South Africa’s east coast runs warm with the Agulhas Current, making its beaches swimmable year-round and its seafood fresh and affordable. Durban, a port city shaped by Zulu, Indian, and colonial histories, is the birthplace of bunny chow and a gateway to golden beaches and high-adrenaline stadium climbs.

Two hours north, St Lucia anchors the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where hippos snort in the estuary and dunes fold into wild, empty surf. It’s the rare place you can watch crocodiles by breakfast and snorkel over tropical fish before lunch.

Farther south in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), mellow surf breaks, lighthouse walks, and easy access to Addo Elephant National Park deliver big nature at small prices. With favorable exchange rates and a thriving guesthouse scene, this route is a sweet spot for a budget beach holiday that doesn’t skimp on experiences.

Durban

Days 1–5: Golden beaches, curry culture, and coastal thrills

Start on the Golden Mile, Durban’s classic palm-lined promenade stretching past North, South, and Addington beaches. Swim between the flags, rent a board for gentle rollers, and look for the iconic rickshaw pullers in beaded headdresses—an art form dating to the early 1900s.

Ride the Moses Mabhida Stadium SkyCar for sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and the city’s long arc of sand. On Florida Road, pop into independent boutiques and lively eateries; then get lost in the spice aisles of Victoria Street Market to understand why Durban curries are the stuff of legend.

• Beach & culture highlights: Golden Mile sunrise walk; Umhlanga Lighthouse (great for photos, 20 minutes north); Durban Botanic Gardens (1849—Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden); KwaMuhle Museum for a clear-eyed look at the city’s past.
• Budget bites & street food:
  • Afro’s Chicken Shop (South Beach): flame-grilled chicken rolls with a tangy “afe” or “hot” sauce; beach views without beach prices.
  • CaneCutters (Glenwood): classic bunny chow—a half-loaf of bread filled with slow-cooked curry; try mutton or bean for a true Durban flavor.
  • House of Curries (Florida Road): Durban-style bunny chows and rotis amid the evening buzz.
  • Surf Riders Cafe (South Beach): laid-back seaside burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and craft beer steps from the surf.
• Coffee & breakfast:
  • Colombo Coffee & Tea (Glenwood): local roastery pouring nuanced African coffees; grab an almond croissant to go.
  • Lineage Coffee (Hillcrest, if you’re up for a short Uber inland): competition-grade espresso and filter brews.
• Evening ideas: Sundowners on the North Beach piers; live music nights along Florida Road; or a curry sampler at The Ocean Terrace in Umhlanga if you fancy a splurge buffet experience.

Signature Day Trip (Viator): Trade the sea breeze for bush scents on a luxury Big 5 day tour from Durban. Expect dawn departure, pro guiding, and a real shot at lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards within a few hours of the coast.

• Durban: Big 5 Luxury Safari at an Award Winning Game Reserve — Zeiss Binoculars

  

Stay: Browse well-located, good-value stays near the beachfront or Morningside/Florida Road: VRBO Durban | Hotels.com Durban

Getting in: Fly into King Shaka International (DUR). Compare fares on Kiwi.com and Trip.com Flights. Typical one-way from Johannesburg is 1h10 and $40–$70; from Cape Town 2h and $60–$110.

St Lucia (iSimangaliso Wetland Park)

Days 6–9: Hippo estuaries, wild dunes, and empty beaches

Shift from city surf to subtropical wild. St Lucia sits at the mouth of a vast estuary stitched with reeds, mangroves, and dunes—home to hippos that sometimes graze the verges after dark. Base yourself on McKenzie Street for easy access to tours and the park gates.

Start with a St Lucia Estuary boat cruise to watch pods of hippo yawn and crocodiles sun on the banks; birders can tally fish eagles, kingfishers, and goliath herons. Then day-trip into Cape Vidal for snorkeling (best at low tide), beach picnics, and drive-by sightings of kudu, zebra, and rhino on the way in.

• Top experiences:
  • Estuary Cruise: 2 hours; multiple daily departures; great value introduction to iSimangaliso wildlife.
  • Cape Vidal Beach: bring a mask and reef shoes for the tidal pools; pay the park conservation fee at the entrance.
  • iSimangaliso game drives: sunrise or sunset drives boost your chances for elusive nocturnal species; ask locally about night drives.
  • Mission Rocks: tide pools, dramatic rocky shore, and whale spouts in season (Jun–Nov).
• Where to eat (affordable and good):
  • Reef & Dune: generous seafood platters, grilled line fish, and wood-fired pizzas; casual, family-friendly.
  • Braza: Mozambican-Portuguese grills—piri-piri chicken, garlic prawns, and espetada skewers.
  • Barraca: rustic vibe, espetadas and steak with chimichurri; excellent value combo specials.
  • St Lucia Ski Boat Club: sundowners over the estuary with simple, fresh fish-and-chips.
• Coffee & breakfast:
  • St Lucia Coffee Shop: pancakes, omelets, and good cappuccinos on McKenzie Street.
  • Thyme Square: hearty breakfasts and homemade cakes; pick up padkos (road snacks) for park days.
• Local tips: Do not walk near the water’s edge at night; hippos roam after dark. Carry cash for park fees; cell signal can be spotty within iSimangaliso.

