A Travel Price Comparison for South Africa Durban vs. Hibiscus Coast for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Durban or Hibiscus Coast?

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 Hibiscus Coast. 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 Hibiscus Coast?

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.

Hibiscus Coast

The Hibiscus Coast, or KwaZulu-Natal, is located on the southeast coast of South Africa, just south of Durban. The area is rich in beautiful beaches and lush nature reserves which offer fantastic opportunities for hiking, swimming, and other outdoor adventures. The Hibiscus Coast experiences their summer from December-February, with temperatures in the 70's Fahrenheit, making these the best months to visit.

Which place is cheaper, Hibiscus Coast or Durban?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Durban is $51, while the average daily cost in Hibiscus Coast is $56. 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 Hibiscus Coast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Durban $24
    Hibiscus Coast $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Durban $48
    Hibiscus Coast $58
Compare Hotels in Durban and Hibiscus Coast

Looking for a hotel in Durban or Hibiscus Coast? 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.

Hotels in Durban


Hotels in Hibiscus Coast


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 Hibiscus Coast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Durban $13
    Hibiscus Coast $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

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

  • 1-3 Passenger Private Durban - Airport Transfer: $46
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Business Car: $78
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Minivan: $84
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Durban MSC Cruise Port to Durban City by Minivan: $75
  • Departure Private Transfer from Durban City to Durban Airport DUR by Minivan: $82
  • Departure Private Transfer: Durban City to Durban Airport DUR by Business Car: $76
  • Departure Private Transfer: Durban City to Durban MSC Cruise Port by Minivan: $75
  • Durban Airport (DUR) to Durban - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Durban Cruise Ship Transfers : $39
  • Durban King Airport (DUR) to Durban - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Durban to Durban King Airport (DUR) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
  • From Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Overnight Safari w/ Transfer: $499

Is it cheaper to fly into Durban or Hibiscus Coast?

Prices for flights to both Hibiscus Coast 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 $16
    Hibiscus Coast $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Durban

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

  • Half Day Guided Taste of Africa Food Tour in Durban: $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Durban $16
    Hibiscus Coast $4.76

Tours and Activities in Durban

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

  • 30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise: $5.33
  • 1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson's Wharf: $7.99
  • Durban Point Waterfront: Luxury Canal Boat Cruise: $7.99
  • Luxury Canal Boat Cruise - Fun Things Durban Ushaka: $8.48
  • Magical Gondola Night Boat Cruise in Durban: $8.75
  • Pontoon Boat Harbor Cruise: $10
  • Luxury Harbour Ocean Boat Cruise: $11
  • Durban Walking Tour: $26
  • Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour: $40
  • Durban Half-Day City Tour - Golden Mile, Botanical Gardens: $42
  • Durban City Sightseeing Tour: $43
  • Durban:Culture Walking Tour of Durban: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Durban $12
    Hibiscus Coast $5.25

Sample the Local Flavors in Durban

Also in Durban, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bar Crawl in Durban : $37


When comparing the travel costs between Durban and Hibiscus Coast, we can see that Hibiscus Coast 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 Hibiscus Coast Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Durban or Hibiscus Coast?

Durban has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hibiscus Coast. When comparing the sizes of Durban and Hibiscus Coast, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Durban or Hibiscus Coast?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Durban or Hibiscus Coast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Durban as well as Hibiscus Coast.

Durban is around the same temperature as Hibiscus Coast in the summer. The daily temperature in Durban averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Hibiscus Coast fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In the summer, Durban often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hibiscus Coast. Durban gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hibiscus Coast receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hibiscus Coast. Durban receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durban usually gets more rain in January than Hibiscus Coast. Durban gets 134 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Hibiscus Coast receives 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Durban 25°C (76°F) 
    Hibiscus Coast 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Durban or Hibiscus Coast in the Autumn?

Both Hibiscus Coast and Durban are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In the autumn, Durban is around the same temperature as Hibiscus Coast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durban in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Hibiscus Coast averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Hibiscus Coast. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durban. Durban usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hibiscus Coast during autumn. Durban gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Hibiscus Coast receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Durban usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hibiscus Coast. Durban gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Hibiscus Coast receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Durban 22°C (71°F) 
    Hibiscus Coast 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Durban or Hibiscus Coast in the Winter?

Both Hibiscus Coast and Durban during the winter are popular places to visit.

In July, Durban is generally around the same temperature as Hibiscus Coast. Daily temperatures in Durban average around 17°C (62°F), and Hibiscus Coast fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Hibiscus Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Durban. In the winter, Durban often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hibiscus Coast. Durban gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hibiscus Coast receives 230 hours of full sun.

Durban usually gets more rain in July than Hibiscus Coast. Durban gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hibiscus Coast receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Durban 17°C (62°F) 
    Hibiscus Coast 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Durban or Hibiscus Coast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Durban and Hibiscus Coast.

Durban is around the same temperature as Hibiscus Coast in the spring. The daily temperature in Durban averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Hibiscus Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Durban usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hibiscus Coast during spring. Durban gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Hibiscus Coast receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hibiscus Coast receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Durban usually receives less rain than Hibiscus Coast. Durban gets 98 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hibiscus Coast receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Durban 21°C (69°F) 
    Hibiscus Coast 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Hibiscus Coast and Durban

Durban Hibiscus Coast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 25°C (76°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 25°C (76°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 126 mm (5 in) 24°C (75°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 22°C (71°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 102 mm (4 in) 24°C (74°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)