by Conor Walsh
Durban’s best event venues offer a unique blend of style, convenience, and coastal allure. From the sun-kissed shores of South Beach to the vibrant heart of downtown, join us as we uncover the perfect settings for your next corporate gathering or international event.
If you need help deciding, get in touch. Our local team of livelong Durbanites know the city like the back of their hands. They’ll walk you through every step of the process and ensure minimal stress and maximum satisfaction for everyone involved.
Durban City Centre
Durban City Center encapsulates the city’s rich history and modern vitality. With its diverse attractions, cultural landmarks, and convenient access to major amenities, this vibrant district sets the stage for unforgettable events, combining tradition with contemporary flair.
Not to mention you’re never far from the beach!
1. Durban International Convention Centre
The Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) is the largest conference center in Africa – and one of the most advanced.
Combined with the adjacent ICC Durban Exhibition Centre, you have over 275,000 sq. ft. of exhibition halls, meeting rooms, executive suites, lounges, catering…. And everything else you need for a successful event, big or small.
International participants will apreciate the central location. Durban ICC is close to many well-renowned international hotel chains. Local participants can avail of 1,200 underground car parking spaces.
2. Hilton Durban
Hilton Durban lives up to the global brand’s reputation and high standards. The hotel blends sophisticated decor and practical amenities in an excellent location. There are 328 sleeping rooms, a rooftop pool, and numerous restaurants and lounges that enjoy sunset views on one side and ocean views on the other.
You’ll can host in 13 meetings throughout the hotel, including one of the largest ballrooms in Durban (400pax capacity). Each space is equipped with the latest AV, networking, and presentation equipment. Catering is available for events that need it.
Post-event, participants can take a trip to Durban’s famed Golden Mile for a walk along the promenade, dip in the ocean, or cold drink in numerous beachfront bars.
3. Durban Botanic Gardens
For a picturesque venue steeped in nature, Durban Botanical Gardens has two indoor spaces for hire.
The Boardroom can host up to 20pax for smaller meetings, workshops, and screenings. The Conference Venue has capacity for 200pax in various configurations. Its equiped for product launches, exhibitions, receptions, and other large events.
Outside, you can avail of three stunning locations:
- The Amphitheatre (300pax capacity)
- The Lake (800-3,500pax capacity)
- Umphafa (7,500pax capacity)
Participants can also enjoy 37 acres of gardens and lakes in Africa’s oldest surviving botanical gardens. All revenue generated from your event is reinvested into maintaining the gardens, which are managed by a non-profit trust.
4. ONOMO Hotel Durban
ONOMO is a pan-African hotel and lifestyle brand celebrating the unique cultures and energies across the continent. ONOMO Hotel Durban is no different. This colorful hotel sits in the heart of the CBD and embraces the vibrant energy outside its doors.
The ONOMO has one dedicated conference room for up to 150pax in different setups. For casual events, the shebeen-style Ingwe Terrace offers a rustic setting serving modern interrogations of traditional South African dishes. The Topaz Rooftop Restaurant & Skybar is a little more chic, serving gourmet dishes, expertly crafted cocktails, and exquisite views of the Indian Ocean.
5. The Royal Hotel & Convention Centre
Known affectionately as “the Grand Lady” amongst Durbanites, The Royal Hotel is an iconic venue steeped history.
There are nine meeting rooms throughout the hotel, including the regal Prince Alfred Hall, which can host up to 300pax or be sub-divided for smaller events. Host an important meeting in the Royal Boardroom or step outside into Garden Suites for a more informal affair.
The Royal is 5 minutes’ walk from Durban’s historic marina and yacht clubs. Participants can take a relaxing walk or book a boat trip around Durban Point. Or simply retreat to their suite and relax in the old-world charm of it all.
6. Coastlands Musgrave Hotel & Convention Centre
Only 5 minute’s drive from central Durban, The Coastlands Musgrave Hotel feels a world away from the hustle of the city center.
The hotel sits on a ridge looking out over Durban and towards the Indian Ocean. Event attendees and participants can enjoy panoramic views and a light sea breeze from 101 sleeping rooms, massive wrap-around balconies, and an outdoor restaurant terrace.
On a practical note, you can host your event in one of seven spaces. The largest room can host 1,000pax in a cinema configuration. The hotel provides everything you need for a successful event.
The Golden Mile
The Golden Mile, an iconic stretch of coastline in Durban, lives up to its name with a golden combination of sun, sea, and entertainment. This beloved destination is renowned for its pristine beaches, palm-lined promenade, and a wealth of attractions. It’s the quintessential locale if you’re seeking a dynamic and picturesque backdrop for your event.
