Durban is located 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. According to the 2007 Community Survey, the population of the eThekwini municpality was 3,468,086 .
Understand
Durban was originally called Port Natal, and was founded by British settlers. Indian workers were brought in to work the sugar cane plantations, making this one of the largest population centers of Indians in South Africa. Zulu and English are the most common languages in Durban.
Getting there
By plane
Durban International Airport (formerly Louis Botha Airport) is located 15km southwest of the city center.
The following airlines offer domestic service to/from Durban: 1time , Airlink , British Airways , Interlink , Kulula , Mango , and South African Airlines
The following airlines offer international service to/from Durban: Airlink (to/from Maputo), Air Mauritius (to/from Mauritius), and Emirates (to/from Dubai),
A new international airport is under construction 40km North of the city at La Mercy and due to be operational in time for the Soccer world cup in 2010.
See also Discount airlines in Africa.
By bus
All national carriers and the Baz Bus offer regular services to Durban.
By train
The central train station is in the city centre.
Spoornet operates daily inter-city trains to Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg, with a weekly service to Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Cape Town. You can also get to Port Elizabeth or East London by changing trains in Bloemfontein.
MetroRail operates frequent commuter trains to various suburbs of Durban and towns nearby (such as Pinetown and the resort towns of both the south coast (eg. Kelso and Park Ryne) and the north coast).
By boat
Some cruise ships dock in Durban, but generally there are limited "one-way" entries by boat to Durban. In theory passage on a freighter might be arranged, but it's not widely advertised. Cruises from Durban available on the MSC Sinfonia .
Traveling around
By car
The best way to get around Durban is by car.
AroundAboutCars
CABS Car hire, +27 (0)21 386-5500, +27 (0)21 386-5500, Branches at all major airports in South Africa
Tempest Car Hire, +27 (0)31 469 0660, +27 (0)31 469 0660, Safe and affordable car rental service at all major locations in South Africa.
First Car Rental, +27 (0)31 335-8401, 0861 011 323, +27 (0)31 335-8401, 24 hours, 123 Pine Street, CBD, Find out more about First Car Rental - a vehicle hire company that provides affordable car rental throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
By Helicopter
JNC Helicopters, +27 (0)31 563-9513, +27 (0)31 563-9513, Hangar 1, Virginia Airport Glenashley, JNC Helicopters offers VIP travel to and from any South African city as well as an infinite number of tourist flight combinations, from 20min sight seeing flights to complete tours that take you around any part of South Africa.
By bus
Durban is attempting to upgrade its public bus system in time for the world cup; however, problems with the union sometimes makes buses unreliable.
Durban People Mover buses feature CCTV cameras and wheelchair-friendly ramps. They run from 6AM until 11PM every 15 minutes. These buses stop in the CBD, the Victoria Street Market, the Workshop, Suncoast Casino, Ushaka Marine World and along the beach route. (R4 per trip, valid for 1 hour on a hop-on, hop-off basis).
To travel between the Berea surbubs and the city its cheaper to travel by Mynah buses, R2.40 off peak (8AM 3:30PM), peak R3.80. The Mynah buses depart from the Workshop terminus every 30 minutes to Musgrave, The Ridge, Kensington, Mitchell Park/Florida road, Tollgate(cnr Aliwal/Smith streets), To South Beach/Ushaka, North Beach/Suncoast (in Pixley ka Seme (West) street, opposite the City Hall).
The Aqualine buses to the suburbs (depart from the Pine street terminus ) are usually within 5 minutes of the schedule every hour.Peak cash fare can be quite steep. If you're travelling daily by bus to work,its advisable to buy a weekly coupon, which can save you up to 35% of the cash fare. Fare, bus route & time table enquiries (+27 (0)31 309-5942/3).Please note that due to the ongoing dispute some routes have be suspended. *= service suspended.
To Bluff (route 330/338/411/418 )
To Queensburgh catch either one of these four buses, Malvern (route 112), Montgomery road (route 113), Shalcross/Hillview (route 140), Pinetown/Westmead (*route 840/842/843/849).service suspended.
To Glenwood catch either one of these four buses, Berea Beach (route 022/023), Umbilo (route 007),Glenmore (route 086), Manor Gardens (*route 084).
