Weekend Getaway in Durban, the Coastal City

If Durban had to be defined by one color, I think it would undoubtedly be a shade of sky blue. 🚖 Transportation Costs: For safety reasons, I chose to stay at Holiday Inn Express Durban in Umhlanga, a quiet and clean suburban area north of the city. It’s about 15 km from the airport and roughly 20 km from the downtown beaches, so I spent quite a bit on taxis—around 510 RMB over two days. The sightseeing bus cost 40 RMB (highly recommended!). 🏨 Accommodation: As mentioned, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Umhlanga, a 3-star hotel. My room was upgraded to include a mini balcony with a distant view of the deep blue Indian Ocean and ships faintly visible on the horizon 🚢. Cost: 450 RMB. Itinerary Highlights ⏰ Day 1: Umhlanga Main Beach 📍From Northern Beach to Southern Beach, all the way to the southernmost Arlington Beach and Point Beach, the stretch spans 5-6 km. The sand is fine but mixed with some silt, giving it a slightly darker hue. The beach was lively with surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers. The surfers gathered near the southern section, riding the waves skillfully 🌊, while the "wave-jumpers" (people throwing themselves into the waves) clustered in the northern and central areas, cheering and laughing with each crashing wave. The southern end also had a water park, coconut trees 🌴, blue skies, and amusement rides—pure tropical vibes. ⏰ Day 2: Sightseeing Bus Tour 📍The open-top double-decker Ricksha Bus is a safe and convenient option for solo travelers without local guides. In about 2.5 hours, it systematically covers Durban’s key landmarks: the Golden Mile, port developments, the historic CBD, City Hall, the Apartheid Museum, and affluent hilltop neighborhoods. Cost: 40 RMB. Important note: Sunscreen + hat + sun-protective clothing + sunglasses are a must—the open upper deck gets brutally sunny! 🥚 Special Highlights: 📍Umhlanga Lighthouse (built in 1954) stood beautifully against the sunset, with people playing, embracing, or jogging below. The nearby viewing deck offered a stunning panorama of the lighthouse, city skyline, and dusk. 📍Durban Botanic Gardens, a free attraction yet ranked #1 on many English travel sites, was a serene escape. Walking through, I spotted various birds, monkeys, and even massive trees forming their own mini-forests. Sitting on a wooden bench, watching the wildlife and daydreaming, I felt completely immersed. #VacationMode #SouthAfricaTravel #Africa #LifeAesthetics #EveryMomentCounts #FragmentsOfMyLife