City in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Durban for solo travelers
Is Durban good for solo travel?
Warm Indian Ocean city with surf, a lively Indian food scene and a long beachfront. Staying in Umhlanga or Ballito and taking Ubers is easier than the rough city center.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 3/5 · Good, with some effort |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Solo women travel here; avoid the beachfront and quiet streets after dark, use app rides, meet dates in public and keep an eye on drinks. |
How to meet people in Durban
Surf lessons and surf hostels, beachfront parkrun, Florida Road bars, Indian food tours, and group trips to the Drakensberg or Hluhluwe from local hostels.
Good things to do alone
- Eat a bunny chow in the Indian quarter
- Take a surf lesson at Addington Beach
- Walk or cycle the Golden Mile in daylight
- Visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium sky walk
- Take a day trip to the uShaka Marine World
Where to stay in Durban
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Umhlanga | Safest base: malls, promenade, restaurants, coworking-style cafés |
| Florida Road–Morningside | Bars, restaurants and nightlife; use Uber at night |
| Golden Mile (Beachfront) | Daytime walks, surf and cycling; avoid after dark |
| Berea | Student area; cheaper rooms, patchy safety |
Solo travel across South Africa
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Kruger National Park | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Stellenbosch | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Hermanus | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Knysna | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Plettenberg Bay | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Jeffreys Bay | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Johannesburg | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Durban | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Pretoria | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Port Elizabeth | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Franschhoek | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Umhlanga | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
Quick answers
Is Durban good for solo travelers?
Good, with some effort (3/5). Warm Indian Ocean city with surf, a lively Indian food scene and a long beachfront.
How do you meet people in Durban?
Surf lessons and surf hostels, beachfront parkrun, Florida Road bars, Indian food tours, and group trips to the Drakensberg or Hluhluwe from local hostels. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Durban?
Spoken almost everywhere.
Is Durban safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel here; avoid the beachfront and quiet streets after dark, use app rides, meet dates in public and keep an eye on drinks.
More about Durban
Going to Durban solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Durban meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.