Durban Golden Mile

Durban's beachfront runs several kilometres of sand along the warm Indian Ocean, and the promenade behind it was rebuilt and extended for the 2010 World Cup into a continuous paved route from uShaka Marine World at the southern end past a chain of piers to Blue Lagoon at the Umgeni river mouth. It is used constantly - runners, cyclists, skateboarders, fishermen on the piers, surfers on the sandbanks, and families on the beaches, which are lifeguarded and netted against sharks. The water is the selling point: Durban sits in the Agulhas current and the sea runs above twenty degrees for most of the year, warmer than anywhere else in South Africa. Along the route are the Moses Mabhida stadium a little inland with its arch walk and swing, an amphitheatre, paddling pools, and the long-standing rickshaw pullers in beaded Zulu headdress at the northern end.

What you actually see

• A continuous promenade - several kilometres from uShaka to the Umgeni mouth.
• Warm water - above twenty degrees for most of the year, the warmest sea in the country.
• The piers - a chain of them along the front, used by fishermen and surfers.
• The rickshaws - pullers in beaded headdress working the northern beachfront.

When to go

April to September - winter here is mild and dry. Half a day. Mornings are best.

Honest expectations

Durban is humid and hot from December to March. The beachfront needs ordinary city precautions, especially after dark. Water quality has failed testing after heavy rain and sewage incidents - check current beach status. Some sections are run-down between the rebuilt parts.

Nearby

uShaka Marine World anchors the southern end; the city centre is west.