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City in South Africa
Photo: Steve Roetz from Durban, South Africa, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Durban (Zulu: eThekwini; itheku means "city") is a city on the east coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and in the municipality of eThekwini. It is the third largest city in South Africa and the busiest port in Africa. As of 2011, the population of the eThekwini municipality was around 3.4 million. In 2020, it was named the greenest city in the world by Husqvarna Urban Green Space Index because of its many parks.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Visit on a Saturday and see a mixture of cultural wedding parties having their photos taken.
This is a long ridge overlooking the harbour, city centre and beaches. Once covered with coastal forest, it is now completely built up.
The new landmark of Durban, built for the football World Cup 2010. Catch the Skycar or walk to the top of the stadium, where you will have a stunning view of downtown Durban and Berea.
There is an art gallery and outdated science museum inside, and a public library.
Tours available.
This is a good place to see some zebras and gazelle and get away from it all within the city limits, but you have to book ahead to see the gallery and castle on site.
In the ‘sugar town’ of Tongaat (a few miles past Umhlanga) you will find Crocodile Creek, on the Tongaat river in sub-tropical bush. This creek is home to over 7000 Nile Crocodiles, alligators, caiman, snakes and other reptiles. The farm includes bush and hill trails, a waterfall, river plains and thatched buildings with tree top walkways. An awesome place to spend a day, refreshments are available and you can also browse through the shop which sells curios, crocodile leather goods and even croc dishes.
It is a nice escape if you are looking for some religious or even aesthetic/meditative grounds tourism, plus there is a vegetarian restaurant there.
Your typical maritime scene for chilling and feasting on seafood. It's not quite as extravagant as Fisherman's Wharf or anything but anyway.
Kitschy attraction where famous places are represented in miniature.
For when you don't want to go on a safari.
The history of Apartheid in Durban.
The history of Indian indentured labour.
The museum features a number of collectables in the foyer, including an extensive miniature car collection.The Daphne Strutt Costume Room features fashion from throughout the 20th century, interesting accessories such as cigarette cases, bags, shoes, jewellery and hats enhance the display. A number of rare Art Deco and Nouveau pieces make this exhibition a must for aficionados.
Here you get to walk around inside a couple of tug boats and a military ship as well as visit an indoor exhibit area.
Showcases local and African art. Some food available on premises.
The Golden Mile, the nickname for the beaches near downtown that stretch along the Indian Ocean, is well known for its excellent surfing, occasional shark attack and wide sandy beaches. Visiting around the Christmas holidays ensures a crowded experience, complete with stations for missing children, but visit at the off season and you'll practically have the place to yourself, save the serious surfers. There are also play pools and playgrounds for children along the waterfront, hotel, bars and restaurants.
Swim, surf, canoe, snorkel, scuba dive
Holding 25,000, this venue traditionally hosts a Boxing Day Test match. It's home to Dolphins representing KwaZulu-Natal, and Durban Supergiants representing Durban city in the SA20.
Scuba Dive at uShaka Marine World. PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center. Dive to wrecks, caves, offshore reefs. Offers 6-month "From Zero to Hero" career dive course.
Take a 25-minute plane ride, then be wind-blasted for 35 seconds of freefall Skydiving before the parachute opens.
To see the huge aquarium or ride more than eight different rides in the Waterworld.
Caters for people who use wheelchairs or are blind with elevated walkway and guide rails and braille plaques.
Horseracing
At Gateway Shopping Centre Wavehouse.
Take a boat to see the shark nets that protect beachcombers from shark attack.
18 hole golf course 50 km northeast of the city.
Tourist Junction
The city's official tourism body can provide you with maps, accommodation information and general guidance around your trip to Durban. Tour guides, registered tour operators and approved accommodation form part of Durban Tourism's extensive services.
International festival of poetry. Early October every year.
International festival of writing - March every year.
International festival of film - July/August every year.
International festival of contempary dance - every year.
For all fashion-lovers held at September every year.
