Durban Travel Forum

Hi there,

We will need to get from Umhlanga Rocks to Essenwood Road in Berea. Can anyone recommend an easy-to-follow and safe route? We're very new, nervous, and don't want to risk taking a wrong turn into any bad parts of town. Can anyone also recommend a safe place to park in the area? Thanks!

I am amazed at the question for a 20km trip.

Essenwwood is a long road, parallel to Musgrave road, one block above Musgrave, in one of the better parts of Durban. Ask anyone how to get to Musgrave.

Impossible to suggest a parking spot in a road that long.

Relax!

This is from maps I have at home:

Go south down the freeway (might be marked M4 or R4 - definitely NOT the N2 which is further inland) towards Durban for about 11km till you cross the Umgeni River. This bridge is 500m long - can't miss it.

3km from the bridge (continuing along same freeway), turn right up Argyle Road. This road climbs a bit up the Berea Hill. (Argyle is either the R17 or M17 - something 17 - I don't know what letter Durban uses, but the number is 17 on my map)

2.5km from turning off the freeway and going up Argyle, turn left into Essenwood. It is the first major road after Musgrave as you go up Argyle.

All a quite pleasant area with pleasant people - don't be afraid to ask for directions if you feel lost. Petrol stations anywhere in South Africa are always good places to ask for directions.

gerals answer sounded spot on! I stayed in durn=ban for about 2 months and stayed in Durbam northh 9about half way between umghlanga and Durban) the rosd that links Umghlanga and Durban is a safe and easy road to drive- turn right into argyl rd and then into essenwood- park anyway- this area is lovely and in fact my aunt lives right near essenwwodrd. its a high end area.

enjoy and have fun- its easy!

Thank you for the detailed directions. We're a little wary about travelling into the city, so it's good to know that the route is safe.

Just one more question - I understand that there are 'car guards' in most areas. Could someone please just tell me how much it is usual to tip them, and do you tip when you park or before you leave?

Thanks!

Tip when you leave, if you feel they have provided a service for you. Most times I don't tip anything at all.

The Berea area is still quite far from the inner city of Durban that everyone seems to be warning you about.

Car guards are generally really nice guys- a lot of then are refugees from Congo and surrounds. they are just guys keen to make a living- I usually park and then tell them ill pay on my return - i usually give about R5-00 (and thats quite a good tip) If i have been out at night eg at a restaurant I may give more- I usually just sense if they are working hard and making an effort- eg If its cold and windy and they are standing outside all the time while I am inside eating a delicious meal- I am happy to give R10-00 at night. If i am just running in a shop for a minute or two- i give R1-00 or R2-00.

I feel sorry for these guys and I like to support them!