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Moses Mabhida Stadium

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Moses Mabhida Stadium (South Africa)

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The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is an architectural masterpiece situated along South Africa's Indian Ocean coast. Named after a prominent leader of the South African Communist Party, the stadium was purpose-built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Its most defining feature is the massive grand arch that spans the length of the pitch, symbolizing the unification of the nation. This 106-meter-high arch houses the 'SkyCar', a funicular that carries visitors to a viewing platform at the apex, offering panoramic views of Durban and the coastline. With a capacity of around 56,000 spectators, the venue is highly versatile, hosting football, rugby, and cricket matches. The roof is made of a PTFE-coated membrane that covers 88% of the seating area. The precinct around the stadium has become an animated hub for recreation, featuring shops, restaurants, and various sports facilities, making it a key urban attraction.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525232221202020212223
Rain mm1078490654027423665100122110

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is open for visits. The interior can be explored via guided tours, which typically run multiple times a day. The exterior grounds are freely accessible at any time.
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Typical hours
Guided tours typically run during daytime between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. On match days or during events, visiting times may vary - it's wise to check ahead.
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Photography
Photography is allowed during the tour and across the entire site. Flash or tripods may not be permitted indoors - check with your guide.
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Time needed
A guided tour lasts about an hour, focusing on the main areas. If you also take the SkyCar (cable car) to the top of the arch, allow an extra 20-30 minutes.
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Combine with
The stadium is located in the Durban Sports Precinct, near Kings Park Stadium and uShaka Marine World. A stroll along the Golden Mile promenade is also recommended.
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Getting there
The stadium is easily accessible by car and has parking facilities. Public transport including buses and minibus taxis runs regularly to the area.
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Insider tip
Book the SkyCar ride to the arch top in advance online to avoid queues and fully enjoy the view over Durban. Combine your visit with the cable car ride if available.

Geography

Coordinates
-29.82860, 31.02980

Facts

  • The stadium's grand arch is 350 meters long and reaches a height of 106 meters.
  • The 'SkyCar' takes visitors to the top of the arch in about two minutes.
  • During the 2010 World Cup, the seating capacity was increased to 70,000.
  • It is home to the 'Big Rush Big Swing', the world's tallest stadium swing.
  • The roof structure covers 88% of the spectator seats with a PTFE-coated fabric.
  • The arch starts as two legs and joins into one, symbolizing the unification of the country.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

88 on Field88 on Field3 km · WExplore →
uShaka Marine WorlduShaka Marine World5 km · NWExplore →
The Pearls of UmhlangaThe Pearls of Umhlanga11 km · NEExplore →
Toyota Prospecton PlantToyota Prospecton Plant19 km · SWExplore →
KwaMakhuthaKwaMakhutha27 km · SWExplore →
BallitoBallito35 km · NEExplore →
Salt RockSalt Rock39 km · NEExplore →
Sugar Cane Plantations KZNSugar Cane Plantations KZN43 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 Moses Mabhida Stadium (12)

Rocket Hut Beach🌿 nature

Rocket Hut Beach is a coastal viewpoint near the Moses Mabhida Stadium offering expansive views across the ocean.

Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve🌿 nature

This 76-hectare nature reserve protects the largest surviving mangrove forest in the greater Durban region.

Skycar📍 landmark

The Skycar is a funicular attraction that transports visitors up the spectacular arch of the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Glacial striations🏺 historical

These glacial striations are archaeological and geological evidence of an ancient ice age near the stadium.

Mamba Valley glacial striations🏺 historical

The Mamba Valley glacial striations are prominent geological grooves in the bedrock created by ancient glacial movements.

Moses Mabhida Stadium📍 landmark

Opened in 2009, the Moses Mabhida Stadium is an iconic landmark featuring a distinctive arch, built for the FIFA World Cup.

Mitchell Park Zoo🎡 recreation

Mitchell Park Zoo is a small zoological garden where visitors can observe exotic birds and small mammals.

Jameson Park🌳 park

Jameson Park is a well-maintained park famous for its magnificent rose garden.

Umgeni River Bird Park🌳 park

Situated on the banks of the Umgeni River, this bird park houses a variety of exotic and endangered species in large walk-through aviaries.

Laguna Beach Pools🎡 recreation

Laguna Beach Pools is a family-friendly coastal water park featuring various slides and swimming pools.

Mitchell Park🌳 park

Mitchell Park features lush gardens and shaded pathways around the integrated zoo, inviting visitors for relaxing walks.

Suncoast Beach🎡 recreation

Suncoast Beach is a lively sandy beach near the casino complex, handy for sunbathing and swimming.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can you do at the stadium?
You can go up the arch by cable car for a great view.
Is there parking?
Yes, the stadium has large, secure parking areas.
How is the accessibility?
Very good, elevators and ramps are available everywhere.
Are there dining options?
Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants in the stadium complex.
How long is the visit?
Plan for 1 to 2 hours for the tour up the arch.
Moses Mabhida Stadium: where is it located?
Moses Mabhida Stadium is located in South Africa.
Moses Mabhida Stadium: what is there to see?
Highlights include Rocket Hut Beach, Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve, Skycar.
Moses Mabhida Stadium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Moses Mabhida Stadium: why is it worth visiting?
The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is an architectural masterpiece situated along South Africa's Indian Ocean coast.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Durban City Hall — Moses Mabhida Stadium (South Africa)
Durban City Hall
A magnificent Edwardian neo-Baroque building that closely resembles the City Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
88 on Field — Moses Mabhida Stadium (South Africa)
88 on Field
A prominent skyscraper in Durban, dominating the downtown skyline.
Juma Masjid Mosque — Moses Mabhida Stadium (South Africa)
Juma Masjid Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the Southern Hemisphere, located in the center of Durban.
The Pearls of Umhlanga — Moses Mabhida Stadium (South Africa)
The Pearls of Umhlanga
A striking, luxury residential complex in Umhlanga on the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.

Nature

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

More places

Port of Durban — Moses Mabhida Stadium (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 — Moses Mabhida Stadium (South Africa)
uShaka Marine World
Large aquarium and water park in Durban.
Toyota Prospecton Plant — Moses Mabhida Stadium (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 — Moses Mabhida Stadium (South Africa)
Zulu Highlands
Hilly highlands in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal.
Port of Richards Bay — Moses Mabhida Stadium (South Africa)
Port of Richards Bay
A deep-water port primarily known for exporting coal and other dry bulk commodities.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park — Moses Mabhida Stadium (South Africa)
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
A huge park with coastal forests and lagoons.
Sodwana Bay Marine Reserve — Moses Mabhida Stadium (South Africa)
Sodwana Bay Marine Reserve
Diver's paradise with a unique underwater world.