South Africa has proved its mettle as an adventure-filled and exciting destination for tourists, but while the urban centres of Johannesburg and Cape Town usually get all the attention, the coastal city of Durban deserves a spot on your bucket-list too. Home to a large Indian diaspora, this city has a delectable Afro-Indian food scene, not to mention thriving nightlife and exciting shopping options. I particularly liked Durban’s warm sub-tropical climate that was comfortingly familiar and its relaxed mood that pervaded the sunshine to create an atmosphere that was overwhelmingly welcoming and spirited. While the sunniest city in country offers a lot for travelers, below are the absolute must do’s when in Durban.

I started off with the Phoenix Settlement. Located just about 45 minutes away by car, it is the site of the famous Gandhi Museum. This museum remains a timeless testament to the efforts of our nation’s father, who protested against the violence and discrimination perpetrated on both Indians and the native Africans by colonists.

The Phoenix Settlement is widely considered the birthplace of Satyagraha, or non-violent protest, which became Gandhi’s lifelong weapon against injustice. Today, the museum offers an insight into his life through charts, images and informative installations which explore the various movements and events that he was part of and his role in the history of South Africa. Standing there I felt proud after seeing the influence the museum has had on the locals.

After a bit of history, it was time for some fun. I headed to uShaka Marine World, a marine theme park situated on Addington Beach, near the scenic Durban harbour. The park’s main attraction is Sea World, which offers plenty to explore and experience from the aquarium to the dolphin stadium, seal pool, turtle lagoon, penguin pool and snorkel lagoon. Not only does the park offer all budding marine biologists a chance to get close to their favorite creatures and critters, it also offers a safe and supervised environment to explore activities like snorkelling.

The best part of any coastal city is of course the marriage of big city attractions with the relaxing and natural atmosphere of a beach or two. Durban boasts a gorgeous stretch of beachfront whose sun kissed sands have earned it the name, Golden Mile. Whether you’re a swimmer, sunbather or even a fishing enthusiast, there’s a spot for you somewhere along the Golden Mile. Addington Beach with its gentler waves is perfect for families with kids while the South Beach is a surfer’s playground!

What I really enjoyed the most and will probably remember for the rest of my life was a visit to the Big Rush, which is home to the world’s largest rope swing. The adventure takes place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which played host to some of the 2010 Fifa World Cup games. This stadium has two amazing white arches which stand 100 metres over the ground. You can use the SkyCar to get to the top or climb the 550 steps needed to reach there. Once you’ve been safely harnessed into three safety lines, you’ll be guided up a ladder to the very pinnacle where the vertiginous sight of the stadium below awaits. It’s not quite bungee jumping, nor is it skydiving, but the world’s highest swing delivers an adrenaline rush like no other.

Every ancient culture has its own unique approach to healing and medicine. The Zulu Muthi Market offers travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves into the world of traditional Zulu medicine. You may be fascinated by the incredible herbs intended to for use in various teas and tinctures, or you may be intrigued by the roots and flowers that promise everything from good luck to good humour, either way you’ll undoubtedly be captivated by the sights, sounds and smells of this special medicine market. Durban’s Zulu Muthi Market can be found on Victoria Street.

If you’re interested in venturing outside the city for adventures then the PheZulu Safari Park is the place to be. It offered a great day trip and a wonderful insight into Zulu culture. At the park’s Phezulu Village, I had an opportunity to see the domed, beehive-live traditional Zulu huts and various Zulu artefacts.

The park also offers a chance to see and learn about South Africa’s world famous wildlife. Reptile lovers will enjoy a meeting with the park’s 102-year-old Nile crocodile, and their 3.2 m long Burmese python. Other crawly residents of the park include mambas, cobras, puff adders and other dangerous snakes. If you’re game for a bush ride, you may have a chance to see the many species of antelope, giraffe, caracal and bush pig.

If you’re planning a visit to Durban consider visiting during the city’s winter months from June to August (it’s the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are topsy-turvy) when the humidity and heat are mild. There is also much less rainfall expected during these months, so this is when you can enjoy your outdoor excursions the most.

There is a sense of community and generosity in the air at Durban that will make you feel welcome everywhere you go. No matter where you stay or how much you spend, there is plenty of fun to be had and plenty of memories to be made.