7. Garden Court Marine Parade
The Garden Court Marine Parade is a striking Art Deco hotel on the most enviable stretch of the Golden Mile.
The hotel’s mix of concrete, glass, and Art Deco touches makes the hotel unique amongst its neighbours. Clean lines are complimented by rounded corners, chrome accents, and a playful yet elegant use of geometric shapes and motifs.
There are seven meeting rooms in the hotel. The largest accommodates up to 350pax. Each space is fully equipped with modern tech stacks and supported by a dedicated events team.
8. Garden Court South Beach
The Garden Court South Beach has two event spaces:
- The Malibu Room hosts up to 250pax in a cinema setting
- The Meeting Room hosts up to 12pax around a single table
You can configure the Malibu Room in various setups depending on your needs. Dedicated support staff and the latest events equipment are available in both rooms.
For multi-day events, the hotel has 414 rooms, ranging from standard to deluxe rooms. The hotel also offers dining experiences at Spur and the Garden Grill breakfast buffet, an outdoor pool, sun terrace, and self-service workstations, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable stay for all participants.
9. Gooderson Tropicana Hotel
The Gooderson Tropicana Hotel provides a scenic backdrop with views of the Indian Ocean and the sound of waves crashing a few meters away.
The hotel features seven fully-equipped meeting rooms. The largest seats up to 250pax cinema-style. Smaller meeting rooms are available as well, enjoying floor-to-ceiling windows that bath participants in Durban’s year-round sunshine.
International participants can stay in one of the hotel’s 168 sleeping rooms. The Tropicana may be the most family-friently hotel on this list, in case anyone wants to add a family holiday to their itinerary.
10. Olive Convention Centre
Olive Convention Centre is the second largest space in Durban, with over 107,000 sq. ft. of event halls, meeting rooms, and support facilities. The largest hall – the Durban Arena – can host 1,950pax in various settings, including live sports. Many smaller spaces are available too.
The convention center is one block from the Golden Mile and a short distance from many of the city’s top international hotels. Visiting participants will enjoy the convenient location if they choose to explore the city. Ample parking is available for local participants.
Olive Convention Centre is also dedicated to sustainability, introducing numerous measures to reduce the environmental impact of events held here. These include recycling grey water and energy-efficient lighting.
11. Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani
With 734 sleeping rooms and 17 event spaces, the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is a striking hotel on Durban’s busy South Beach.
The hotel’s most impressive space is the Sky venue. It offers panoramic 360-degree views of Durban’s beachfront and city – an unforgettable setting for any event. But regardless of which space you pick, you’ll enjoy modern facilities, excellent catering, and a huge team of dedicated event staff.
Accommodation and leisure facilities are equally impressive, with the Southern Sun’s restaurants and rooftop pool deck standing out amongst stiff competition.
12. Coastlands Durban Self-Catering Apartments and Hotel
This branch of the Coastlands chain is located between the beachfront and Durban CBD. Accommodations include 4-star suites and self-catering apartments and penthouses. The higher floors enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and hinterland beyond Durban.
There are 10 meeting rooms in the hotel, including the main hall, which can host up to 1,000pax or be sub-divided into three separate spaces.
Onsite support staff are available through every step of your planning, along with modern equipment and catering services.
13. Blue Waters Hotel
The Blue Waters Hotel has 10 meeting rooms and conference spaces ranging from 10-250pax capacity. Each room has modern amenities including a data projector, PA system, TV/VCR/DVD, overhead projector, flip charts, screens, notepads, and pens.
The hotel’s “day delegate” corporate event package enhances the event experience, featuring tea and coffee services, a carvery and buffet lunch in the Versailles dining room, and standard equipment, ensuring a seamless and productive event.
Blue Waters also offers a business center, secretarial services, an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, squash court, and ample parking.
The cocktail bar on the mezzanine level and the Versailles Restaurant provide exquisite dining.
14. Durban Country Club
Open since 1922, Durban Country Club is a distinguished event venue where elegance meets history. With its striking Tudor architecture and lush surroundings, the club offers a unique blend of sophistication and serenity, just moments away from Durban’s bustling CBD.
The club’s venues include dedicated event spaces and meeting rooms. The largest space can host up to 250pax in a cinema configuration. Each space combines the club’s historic charm with modern amenities and world-class service, including exquisite catering and dedicated support staff.
There are also numerous bars, lounges, clubrooms, terraces, and garden areas available to rent throughout the club. Each one provides a unique setting for smaller events and get-togethers.
Of course, the club’s highlight is the gold course – considered by many the best in Africa. Anyone hitting the greens will enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean and gentle sea breeze throughout the day.
