Durban, South Africa, a coastal gem known for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, is a destination that welcomes travellers of all abilities. If you’re a person with a disability, you’ll find that Durban offers a range of accessible options, making it a superb destination for disabled travellers seeking adventure and relaxation.
Wheelchair Friendly Attractions
More and more of Durban’s attractions cater to all visitors, making sure that nobody misses out on the city’s charm.
Here are some of the best attractions to ensure a memorable and inclusive experience while traveling in Durban.
1. Golden Mile
Durban’s Golden Mile is a popular stretch of beaches. It is wheelchair-accessible, with level pathways making it a preferred choice for an exercise venue. It is even possible to do a whopping 10km (or even more!) route.
Although the walkways are wheelchair friendly, soft sand on the beach makes access onto the beach and into the ocean quite tricky. Regular wheelchairs with regular, thin tyres will most likely not be able to roll around independently on the beach itself. Add a freewheel and it may become possible.
2. Ushaka Marine World
This world-class marine park is wheelchair accessible and offers a range of attractions such as the aquarium, water slides, and a beach. The park has ramps, accessible bathrooms, and designated parking for people with disabilities.
3 . Wheelchair Friendly Beaches
Durban’s beaches offer guests stretches of beautiful sand and warm water to enjoy the whole year around . Guests in wheelchairs can now enjoy access to some of the beaches, thanks to beach wheelchairs and mats that can be hired at Ushaka, Suncoast and North Beaches.
If you are in Durban and would like to try out one of these Beach Wheelchairs free of charge, contact one of the venues below to book the Beach Wheelchairs free of charge.
- Suncoast Beach Suncoast Hotel: 031 314 7878
- Ushaka Beach Ocean Ventures – The wheelchairs can be found at the uShaka Surf & Adventures on the South Beach in Durban. Contact them on cell: 031 332 9949 to book the Beach Wheelchairs free of charge.
- Ocean Braai Restaurant on Durban’s North Beach
3. Durban Botanic Gardens
Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden, is also wheelchair-friendly and a perfect spot to relax amid nature’s beauty.
4. Kwa Muhle & Natural Science Museums
For a taste of South African history and culture, the Kwa Muhle Museum and Durban Natural Science Museum offer accessible exhibits and facilities.
5. Moses Mabhida Stadium
The Moses Mabhida Stadium, an iconic landmark originally built as a venue for the Soccer World Cup in 2010, offers a wheelchair-accessible SkyCar ride to enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
The surrounding area of the stadium offers smooth surfaces to enjoy a leisurely “stroll” around and onto the beachfront promenade.
6. Shopping Malls
Durban’s Pavillion, Gateway, Galleria, Cornubia and a host of other shopping malls allow visitors in wheelchairs effortless shopping. Wide walkways, accessible toilet facilities and designated wheelchair friendly parking areas make it an ideal outing especially on rainy days when the beach is not a traveller’s ideal option.
7. Kwa Zulu-Natal Sharks Board Boat Tours
The KZN Sharks Board offers boat tours to learn about the conservation efforts for sharks and other marine life. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and the tour boats can accommodate wheelchairs.
Boat tour fee includes complementary ticket to see the educational Audio Visual & Shark Dissection show (Show days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, subject to a minimum number of people attending the show).
8. Durban Riksha Bus
The Ricksha Bus is a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus that offers accessible seating and ramps for wheelchair users. It’s a convenient way to explore the city’s main attractions.
There are 2 Ricksha Bus Tours a day, seven days a week. The double-decker bus will take you on a three hour tour of Durban.
The Ricksha bus follows a route through pretty much the whole of central Durban, taking in the Victoria Street Market, Francis Farewell Square, beachfront, the Berea, Florida Road, Mitchell Park, Morningside, the Cube viewpoint, Wilson’s Wharf and the city centre.
When planning your adventures, it’s a good idea to contact the specific attractions or venues in advance to confirm their accessibility features and any specific accommodations you might need. Additionally, local tourist information centers can provide up-to-date information on accessible activities and services in Durban.
