Durban Cruise Port
Durban, South Africa · Africa
Cruise ships dock at Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal berth (Point Waterfront), Durban.
Plan my port daysDocked port with a modern terminal (opened 2021–2023) at Point Waterfront. uShaka Marine World and the start of the beachfront promenade are under 1 km away, the city centre about 3 km. Walking into the centre is not advised: use Uber, a metered taxi or the ship's shuttle.
At a glance
Port summary
Durban is a warm, easy-going beach city with Africa's largest community of Indian descent, which you taste in its curries and the famous bunny chow (curry in a hollowed-out loaf). Ships dock at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal at Point Waterfront, opened in stages from 2021 and run by an MSC-led consortium; MSC uses Durban as its South African homeport from November to April. uShaka Marine World, with one of the largest aquariums in the southern hemisphere, is a 10–15 minute walk when the route is open, and the Golden Mile promenade runs north from uShaka Beach past shark-netted, lifeguarded beaches to Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the 2010 World Cup. The city centre with City Hall, the free Natural Science and Old Court House museums, the Juma Masjid mosque and Victoria Street Market is about 3 km away. Uber is cheap and widely used and is the easiest way around. For a fuller day, the Botanic Gardens and Florida Road lie inland, Umhlanga Rocks with its lighthouse is 20–30 minutes north, and the Valley of a Thousand Hills (PheZulu) or Tala Game Reserve are 45–60 minutes away by tour or pre-booked driver. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid quiet streets and the centre after dark, and swim only between the flags.
Cruise dock
Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal berth (Point Waterfront)
Two-berth cruise quay alongside the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal at Point Waterfront, Mahatma Gandhi Road. Coordinate from Nominatim match on the terminal (no tagged berth in OSM), so it marks the terminal side of the quay. uShaka Marine World is under 1 km away; city centre about 3 km.
Latitude: -29.873517, Longitude: 31.046887
See dock on port map →Getting to Durban
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Pay by card for most things and use Uber for transport. Carry R200–300 in small notes for market stalls, rickshaw rides, car guards and tips.
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Typical weather
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Excursions compared
3 comparedScenes of Durban: City Hall, Juma Masjid, Victoria Street Market and Moses Mabhida
≈ 4 h · sold by 3 cruise lines
Cruise line
€90$101
Do it yourself
€27$30
Save ≈ €63Save ≈ $71 (70% off)
Order an Uber or Bolt at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal pick-up area: about R60–90 (€3–5) and 10 minutes to City Hall, where the Natural Science Museum and Old Court House Museum next door are free. A 5-minute Uber takes you to the Juma Masjid (modest dress, avoid Friday midday prayers) and Victoria Street Market across the road; then Uber 15 minutes to Moses Mabhida for the SkyCar (about R60–90) before a final Uber back to the terminal.
See the DIY plan →
Valley of a Thousand Hills: PheZulu Zulu village, dance show and reptile park
≈ 4 h · sold by 4 cruise lines
Cruise line
€105$118
Do it yourself
€61$68
Save ≈ €44Save ≈ $49 (42% off)
There is no public transport to Botha's Hill, so pre-book a driver or small-group operator for a half day (about R1,200–1,800 for the car, 45–60 minutes each way on the N3/Old Main Road); pick-up at the cruise terminal. PheZulu (190 Old Main Road) opens 08:00–16:30 with Zulu dance shows at 10:00, 11:30, 14:00 and 15:30 (about R190) and a reptile park (about R75); time your arrival for a show.
See the DIY plan →
Ready-made port days
8 plansGolden Mile End to End: uShaka to Moses Mabhida on Foot
Durban's whole beachfront in one long, free walk past surfers, piers and beaded rickshaws.
uShaka Marine World Family Morning
Sharks, penguins and a shipwreck aquarium right next to the ship, with the beach as a bail-out.
Indian Durban: City Hall, Grey Street Mosque and the Spice Market
Free museums, a gold-domed mosque, curry-powder stalls and a proper bunny chow.
Scenes of Durban DIY: Mosque, Gardens, Stadium and Beachfront
The ships' 'Scenes of Durban' loop by Uber, for a fraction of the coach price.
Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Durban?
- Your ship docks directly at the Durban cruise terminal in South Africa.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Durban?
- Walking into Durban from the cruise port isn't practical. Plan to use a shuttle, taxi, or public transport.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Durban centre?
- Typical options include Ride-hail (Uber/Bolt), Taxi, Shuttle bus, On foot, Local bus. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Durban?
- Plan for at least 3 hours ashore to see Durban independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Durban and are cards accepted?
- Durban uses the South African rand. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Wi-Fi isn't reliably available at the Durban cruise terminal. Consider a local SIM or your cruise line's data package.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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