Golden Mile Beachfront Promenade

The Golden Mile is the name Durbanites give to the long stretch of beaches and paved promenade that runs along the city's eastern edge, and walking, jogging or cycling it is the classic Durban experience. The promenade starts near Vetch's Pier and Addington Beach at the Point, passes uShaka Marine World and the central beaches, and continues north past the Suncoast Casino to Blue Lagoon, where the uMgeni River meets the sea. A branch route links it with Moses Mabhida Stadium. Walking the whole length takes around two hours at an easy pace.

The road behind the beaches changes name as you go, from Erskine Terrace in the south to O.R. Tambo Parade, still widely known as Marine Parade, and Snell Parade in the north. Along the way the shore is divided into named beaches separated by artificial piers, among them South Beach, North Beach, Dairy Beach, Bay of Plenty, Snake Park and Country Club. The piers are used daily by anglers, and surfers gather at several breaks; South Beach is often recommended for beginners. Most bathing beaches have lifeguards and shark nets, and you should swim only in the marked areas between the flags.

There is plenty to stop for. Children enjoy the paddling pools with slides and fountains along the front, and there is a skate park near Bay of Plenty. The Rachel Finlayson salt-water pool sits right on the promenade, and Mini Town, a model village of Durban landmarks at a scale of 1:25, is near Snake Park Beach. You will also see the city's rickshaw pullers in elaborate beaded headdresses and costumes, who offer short rides and photographs for a fee. Remnants of Durban's art deco buildings face the sea between the more recent hotel towers.

The promenade suits everyone, from families and cyclists to runners and people-watchers. Bicycles can be hired near uShaka Marine World. Go early in the morning, when the light is soft and the joggers, surfers and swimmers are out, or in the late afternoon. Summer and the school holidays bring the biggest crowds, especially from Gauteng in December, January, June and July.

Keep valuables to a minimum, stay on the busy central sections after dark, and drink plenty of water in the heat. Most beachfront hotels open directly onto the promenade, so you can start from your door, and the cafes and restaurants at uShaka and along the piers make good rest stops.