Should I Visit Durban or Diani for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Durban or Diani?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Durban and Diani. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Durban or Diani?

Durban

The third largest city in South Africa, Durban sits on the east coast of the country in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The city also has the country's most active port. The city's comfortable weather and vast beaches make it one of the country's major tourist centers. There's a population of about 3.5 million in the entire metropolitan area that spreads over 2,295 square kilometers.

Diani

Diani is a major beach resort town on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. It is located 30 kilometers south of Mombasa and the beach has been voted Africa’s leading beach destination several times. With a flawless, long stretch of white-sand beach hugged by lush forest and kissed by surfable waves, it’s no wonder Diani Beach is so popular. This resort town scores points with a diverse crowd: party people, families, honeymooners, backpackers and water-sports enthusiasts. But Diani also has some of the best accommodation in Kenya, from budget party hostels to funky kitesurfing lodges and intimate honeymoon spots. Most places are spread along the beach road, hidden behind a line of forest. When lazing in a hammock gets tiring, visit the coral mosques with their archways that overlook the open ocean, venture into the sacred forests where guides hug trees that speak in their ancestors' voices, or take in the monkey sanctuary – all are good ways to experience more of the coast than the considerable charms of sun and sand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to South Africa, The Best Wildlife Tours to South Africa, The Best Adventure Tours to Kenya, and The Best Camping Tours in Kenya.

Which place is cheaper, Diani or Durban?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Durban Prices
South Africa Prices

Diani Prices
Kenya Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Durban $63

Diani $69

The average daily cost (per person) in Durban is $63, while the average daily cost in Diani is $69. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Durban and Diani in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Durban $24

Diani $23
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Durban $48

Diani $46

Compare Hotels in Durban and Diani

Looking for a hotel in Durban or Diani? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Durban Hotel Prices and Diani Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Durban $13

Diani $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

Also for Durban, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Private transfers from King Shaka Airport: $106
Private Transfers - Minibus - Durban Arrivals and Departures: $43
Private Sedan Transfers - Durban King Shaka: $46
Durban Cruise Ship Transfers : $46
Durban Airport (DUR) to Durban - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Minivan: $84
Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Business Car: $78
1-3 Passenger Private Durban - Airport Transfer: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Diani

Also for Diani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Taxi and Airport transfers: $70
Private Transfer: Mombasa SGR Train Station to Diani Hotels: $68
Private transfer to Diani Beach from Mombasa: $65
From Mombasa Airport: Diani transfer in a minivan (5 pax): $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Durban or Diani?

Prices for flights to both Diani and Durban change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

Food

Food Meals for one day

Durban $27

Diani $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Diani

For Diani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Nairobi:Carnivore Restaurant Romantic Dinner With Transfer.: $34
Diani Beach: Special Dinner with a Local: $50
A ROMANTIC BEACH BONFIRE DINNER SET UP: $75

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Durban $16

Diani $15

Tours and Activities in Durban

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Durban.

1 Day Safari Isimangaliso - Boat Cruise & Game Drive Fr Durban : $185
1/2 Day Durban City Tour: $120
1/2 Day Durban City Tour & Phezulu Tour: $162
1/2 Day Tala Game Reserve & Lion Park Tour From Durban: $172
1/2 Day Tour to Drakensberg Mountains & Hiking from Durban: $156
1/2 Tala Game Reserve & Phezulu Safari Park Tour: $173
5-Day Zululand Tour of Drakensberg, Hluhluwe & Isimangaliso: $1,565
A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve: $182
Battle of Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift Battle Day Tour From Durban: $184
Battle of Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift, 1 Day Tour from Durban: $188
Battle of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift Full Day Tour from Durban : $175
Battlefield Tour, Duration : 14hrs, Cost : R4390pp -2/more trav.: $237

Tours and Activities in Diani

For Diani, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

1 day Shimba Hills Tour: $185
Diani Beach: 2-Hour Glass Bottom-Boat Cruise: $28
Diani Beach: Children's Homes Visit And Donation Tour.: $35
Diani Beach: Glass Boat Cruise to Robinson Island: $42
Diani Beach: Kaya Kinondo cultural and nature experience: $30
Diani Beach: Kongo River Estuary Sundowner Boat Tour: $42
Diani Beach: Kongo River Sunset Experience in a canoe: $32
Diani Beach: Village tour on a bike with hotel pick-up: $64
Diani bush tour: $75
Giriama Cultural Dance Show and Local Village Tour: $27
Kisite Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Lunch: $120
Market and Street Food Walking Tour: $20

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Durban $12

Diani $8.91

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Durban and Diani, we can see that Diani is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Durban Expensive? and Is Diani Expensive?.

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Durban vs. Diani for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Durban or Diani?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Durban or Diani?

Durban

Diani

Which place is cheaper, Diani or Durban?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Durban and Diani

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Diani

Is it cheaper to fly into Durban or Diani?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Diani

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Durban

Tours and Activities in Diani

Alcohol

Related Articles for Durban

Related Articles for Diani

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Durban vs. Diani for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Durban or Diani?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Durban or Diani?

Durban

Diani

Which place is cheaper, Diani or Durban?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Durban and Diani

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Diani

Is it cheaper to fly into Durban or Diani?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Diani

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Durban

Tours and Activities in Diani

Alcohol

Related Articles for Durban

Related Articles for Diani

Subscribe to our Newsletter