Durban is well known for its golden beaches and stunning shoreline. Often compared to Rio de Janeiro and Miami, Durban is a city that is full of life and energy. This beautiful city overlooking the Indian Ocean is where you find unlimited fun. From morning to night, visitors enjoy a happening party verve, exciting beach life, water activities, and vibrant sports culture.
CNN describes Durban as "the coolest city in South Africa you've ever seen." And yes, Durban (or "Durbs", as it is known locally) is as cool as it can be. But before you leave, remember to purchase travel medical insurance as protection against unexpected health emergencies or travel mishaps.
Durban Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
A travel medical insurance plan can provide coverage for health-related financial liabilities that may arise during your visit to Durban. If you twist your ankle stepping off a curb, for example, travel medical insurance could provide you with coverage to meet your medical bills. If you are down with a bout of malarial fever, Durban medical insurance for international travelers has your back.
If you're planning to participate in any adventurous sports, be sure to buy an add-on hazardous sports travel insurance plan designed to cover these riskier-than-average activities.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Durban?
International tourists are legally not required to carry travel medical insurance to visit Durban. But irrespective of your fitness levels, lifestyle, or age, travel medical insurance is still the need of the hour for all international tourists. Remember the popular truism, "If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel."
Experts recommend that you buy travel medical insurance before visiting Durban. A travel medical insurance plan could help safeguard you against big-ticket medical expenses in a foreign land.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Durban?
A travel medical insurance plan is a must-buy. It can help you in numerous ways if things take the wrong turn. Just a few of the benefits offered by travel medical insurance include coverage for emergency medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), and more. Beyond that, consider the following:
- Different travel medical insurance plans can offer a range of coverage including a single trip, annual trip, or multi-trips to different destinations across the world, including Durban.
- Protect your loved ones: Durban travel medical insurance can provide the flexibility to choose plans according to the number of family members traveling with you. You may be able to choose from Solo, Couple, Family, or Group Health Insurance plans to provide a safety net for all your loved ones.
- Adventure Activity Coverage: Visitors may also opt for plans that provide coverage for different adventure activities during their vacation.
Things To Do For Travelers in Durban
There are hundreds of reasons for you to say "Jambo" to Durban.
A unique melting pot of colonial British, African, Zulu, and Indian cultures, Durban is full of interesting history. Durban's local markets are all things quirky, spicy, and fun. And no visit to Durban is complete without exploring its golden beaches.
Here's giving you the good, the better, and the best things to indulge in during your stay in Durbs:
Morning Bangs Party
Durban likes to party. Locals call their parties "morning bangs" as they go on through the wee hours of the morning. Along with indigenously developed "gqom" music, there's retro and electro music for you to jive to. Small and large nightclubs dot the city canvas. If you are looking to do some serious party hopping, we recommend Under the Moon, Havana Music Lounge, Chill Action Bar Point, and Eyadini.
Sardine Run
The Sardine Run is an annual event taking place in Durban each May through July. It is also known as "The Greatest Shoal on Earth". During this spectacular marine event, millions of sardines migrate from their home. And they closely hug the coast of Durban during this process. The sardines are closely followed by diverse marine predators including dolphins, seabirds, whales, and sharks. This visual is truly a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle to behold.
The Golden Mile
If you are looking for the best beach in Durban to dip your toes into, you simply can't miss the Golden Mile. Visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium, uShaka Marine World, Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World, and Mini Town for non-stop fun activities. To enjoy typical beach activities, visit Battery Beach, North Beach, and South Beach.
Parks and Theme Parks Unlimited
Durban offers top-class family fun for visitors. Visit Emazizini to get an insight into South Africa's native Zulu culture. A stopover at PheZulu Safari Park offers visitors the perfect game lodge experience. Different ways to explore the park include walking trails, safari game drives in 4x4 open vehicles, and Segway transporters. If you are a reptile lover, don't forget to explore the thrilling Reptile Park.
Adrenaline Adventures
Durban is an adventure- and outdoor-sports-lover's paradise. Water sports like surfboarding, diving, snorkelling, aquarium diving, kite surfing, and shark cage diving are hugely popular. Durban also offers visitors a chance to indulge in a wide variety of aerial activities like hot air ballooning, helicopter rides, gorge swinging, zip-lining, paragliding, skydiving, and microlight flying. Land activities include rock climbing, Segway tours, motorcycling, and quad biking.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Durban
Adventure Activity Safety
Durban offers a wide range of adventure sports to travelers at economical prices. On the flip side, the equipment safety standards may sometimes not be on par with international standards. A too-good-to-be-true shark diving tour may mean a lack of safety procedures. Ensure that you don't compromise on safety standards while looking for a cheaper alternative.
Violent Crimes
Not only Durban, but other cities in South Africa—including Pretoria, Cape Town, and Johannesburg—are infamous for violent crimes against tourists. Such incidents have significantly declined in recent years. However, foreign tourists should be careful of violent crimes like mugging, theft, armed assaults, and carjacking.
Water Wary
There are numerous beaches and waterfront promenades in Durban. Though relatively safe, there are records of human-shark conflicts in the waters around Durban. Contact a local life-guard before venturing into the deep seas to avoid a "Jaws"-like escapade.
Flooding
Durban experiences a rainy season from November to February. During these months, the city witnesses rain for almost 15 days a month. Heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding are common during the rainy season.
Health Risks
HIV/AIDS rates in South Africa are exceptionally high. Visitors should be extra careful to avoid situations that may lead to HIV/AIDS. Visitors also need to take adequate precautions against insect-borne diseases like malaria and filariasis. Unhealthy food and contaminated water may lead to cholera and diarrhea.
Before You Travel to Durban - Do This
- Carry enough Rand: The currency of South Africa is known as the Rand (ZAR). A lot of street kiosks, local markets, and taxis only accept cash as a mode of payment. Make sure that you carry enough cash for easy payments during your stay.
- Book early: Hotels in Durban tend to be very expensive, especially during the peak season and Sardine Run. Sometimes good accommodation facilities are sold out during these times. Book your stay well in advance to ensure that you don't have to pay a small fortune.
- Travel Insurance: travel medical insurance can provide invaluable protection during your stay in Durban. Take the time to review several different policies, compare your options, and choose the one that best matches the needs of your particular trip.