Exciting New Tourism Attraction: Durban’s R1 Billion Amusement Park to Open

Published on December 12, 2025

Excitement is building along Durban’s Golden Mile as the city prepares for the grand transformation of the former Durban Funworld site into a world-class amusement park. This R1 billion development, expected to open in 2027, promises to be a major tourism draw for both local and international visitors. The project, led by Masithu Consulting and Project Managers (MCPM), marks a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its beachfront area and attract new waves of tourists to one of South Africa’s most beloved coastal destinations.

The new Durban Amusement Park will be a flagship attraction on the Golden Mile, offering a combination of high-adrenaline rides and family-friendly experiences. The park will feature state-of-the-art attractions such as the Lightning Roller Coaster, Disk’O 24, and the Vertical Swing, designed to thrill visitors with cutting-edge rides. For those seeking digital immersion, the park will also house a 1,500 m² Virtual Reality Theme Park, boasting over 160 interactive games and offering global e-sports activations.

A World-Class Attraction for Durban’s Beachfront

Strategically located along the beachfront, the amusement park will breathe new life into the Golden Mile, one of Durban’s most iconic tourism spots. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean from viewing decks integrated into the design, while neon-lit walkways will illuminate the area at night, creating a lively atmosphere. The park will offer a range of themed food courts and leisure hubs that cater to various tastes, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Designed with safety and family in mind, the park will maintain an alcohol-free environment, making it a safe and inclusive space for all visitors. The activity zones within the park will be tailored to different age groups, ensuring that there are experiences suited to both young children and thrill-seekers. This focus on a family-oriented environment enhances the park’s appeal as a key destination for family vacations, offering visitors a variety of options to enjoy their time in Durban.

Economic Impact and Tourism Growth

The Durban Amusement Park is more than just an entertainment venue; it is a cornerstone of Durban’s broader strategy to boost its tourism sector. This redevelopment is expected to generate significant employment during both the construction and operational phases, creating new opportunities for the local workforce. The park will also contribute to Durban’s tourism value chain, supporting local businesses in the hospitality, retail, and transport sectors.

With its prime location along the Golden Mile, the park is expected to increase the duration of visitor stays and elevate overall spending in the city. Tourists will have access to not only the amusement park’s offerings but also the many hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions situated nearby. As a result, the park will likely become a key player in expanding the city’s tourism industry, supporting Durban’s goal of attracting both domestic and international visitors year-round.

In addition to providing local employment and business opportunities, the Durban Amusement Park is expected to enhance the city’s standing as a tourism hub. Its innovative attractions and strategic location will make it an integral part of itineraries for families, adventure seekers, and leisure tourists visiting South Africa. The park’s wide-ranging appeal makes it an ideal addition to Durban’s tourism offerings, particularly for travelers seeking a blend of outdoor fun and immersive entertainment.

International Partnerships and Global Standards

A standout feature of the Durban Amusement Park is its collaboration with internationally recognized Italian engineering firms. These firms are celebrated for their work on iconic global attractions such as Ferrari World, Universal Studios, and Disneyland. This partnership ensures that the Durban amusement park will meet the highest international standards of safety, innovation, and entertainment.

As a result, the park is expected to become a major draw for international visitors, attracting tourists not only from across Africa but also from other parts of the world. The collaboration with renowned firms also signals the park’s commitment to offering visitors an experience that meets global expectations, further positioning Durban as a competitive destination in the global tourism market.

Supporting Durban’s Long-Term Vision for Tourism

This development is a crucial part of Durban’s long-term vision to reposition itself as a top-tier destination for tourists in Africa. As part of a R2 billion private-sector investment in the Golden Mile, the project signals confidence in the city’s future and its ability to attract tourists and investors alike. The amusement park will serve as a catalyst for further developments in the region, enhancing the beachfront area’s overall appeal and drawing new visitors to the area.

In addition to the park’s primary attractions, Durban’s broader tourism ecosystem will benefit from the increased interest in the Golden Mile. Local hotels, restaurants, and cultural sites will see increased foot traffic, and the city’s public transport systems will be enhanced to accommodate the growing number of tourists expected in the coming years.

Conclusion: Durban’s New Era as a Global Tourism Destination

The Durban Amusement Park, set to open in 2027, promises to redefine the city’s tourism landscape. With its thrilling rides, immersive digital experiences, and vibrant public spaces, the park will attract visitors from around the world, supporting Durban’s goals of increased arrivals and higher visitor spend. For Africa’s tourism professionals, the park represents an exciting new product to promote, one that aligns with evolving traveler expectations and offers a bold new reason to explore the Golden Mile.

As construction begins next year, anticipation for the park’s opening is building. When completed, it will not only fill the gap left by the closure of Durban Funworld in 2023 but will also position Durban as a premier destination on the African continent, helping to drive long-term growth and prosperity in the city’s tourism industry.