As a student, summer breaks are the perfect opportunity to explore and have a blast without breaking the bank.
If you find yourself in Durban, we’ve got you covered with a list of cost-friendly activities that are both fun and affordable!
Without further ado, here are 15 things to do in Durban on a budget this summer.
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1. Explore the uShaka Marine World
Dive into a world of aquatic wonders at uShaka Marine World. Prices range depending on the activity and section of the park you’d like to experience.
For example, if you’d like to enjoy mesmerising marine life at Seaworld, then you can expect to pay R214. If you’re looking for thrilling water slides at Wet N’ Wild, you’ll need to pay R204. Students who would like to explore the wonders of the tropical aquarium in Durban can expect to pay R110.
Price: R110 – R214
2. Ride the People Mover for a City Tour
Hop on the Durban People Mover for an affordable city tour. For just R15, you can explore key attractions, from the beachfront to the city centre, making it a convenient and budget-friendly way to see the city.
Price: R15 for a day pass
3. Get Educated at the Natal Sharks Board
If you want to have fun and learn something interesting without spending too much money, check out the Natal Sharks Board in Durban.
The Natal Sharks Board works to keep people safe from sharks while they’re swimming. They also offer an edutainment space for individuals interested in learning more about sharks. That’s right, you can discover more about these predatory creatures by watching a live shark being dissected before your very eyes!
To be part of the shark dissection, students just need to pay R60. This payment covers a 26-minute lesson about sharks, and then you get to see a real shark being dissected.
To get your tickets, go to the Natal Sharks Board in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Keep in mind that you can’t book tickets online, so make sure to plan your visit in person.
Price: R60
4. Stroll Through the Durban Botanic Gardens
Escape the hustle and bustle by spending a day at the Durban Botanic Gardens. With zero entrance free, you can enjoy the tranquillity of lush greenery, and beautiful landscapes and even spot some resident ducks.
Grab your friends and have a picnic, read on the grass or even take a walk through the beautiful gardens as you explore the bounty Durban Botanic Gardens has to offer.
Price: Free
5. Beach Day at North Beach
Durban’s North Beach offers the perfect setting for a day of sun, sea and sand. This means that you, your friends and family can soak up the sun and take a dip in the ocean—all for free! Just remember to wear lots of sunblock, because the Durban sun is no joke.
Price: Free
6. Visit the KwaMuhle Museum
Delve into Durban’s history at the KwaMuhle Museum, where entrance is absolutely free. Gain insights into the city’s past through interactive exhibits and informative displays.
Notably, the KwaMuhle Museum houses HIV and Apartheid displays, which exemplify an important part of South African history. The museum is a great option if you’re looking to learn more about our country’s rich history while on a budget.
Price: Free
7. Embark on a Street Food Adventure in Warwick Junction
Warwick Junction lies at the heart of Durban and is currently the only informally structured market in a public space of its magnitude. With 9 various markets, there is plenty to explore as a student when heading out to Warwick Junction.
Beyond the arts and crafts, music, clothing and entertainment found at Warwick Junction, you’ll be able to experience the vibrant flavours of Durban by exploring the street food scene. With various budget-friendly options, you can savour local delicacies without breaking the bank.
Price: Varies according to your choices
8. Catch a Movie at Suncoast Cinecentre
For a classic movie night, head to Suncoast Cinecentre. Tickets are reasonably priced at no more than R100, providing an affordable cinema experience.
You can find prices for the full list of movie tickets for the Suncoast Cinecentre cinema in Durban below:
Price
2D Movies
3D Movies
Normal
R81
R91
Budget Tuesday
R46
R56
9. Discover Durban's Street Art Scene in Station Drive
Take a walk through Station Drive and immerse yourself in Durban’s burgeoning street art scene. The colourful murals and urban art installations offer a free and visually captivating experience.
Note: Always be safe and do not go out alone or at night! There is safety in numbers, so be sure to go out with friends or family members. You can find tips on how to be safe on the streets here.
Price: Free
10. Experience the Mini-Town Charm at Mini Town
Always wanted to feel like a giant? Then be sure to visit Mini Town where the entrance fee is just a mere R40 for adults. Marvel at miniature replicas of famous landmarks, providing a unique and budget-friendly outing.
Price: R40 per person
11. Picnic at Mitchell Park
Mitchell Park provides a serene setting for a budget-friendly picnic. Pack your snacks, enjoy the company of peacocks and unwind amidst nature.
Price: Free
12. Explore the Golden Mile
If you’re looking for a relaxing and fun day at some of Durban’s best beaches, visiting the Golden Mile should be on your to-do list.
The best part is that it won’t cost you anything to enjoy the beautiful beaches along the Golden Mile. It’s a public space, and it’s free for students and everyone else! Whether you’re looking to go for a swim, take a walk, eat ice cream or rollerblade, there’s plenty to do.
Price: Free
13. Explore the Durban Natural Science Museum
Discover the wonders of science at the Durban Natural Science Museum absolutely free! That’s right, you can engage with interactive exhibits and broaden your knowledge at no additional cost to you. All you need to bring is your thirst for knowledge and walking shoes.
Price: Free
14. Go on A Wild Adventure at Phezulu Safari Park
Whether you’re looking to go on a wild safari game drive or try your hand at Zulu dancing, there’s plenty to explore at the Phezulu Safari Park. While some activities may have small fees, the overall experience offers a budget-friendly encounter with nature.
You can check out the prices at the Phezulu Safari Park below:
Zulu Dancing
Reptile Park
Segway Tour
Safari Game Drive
Kids (under 12): R110
Kids (under 12): R60
30 minutes: R150
Kids: R150
Kids Combo (Zulu Dancing and Reptile Park): R160
Adults: R70
1 hour: R250
Adults: R250
Adults: R160
2 hours: R700
Adults Combo: Zulu Dancing and Reptile Park: R220
15. Catch a Thrill with Big Rush Urban Adrenaline
This one goes out to all the thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies! Make a note, because you won’t want to miss out on the Big Rush Urban Adrenaline experience. Feel the wind pounding through your hair as you hurtle down 106 metres and straight into the centre of the Moses Mabhida Stadium. That’s right, you’ll be jumping all the way from the top of the stadium and from South Africa’s largest stadium swing.
At R695, you’ll have one whole hour booked to accommodate 10 people. To make this a budget-friendly trip, grab your best friends, split the cost 10 ways (R69.50 each) and catch the thrill of a lifetime!
Price: R695
Get Funding for Your Studies with Fundi
After enjoying all the fun activities in Durban this summer, you’ll probably feel relaxed and ready for the upcoming academic year. But starting a new school year can be stressful, especially if you’re concerned about not having enough money for all the student expenses.
If you’re worried about how to pay for things like tuition fees, study devices, and other student needs in the next academic year, Fundi can help! Fundi provides the funding you need to cover your educational costs.
Curious to know if you qualify for a Fundi study loan? Give the Fundi Loan Calculator a try and kickstart your educational journey today.
