Durban Climbs Global Rankings as a Must-Visit Destination for 2026
South Africa's beloved coastal city has just received a major confidence boost from the international stage. Durban has been named the 14th best place to travel in 2026 by Time Out, one of the world's most influential lifestyle and travel publications. For professionals selling Southern African holidays, this is a powerful endorsement that can help drive bookings and open fresh conversations with clients looking beyond the usual Cape Town and Kruger itineraries.
The recognition comes at a particularly exciting moment for the city. Club Med is set to open a brand-new "Beach and Safari" resort in Durban in July 2026, a development that has played a significant role in catching global attention. The resort concept is designed to blend the relaxation of the Indian Ocean coastline with authentic safari outings and cultural encounters rooted in the heritage of the Zulu Kingdom. This combination of beach, bush, and culture in a single destination package is exactly the kind of offering that resonates with today's experience-driven travellers, and it gives those in the African trade a compelling new product to promote.
Durban has long been a favourite among domestic holidaymakers, but its international profile has sometimes lagged behind that of Cape Town or Johannesburg. This global ranking could mark a turning point. The city's warm ocean waters, popular surf spots, and wide golden beaches offer an accessible coastal experience that few destinations on the African continent can match. Unlike the cold Atlantic currents along the Western Cape, Durban's Indian Ocean setting invites year-round swimming, surfing, and water-based activities, which is a genuine selling point when putting together holiday packages.
But what truly sets Durban apart is how much variety sits within easy reach. The surrounding KwaZulu-Natal province is one of the most geographically diverse regions in all of Africa. Within a few hours of the city, visitors can hike the dramatic peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, explore Big Five safari reserves, wander through lush wetland ecosystems, or enjoy the creative studios and craft shops along the famous Midlands Meander arts route. This makes Durban an ideal base for multi-day touring programmes that combine coast and countryside without requiring long-distance flights between stops.
Food is another area where the city truly shines. Durban's large Indian community has shaped one of the most distinctive culinary cultures anywhere in Southern Africa. The legendary bunny chow, a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with rich curry, has become an icon of South African street food. Beyond that, visitors discover vibrant spice markets, authentic Indian restaurants, and lively beachfront dining spots that reflect the city's multicultural character. For agents designing itineraries, food tourism is a growing trend worldwide, and Durban delivers it with real authenticity and affordability.
The practical advantages of the destination should not be overlooked either. King Shaka International Airport connects Durban to major hubs across Africa and beyond, and the city offers a wide range of accommodation from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury beachfront hotels. As the cost of travel remains a key concern for many clients, Durban often proves more wallet-friendly than Cape Town, while still offering a premium holiday experience.
Interestingly, Africa features prominently on the full 2026 list. Rabat in Morocco claimed second place overall, just behind the Canadian Rockies, which topped the ranking. The presence of two African destinations in the top fifteen sends a clear signal to the global market that the continent is gaining serious momentum as a travel destination. For those working across the African trade, this is an encouraging trend worth highlighting in marketing materials and client conversations.
There is another noteworthy mention for the region. St Helena Island secured the 15th position, landing just one spot behind Durban. This remote South Atlantic island, famous as the place of Napoleon's exile, offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, unique wildlife, and a deep sense of history. Recent developments around St Helena Airport, which has regained its Category 6 classification, mean that regular air service is fully operational again. This makes the island a fascinating add-on for clients seeking something truly off the beaten path, combining heritage, nature, and peaceful isolation in a way few other destinations can.
The broader message here is one of opportunity. Global travel publications are increasingly turning their attention to destinations that offer authentic experiences, cultural depth, and natural beauty rather than simply luxury or novelty. African destinations tick all of these boxes, and the continent's professionals are well placed to capitalise on this shift. With new resort developments like the Club Med project in Durban, improved air connectivity to islands like St Helena, and growing international curiosity about Africa's lesser-known gems, the coming year promises real potential for those ready to package and promote these stories effectively.
Durban's rise on the world stage is not just good news for KwaZulu-Natal. It is a reminder that Africa's tourism landscape is evolving rapidly, and those who stay ahead of the curve will be the ones to benefit most.
