DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

88 on Field

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°3
88 on Field (South Africa)

Weather…

88 on Field is a landmark skyscraper located in Durban, South Africa, and currently stands as the tallest building in the city. Rising to a height of 147 meters with 25 floors, the building has been a dominant feature of the Durban skyline since its completion in 1985. It was originally known as the Southern Life Building and was designed in a late modernist style that emphasizes verticality and functionalism. The structure serves primarily as commercial office space and is situated in the bustling central business district. Its height and glass-heavy exterior make it easily identifiable from various parts of the city and the nearby coastline. The building's construction marked a significant period of high-rise development in Durban during the mid-1980s. Even decades after its inauguration, it remains a key reference point for urban planning and architectural scale in the KwaZulu-Natal province.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525232221202020212223
Rain mm1078490654027423665100122110

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The building is an office skyscraper, so its interior areas are usually not accessible to tourists. You can admire the impressive architecture from the outside at any time and walk around the building.
🕒
Typical hours
As it is an office building, there are no set visiting hours. The exterior view is accessible 24/7, best during daytime.
📷
Photography
Photography from the outside is allowed at any time and is rewarding, especially when the sun lights up the facade. For the best shot, cross to the opposite side of the street to capture the full height of the tower.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about 10 to 15 minutes for a walk around the building and taking some photos. If you want to enjoy the surrounding Durban skyline, take 20 minutes.
➕
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk to nearby Ushaka Marine World or the Durban Natural Science Museum. Both attractions are within walking distance.
🧭
Getting there
The building is located in Durban's central business district and is easily reached by taxi or minibus taxi. It is about a 15-minute walk from Durban Station.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the building in the late afternoon when the sun bathes the facade in warm light. Watch for the reflection of clouds in the windows for interesting photos.

Geography

Coordinates
-29.85830, 31.02500

Facts

  • Completed in 1985.
  • Height: 147 meters.
  • 25 floors.
  • Tallest building in Durban.
  • Originally Southern Life Building.
  • Modernist architectural style.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Durban City HallDurban City Hall<1 km · NExplore →
Moses Mabhida StadiumMoses Mabhida Stadium3 km · EExplore →
uShaka Marine WorlduShaka Marine World3 km · NExplore →
The Pearls of UmhlangaThe Pearls of Umhlanga14 km · NEExplore →
Toyota Prospecton PlantToyota Prospecton Plant16 km · SWExplore →
KwaMakhuthaKwaMakhutha25 km · SWExplore →
BallitoBallito38 km · NEExplore →
Salt RockSalt Rock41 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town 88 on Field (3)

Anton Lembede Graffiti📍 landmark

This urban attraction showcases lively street art dedicated to the political legacy of Anton Lembede along the 88 on Field route.

Kwa Muhle museum📍 landmark

Located in a former Native Administration Department building, this museum exhibits the history of urban life and the apartheid system.

The Old Fort🌳 park

Dating back to 1842, this historic park preserves the remains of a military encampment used during the conflict between British forces and Boers.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is 88 on Field?
A well-known office and business complex in the center of Durban.
Can you enter the building?
Access is mostly restricted to employees and business visitors.
Is it historically important?
It is part of the modern development of Durban's business district.
How to get to Field Street?
Best by taxi or on foot if you are in downtown Durban.
Is it worth a visit?
Only if you are interested in modern urban architecture.
88 on Field: where is it located?
88 on Field is located in South Africa.
88 on Field: what is there to see?
Highlights include Anton Lembede Graffiti, Kwa Muhle museum, The Old Fort.
88 on Field: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
88 on Field: why is it worth visiting?
88 on Field is a landmark skyscraper located in Durban, South Africa, and currently stands as the tallest building in the city.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in South Africa →

History & landmarks

Durban City Hall — 88 on Field (South Africa)
Durban City Hall
A magnificent Edwardian neo-Baroque building that closely resembles the City Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Juma Masjid Mosque — 88 on Field (South Africa)
Juma Masjid Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the Southern Hemisphere, located in the center of Durban.
Moses Mabhida Stadium — 88 on Field (South Africa)
Moses Mabhida Stadium
A multi-use stadium in Durban renowned for its striking arch that spans over the pitch.
The Pearls of Umhlanga — 88 on Field (South Africa)
The Pearls of Umhlanga
A striking, luxury residential complex in Umhlanga on the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.

Nature

Lake St. Lucia — 88 on Field (South Africa)
Lake St. Lucia
A large estuarine system in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Tugela Falls — 88 on Field (South Africa)
Tugela Falls
One of the highest waterfalls in the world.

More places

Port of Durban — 88 on Field (South Africa)
Port of Durban
The busiest port in South Africa and one of the largest in Africa, serving as a major hub for container and general cargo.
uShaka Marine World — 88 on Field (South Africa)
uShaka Marine World
Large aquarium and water park in Durban.
Toyota Prospecton Plant — 88 on Field (South Africa)
Toyota Prospecton Plant
Toyota's massive assembly facility producing the Hilux, Fortuner, and other models for Africa and Europe.
🗺️
Sugar Cane Plantations KZN
Vast fields for sugar cane production in KwaZulu-Natal.
Zulu Highlands — 88 on Field (South Africa)
Zulu Highlands
Hilly highlands in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal.
Port of Richards Bay — 88 on Field (South Africa)
Port of Richards Bay
A deep-water port primarily known for exporting coal and other dry bulk commodities.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park — 88 on Field (South Africa)
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
A huge park with coastal forests and lagoons.
Sodwana Bay Marine Reserve — 88 on Field (South Africa)
Sodwana Bay Marine Reserve
Diver's paradise with a unique underwater world.