Stay: Guesthouses here are excellent value—private rooms, leafy gardens, many with pools. VRBO St Lucia | Hotels.com St Lucia

Durban → St Lucia (travel morning, Day 6): Drive the N2 north (~2.5–3 hrs; fuel ~$20–$30). Without a car, take a shared shuttle (about 3 hrs; ~$25–$40). A flight to Richards Bay (0h50) via Trip.com Flights then taxi (1h45) also works but is usually pricier overall.

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Days 10–14: Relaxed surf, lighthouse trails, and Addo elephants

In Gqeberha (still widely called Port Elizabeth), the rhythm slows again—think sunrise jogs along Humewood and Hobie beaches, then coffee with a view. The Donkin Reserve and Route 67 art trail stitch together public artworks celebrating the city’s heritage and the 1994 elections.

For nature days, explore Cape Recife Nature Reserve with its lighthouse and dunes, then visit the SANCCOB seabird center to learn about penguin rescue. If you didn’t safari yet (or you want round two), Addo Elephant National Park is a comfortable half-day or full-day trip—easy self-drive with elephant sightings all but guaranteed.

• Beach & nature picks:
  • Hobie Beach & Shark Rock Pier: mellow waves, great for swimming and beginner bodyboarding.
  • Cape Recife: coastal trails, bird hides, and a windswept lighthouse backdrop; small conservation fee at the gate.
  • Addo Elephant: 45–60 min drive; plan 4–6 hours inside the park for loops past waterholes.
• Eat & drink (affordable standouts):
  • Something Good Roadhouse: classic SA roadhouse fare—gourmet milkshakes, calamari, and smash burgers—with feet-in-the-sand views.
  • Blue Waters Café: seafood pastas, hake-and-chips, and sushi near the pier; solid lunch specials.
  • Ginger: a step up for a date night—order the line fish or prawn curry; lunch prix fixe can be a deal.
  • Fushin (Richmond Hill): inventive sushi and Asian plates; look for weekday specials.
• Coffee & breakfast:
  • Mastertons Coffee & Tea: historic roastery (since 1924) and café; pick up beans as a souvenir.
  • Vovo Telo (Richmond Hill): artisan breads, poached eggs on sourdough, and excellent flat whites.
  • Rhubarb & Lime: leafy courtyard, farm-style breakfasts, and proper cappuccinos.
• Low-cost extras: Donkin Reserve lighthouse views, Route 67 public art trail, Boardwalk precinct for evening strolls and occasional live music.

Stay: Aim for beachfront Summerstrand or artsy Richmond Hill for walkability and value. VRBO Gqeberha | Hotels.com Gqeberha

St Lucia → Gqeberha (travel morning, Day 10): Drive back to Durban (~3 hrs), then fly to Gqeberha (~1h30). Total travel ~5–6 hrs plus airport time; fares often $50–$100 one-way when booked on Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights. If you prefer overland, the drive via the N2 is scenic but long (~14 hrs) and best broken into two days.

Suggested Multi‑Day Flow

• Days 1–2 (Durban): Golden Mile beach days, Victoria Street Market spices, curry night on Florida Road.
• Day 3 (Durban): Stadium SkyCar; optional Big 5 day safari from Durban (Viator).
• Days 4–5 (Durban): Umhlanga lighthouse morning, Botanic Gardens picnic; sunset pier stroll.
• Day 6 (Travel to St Lucia): Morning drive or shuttle; estuary sunset cruise.
• Days 7–9 (St Lucia): Cape Vidal beach and snorkel; iSimangaliso game drives; Mission Rocks tide pools; casual seafood dinners.
• Day 10 (Travel to Gqeberha): Drive back to Durban, fly to Gqeberha; beach walk on arrival.
• Days 11–13 (Gqeberha): Hobie Beach mornings, Cape Recife lighthouse and SANCCOB, Addo self-drive.
• Day 14 (Gqeberha): Route 67 art walk, brunch, and departure.

Practical notes: Summer (Nov–Mar) is hot and humid up the KZN coast; winter (Jun–Aug) is dry, sunny, and great for game viewing with mild beach days. Use rideshares or reputable taxis at night in cities, keep valuables out of sight, and drive during daylight when possible.

This two-week loop marries budget-friendly beach time with headline wildlife, flavorful street eats, and photogenic lighthouses. You’ll leave with spice on your tongue, salt in your hair, and a camera roll full of elephants and Indian Ocean sunsets.