15. The Palace
The Palace hotel is another iconic hotel on Durban’s shoreline. The blue and white exterior stands out from the crowd and has turned heads for decades.
The hotel has two small venues, with max capacity of 50pax. However, they have everything you need for a successful workshop, meeting, seminar, or intimate get-together.
Accommodation ranges from standard rooms to fully equipped self-catering apartments. Anyone spending the night can avail of the rooftop pool, Sun Lounge, excellent spa, and nearby attractions.
Durban North
Just across the scenic Umgeni River, Durban North beckons with serene charm and suburban allure. This peaceful neighborhood offers a delightful contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle, making it an ideal retreat for event attendees seeking a tranquil yet accessible location, complete with lush greenery and a welcoming community.
16. The Riverside Hotel
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Durban’s Blue Lagoon, The Riverside Hotel offers seven small-to-medium event spaces in a peaceful riverside setting.
The hotel is only 15 minutes drive from downtown Durban, and easily accessible from the airport and surrounding suburbs. So, international and local participants will appreciate the mix of convenience and quiet.
The hotel’s terrace doubles as an outdoor venue and a place to relax in the evenings. The restful ambiance guarantees a post-event winddown alone or with friends.
uMhlanga
uMhlanga is a vibrant suburb 20 minutes north of downtown Durban. With its pristine beaches, vibrant dining scene, and world-class hotels, uMhlanga offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for your next event.
17. Garden Court uMhlanga
Garden Court uMhlanga is located in the vibrant area of uMhlanga Rocks.
The hotel boasts eight adaptable conference rooms, able to host up to 150pax in the most spacious configuration. The spaces are well-equipped and professionally serviced, perfect for everything from small boardroom meetings to large conferences, seminars, workshops, and training sessions.
Garden Court uMhlanga offers 204 comfortable guest rooms, including 8 suites. The hotel’s contemporary design – blending water features, natural elements, and touches of African flair – creates a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere.
18. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Durban uMhlanga Ridge
Part of South Africa’s quirkiest hotel chain, the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Durban uMhlanga Ridge seamlessly blends modern conference facilities, world-class service, and sleek, if occasionally peculiar, design choices.
Like a Volkswagon bus as pool-side decor.
The Protea’s vibe might ooze lazy beach days, but the conference facilities are all about business. You can choose between seven meeting rooms and six breakout rooms with a max capacity of 100pax. Each space has everything you need for a productive meeting, seminar, workshop, or informal get-together.
But it’s not just about what’s inside the hotel; the location is equally enchanting. uMhlanga Ridge is known for its energy and atmosphere. Event participants will be within easy reach of local attractions – whether it’s a leisurely stroll along the beach or exploring the vibrant nightlife.
19. Coastlands uMhlanga Hotel & Convention Centre
When it comes to event spaces, Coastlands uMhlanga doesn’t disappoint. It features a dedicated conference center with nine meeting rooms that can accommodate gatherings of up to 500pax.
State-of-the-art AV equipment, modern presentation facilities, and expert support staff ensure that your event runs smoothly from beginning to end.
The hotel is perched on uMhlanga Ridge, with views all the way down to the distant Indian Ocean. Participants can enjoy them with a cold drink at the end of the day courtesy of the hotel’s outdoor terrace and rooftop pool deck.
Or step out into uMhlanga Ridge, one of Durban’s trendiest neighborhoods.
South of Durban
If you want to leave the city behind altogether, we have one recommendation for an event venue outside Durban metro.
20. Protea Hotel Karridene Beach
Nestled along the pristine shores of the Indian Ocean, this beachfront hotel offers a unique blend of relaxation and convenience 30 minutes south of Durban.
There are four meeting rooms to choose from. They each offer a stunning location meters from the ocean and Msimbazi Bay. The largest space accommodates up to 180 pax. It’s bathed in sunlight throughout, courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows.
When your event is done for the day, participants can take the private walkway to a secluded stretch of beach, stroll the hotel’s gardens, or settle in front of the main lounge’s big fireplace.
Plus, nearby attractions include golf courses, shopping centers, and cultural sites, providing plenty of opportunities for leisure and exploration.
Conclusion
Durban is more than just miles-long white sand beaches and warm, crystal clear waters. (Although that doesn’t sound so bad…)
It’s also home to many of Africa’s most impressive conference venues. From the modern to the historic, boutique to mass appeal – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
But picking the right venue is just the start. You need to think about everything else, too. Catering, logistics, visas. The list never ends.
Good thing we’re here to help! Book a call with our South Africa team to ensure your event goes off without a hitch!
