Durban Parks and Gardens

(Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)

Durban's green spaces are welcome places in which visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Both the city centre and surrounding suburbs are well catered for when it comes to parks and gardens.

From an historic botanic garden to a peaceful suburban park and playground, Durban has something to interest visitors of all ages and interests. Plant lovers will favour the landscaping at the Durban Botanic Gardens, while families may prefer to pay a visit to the Umgeni River Bird Park and enjoy the regular bird shows.

Durban Botanic Gardens

Address: 70 St. Thomas Road, Durban, South Africa, SA
Tel: +27 031 201 1303
Situated on the slopes of Berea Hill, Durban's Botanic Gardens is certain not to disappoint. Established over 150 years ago, they rate as Africa's oldest botanical attraction. The gardens are home to a huge variety of trees and plants, an orchid house, vast herbarium and a sensory garden. Tropical colours and fragrances abound. The garden is well known for its rare Cycad collection. After a stroll, the tea garden makes for a pleasant place to relax for a while. The gardens often echo to the sound of live open-air concerts.
Open hours: daily, mid-April to mid-September - 07:30 to 17:15; mid-September to mid-April - 07:30 to 17:45
Admission: free

Umgeni River Bird Park

Address: Riverside Road, Durban, South Africa, SA
Tel: +27 031 579 4600
The Umgeni River Bird Park is reputed to be the best of its kind in the region. Visitors have plenty of opportunity to admire its collection of some 3,000 native and exotic birds as well as some rather spectacular scenery. A free flight bird show is held daily, between 11:00 and 14:00. There's also a chance to check out the 'baby room' for birds.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Mitchell Park

Address: Ferndale Road, Morningside, Durban, South Africa, SA
Tel: +27 031 312 2318
The Durban suburb of Morningside is home to this popular park. As well as some beautiful large flower and plant displays and spacious lawns, there is also a children's playground and plenty of places for visitors to enjoy a stroll. This park also entertains families with its aviaries of exotic birds and a small zoo. Bring a picnic!
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Temple of Understanding

Address: Ambassador Road, Chatsworth, Durban, South Africa, SA
Tel: +27 031 403 3328
Visitors in search of peace and tranquillity should make time to visit the Hare Krishna Temple of Understanding, said to be the biggest such temple in the southern hemisphere. The marble temple itself is surrounded by some beautiful ornamental gardens.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 20:30
Admission: free

Pigeon Valley Park

Address: Princess Alice Avenue, Glenwood, Durban, South Africa, SA
Tel: +27 031 205 1919
Just a short distance from Durban city centre, Pigeon Valley Park is home to many native South African trees and birds. There's a short trail which runs on either side of the valley in which this natural heritage site is located.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Amphitheatre Gardens

Address: Snell Promenade, Durban, South Africa, SA
Tel: +27 031 311 1111
The Golden Mile is one of the busiest areas of Durban. It's particularly refreshing, therefore, to take refuge for a while in this peaceful public garden nearby with its subtropical flowers and fountains.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free