July every year. Africa's premier horse-racing event, with plenty of celebrities and walking fashion models to bump into.
Umhlanga is one of the most sought after beach holiday destinations in SA. It is popular with both local and international visitors. It sees a fair amount of internationals the world over who come to shop, unwind, party and have fun on one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. It is located on the east coast of SA, 15 min north of the port city of Durban. Some of the best accommodation options with excellent holiday apartments, luxury hotels, lodges and guesthouses are dotted around Umhlanga. It is fast becoming an attraction with its winter and summer festivals, street cafe culture, restaurants and pubs.
Drinks and food on the beach (The Golden Mile).
Another beachy dining scene, even though it sounds like something else.
Definitely the happening street in Durban. Restaurants, bars, cafes, boutique shopping, in the happy friendly Durban hang-out. Durban's most interesting book shop, Book Base is at the top of Florida Road (275) and is open every day. Lots of interesting material of historical interest to be seen.
Club with focus on electronic dance music.
Regular rock concerts and monthly drum & bass party
This hidden café offers great coffee, breakfast and lunch.
Artery Rock Cottages outside Durban.
Run by Palmbloom family. Great atmosphere. Surf lessons, pool table, table tennis, dartboard, paintball, swimming pool, DVDs, beach horse rides, dive courses, braai, golf, kite/windsurfing, dolphin/whale watching.
A 4-star graded property by the South African Tourism Grading Council and the 2008 winner in the South African Tourism Welcome Awards - Backpacking. It is also offers a totally smoke-free environment, including the garden.
500 m from the beach, but not the safest area. Rooftop bar, wi-fi, kitchen, nice rooms.
Luxurious en suite rooms with sea view. Air-conditioned dorms. Walking distance to La Lucia Mall.
Cozy and tranquil, with pool and tropical garden. Shuttle service.
The most fun place to stay in Durban. Offers local tours, barbeques, walking distance to Durban Station.
Comfortable and affordable camping and caravanning.
Upper Durban North, quiet, prestigious area, centrally located leafy suburban setting. Most rooms have sea views, huge family rooms and a wheelchair friendly room, R400-500 per person.
The palace, reflecting on parts of KZN history, is the vision of Durban artist Peter Amm, who has used his entire collection of Zulu art and crafts.
Hampshire Hotel Ballito, a South Africa luxury hotel near Durban, offers access to the beach, conference and meeting venues and special deals for family holidays, weekend getaways & business travel.
A Golden Mile hotel tower, with indoor pool, restaurant/bar, and access to the beach across the street.
It's a little pricy, but this is an upscale property tower on the beach that will probably meet most needs. Swimming pool and restaurant. Looks like it could pass for somewhere in Singapore.
By bus
All national carriers and the Baz Bus offer regular services to Durban. The central bus stop is next to the central train station, Durban Station.
By train
Intercity trains are limited, Shosholoza Meyl operates a Friday and Sunday night train from Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg.g. Kelso and Park Ryne) and of the north coast).
By boat
Some cruise ships dock in Durban, but generally there are few "one-way" entries by boat to Durban. Passage on a freighter might be arranged, but it's not widely advertised.
By bus
Durban People Mover buses feature CCTV cameras and wheelchair-friendly ramps. They run from 6AM until 11PM every 15 minutes.
By metered taxi
Registered taxis are common, generally safe and relatively inexpensive. Taxis do not rove and hence need to be called so that one can be fetched from your pick up point.
By minibus taxi
There are also group taxis, referred to as "combi taxis" (or "minibus taxis"), that are impossible to miss as (in Durban) they're brightly decorated and always have music pumping.
By train
Metrorail KZN runs a network of commuter trains in and around Durban. The schedule is mainly aimed at commuters and safety has been an issue.
By rickshaw
Rickshaw rides are offered to tourists along the beach front, for amusement rather than getting around.
By Uber
Uber is quite popular in Durban and SA, as is offers any fast and reliable taxi service. It's often cheaper than a metered taxi.
By helicopter
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Durban · International · DUR
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