This series aims to help you make the most of your time in Durban.
Should you attend an event, you can combine it with an enjoyable adventure, or if you plan to visit Durban for an adventure, you can also find an event that might be of interest to you and plan your visit around that.
This week, it's time for Part 3 of our Calendar of Events for Travelers.
If you have missed the first two posts in this series, you can find them here:
- Durban Events & Adventures: A Year-Round Calendar for Travelers (Part 1)
- Durban Events & Adventures: A Year-Round Calendar for Travelers (Part 2)
Winter in Durban is mild, with blue skies, crisp mornings, and cool evenings. This makes it one of the most comfortable times of year to visit.
This is a time of year when the city is active in cultural, heritage, and sporting activities.
Let's have a look at some of these activities that might be of interest to you.
These will include events such as:
- Hollywood Bets Durban July (Horse Racing)
And adventures such as:
- The Valley of Thousand Hills
- Ballito & North Coast Beaches
- Umhlanga Nature Trails
Events
In July, Durban hosts one of its most popular and glamorous events of the year... The Durban July!
Hollywood Bets Durban July.
Hollywood Bets Durban July (commonly known as the Durban July) is held annually on the first Saturday of July since 1897 at the Greyville Race Course in Durban, South Africa.
According to hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za, the next event is planned for July 4, 2026.
It's South Africa's premier horse racing event and is often compared to the Royal Ascot or the Kentucky Derby.
You'll find all the "high society" there, but if music or especially fashion is your thing, you would definitely love to attend this event.
In all honesty, I am personally not one for any of those, so I haven't attended one of these events. Thus, I don't have any photos to share of the Durban July, but if you visit their website by clicking the link I included above, you'll get a good idea of what I'm talking about.
What I do enjoy is the wide open spaces. So, I can share some photos with you of where these horses are trained, if that's okay with you. It is also where the jockeys get their training from a young age.
It's the South African Jockey Academy, based in Summerveld, 35 km west of Durban CBD.
According to their website, "The South African Jockey Academy is a non-profit company (NPC) which offers youth an academic, experiential, and practical learning programme to qualify as a professional jockey.
With an experienced, dedicated, and motivated staff, this highly internationally acclaimed Jockey Academy is situated in Summerveld, a state-of-the-art horse training facility outside of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and boasts a rich history."
We took a trip out there on Saturday, October 4.
They open the Jockey Clubhouse to the public on Saturday mornings from about 7 am, and you can enjoy a lovely farm-style breakfast while watching the horses.
It was a cool, cloudy day, but perfect for getting some nice shots for the day.
We first passed the clubhouse and went down to the track.
This is the view of the clubhouse from the track
In a paddock down below, some horses were cooling down after they'd had their run for the morning.
Then the first horse came running by. He was running fast, but still comfortable...
The next one was even playful at times
I went up to the balcony to get a better view, but the doors were locked. I did get this shot through the window of the door, though.
I then went out on the lawn, just outside the eating hall, where we had some coffee. From there, I got some decent shots.
There are more events taking place during this time, but not on the scale of the Durban July. So, let's move on to some activities you can combine during your visit to Durban.
Adventures to Pair with Your Events.
The Valley of a Thousand Hills
The Valley of a Thousand Hills is about 39 km west of Durban. It's a spectacular area where you can be surrounded by stunning views, looking out over the valleys below.
Ballito & North Coast Beaches
Ballito.
If you go north, about 49 km from Durban CBD, you'll reach Ballito, a beautiful coastal town on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
These beaches are quieter at this time of year, with beautiful sunrises and great spots for dolphin watching.
There are also nice tidal pools where you can go for a calm, relaxing early-morning swim.
Umhlanga
Umhlanga Nature Trails.
About 18 km north from Durban CBD, you'll find the popular boardwalk walkway in the Umhlanga Nature Reserve. After walking about 1 km, you'll arrive at a beautiful little coffee shop where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or even have something to eat before you start the journey back again.
Let me show you what to expect.
This is the end of the promenade on the northern end of Umhlanga Beach...
...before you get to the boardwalk that will lead you through the forest, all the way to the coffee shop.
Umhlanga Beach
While in Umhlanga, you can enjoy an early-morning walk, enjoying the sunrise over the Umhlanga Beach.
Reflection
From the glamour of the Durban July to the peace and tranquillity of the valleys and beaches. If this is your thing, July to September is the ideal time for you to visit Durban.
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Note: The location pinned for this post, would be the South African Jockey Academy Clubhouse, as this is linked to the main event featured in this post.
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That looks beautiful, and there's something for everyone. There's so much nature in Durban. I love places like that, and I think it's great that you're sharing this information. It's definitely useful for anyone traveling there.
There's really something for everyone when they visit there - those stunning views and can a lot of activities is awesome. Walking on the boardwalk going to the coffee and the view of the sea. One can really enjoy it. Thanks for sharing. It's fantastic.
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😍 Love this part of your travel series. Maybe I am biased 'coz of the beaches. 😆 Your travel series are fascinating and truly helpful too esp. to those who want to travel there. Do have a wonderful weekend!
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