in the event’s history is officially under way.  READ: Blanche Moila: The South African runner still breaking barriers at 70 A race that has survived a century Opening the launch, Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) Chairperson Mark Leathers reflected on the rarity of a sporting event reaching 100 runnings. “100 runnings of this incredible race. 100 runnings of sacrifice, triumph, pain, pride, and unforgettable human stories,” says Leathers. He pointed to major sporting events including the Boston Marathon, Tour de France and SA Open Golf, which began in 1921 alongside the Comrades Marathon. The race has been cancelled only twice in its history: during World War II and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, the 2027 edition is set to add another chapter to that extraordinary history.   Instagram Comrades Marathon AssociationThe centenary edition

It’s good news for Durban! The city's tourism numbers are on the rise, with South African travellers leading the recovery, while international visitors are also starting to stream in. The latest tourism numbers were presented at the Presidential eThekwini Working Group’s Tourism Revitalisation meeting in uMhlanga last Friday. While Durban's beachfront remains one of the biggest attractions, the city is increasingly looking to broaden its tourism offering and give visitors more reasons to explore beyond the coast. eThekwini MunicipalityWhile Durban's beachfront remains a key attraction, the city is expanding its tourism experiences n READ: South Africa tourism: What if we became tourists in our own country? Domestic tourism remains the backbone According to South African Tourism’s Head of Data Analytics, Melusi Mngomezulu, eThekwini recorded approximately 1.8 million domestic trips between January and May 2026, generating around R14.5 billion in visitor spending. While somewhat lower than the exceptionally strong 2025 figures, it is still 38% higher than in 2024. Accommodation and dining were among the areas showing real growth, suggesting visitors aren’t just simply passing through Durban. They’re staying, eating and spending in the city. That's good news for the local tourism econom, particularly businesses that rely on visitors for a steady stream of customers International tourism is picking up International tourism is also showing encouraging signs. Approximately 134 90

Most of us boil the kettle, throw in a teabag, and settle down to a warm beverage that makes the day just a little bit better. Umlazi’s Hlengiwe Gcabashe took things a little further. She's built a 17-year career around tea, becoming a professional tea taster, buyer and blender - and is the first Black female professional tea taster in Southern Africa. This Women’s Month, we caught up with the Joekels Tea Packers professional to find out what it takes to taste tea for a living, travel the world in search of the perfect blend and make your mark in a traditionally male-dominated industry. READ: Durban R&B artist Nanette on her new project and the future of African R&B From HR administrator to professional tea taster Hlengiwe’s route into the tea industry was hardly conventional. After matric, she studied Public Administration and Management at UKZN’s Westville campus before joining a tea factory as a Human Resources Administrator. Then a Trainee Tea Taster position opened up. “I was drawn to the role because of the opportunity for global exposure to tea-growing regions,” she says. That opportunity would turn into a career.  After completing a rigorous three-year training programme, Hlengiwe continued building her expertise through further studies in Food Technology, Supply Chain Management and Production, and Inventory Management. She also completed certifications in food safety, food fraud prevention, and good manufacturing practices. Seventeen years later, she has progressed