To Umhlanga Rocks/Gateway Mall catch the Aqualine bus(route 716/705)outside Nando's in Pixley ka Seme (West) street, departs every hour.
To UKZN catch the Howard College bus (route 070)/Westville campus (route 075).Service suspended
To Pinetown/Westville central/Westwood mall, catch Aqualine Pinetown/Westmead bus (*route 855,857,858,870,871,873,877,886).Service suspended
To The Pavilion mall catch the Aqualine bus (*route 853/860 )route 853 departs from the Workshop terminus and route 860 departs from North Beach near Blue Waters hotel/Suncoast casino.Service suspended
Most buses depart on the hour every hour, check the bus schedule. Please note that sometimes to get to your destination, you might have to catch a couple to three buses. When not sure about bus route number, ask the locals or the bus driver (tell him the nearest landmark to your destination). Mynah buses do not have route numbers, only the destination will be displayed on the electronic display in front of the bus. Please note that u must flag the bus down to stop at the bus stop. It is advisable to have the exact change before you board the bus and get a receipt!
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. A lot of these will conduct point to point transfers, airport shuttles, and corporate transfers. The ones that can be recommended for the Durban and surrounds are:
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. There is always someone hanging out of a window making the hand gestures that indicate whether there are seats available and where the combi is going. Minibus taxis are very common and less expensive than metered taxis. Strictly speaking, they are minibuses that take people to and from work, they stick to set routes and they are generally not suitable for tourists unfamiliar with the area they are going to; when in doubt stick to metered taxis or buses. There are minibus taxis plying same routes as Mynah buses,They are more frequent and faster then buses.
By Rickshaw
Rickshaw rides are offered to tourists along the beach front, for amusement rather than getting around. Watch out for the many ups and downs in the ride; the tipping back of the rickshaw cause the contents of your pockets to fall out, into the coffers of the drivers!
See
Durban Botanical Gardens, +27 (0)31 201-1303, +27 (0)31 201-1303, Visit on a Saturday and see a mixture of Cultural weddings all having their photos taken
Berea, This is a long ridge overlooking the harbor, city center and beaches. Once covered with coastal forest, it is now completely built up.
City Hall. There is an art gallery and outdated science museum inside, as well as a public library.
The Golden Mile The Golden Mile, the nickname for the beaches near downtown that stretch along the Indian Ocean, is well known for it's 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, as well as hotel, bars and restaurants.
Crocodile Creek
Mahatma Gandhi Settlement, Tours Available
Durban North Japanese Gardens, +27 (0)31 563-1333
KwaZulu Natal National Parks
Things to do
Watersports, Swim, surf, canoe, snorkel, dive
Calypso Dive & Adventure Center, Scuba Dive at uShaka Marine World. PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center. Dive to wrecks, caves, offshore reefs. Offers 6-month
Skydive Durban, +27 (0)72 214-6040, Pietermaritzburg Airport, Take a 25 minute plane ride, then 35 seconsd of freefalling before the parchute opens, then a post-jump barbeque.
NAC Helicopters Unlimited, +27 (0)31 564-0176, Hangar No 4, Virginia Airport, helicopter rides
uShaka Marine World, +27 (0)31 328-8000, 1 Bell Street, To see the HUGE *Aquarium* or ride more than eight different rides in the *Waterworld*.
Glenholme trail for disabled & blind persons, +27 (0)31 705-5448, Glenholme Nature Reserve, Caters for wheelchairs and the blind with elevated walkway and guide rails and braille plaques.
Nature Parks - There are dozens of nature reserves in the suburbs, just ask around. Please remember to be safe, there are natural hazards like snakes, and criminals like the isolation for different reasons.
Durban A1GP A1 Grand Prix, Watch the A1 Grand Prix (**800 m from the Durban CBD and 300m from the North Beach coastline close to the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World**) Brickhill Road. The only road race on the world circuit.
Greyville Race Course, Horseracing
Surf Artificial Waves, At Gateway Shopping Center
Shark Institute, Take a boat to see the shark nets that protect beachcombers from shark attack.
Durban Tourism (Tourist Junction), +27 (0)31 3044-934, 160 Monty Naicker Road, 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.
Festivals
Poetry Africa - International Festival of Poetry. Early October every year.
Time of the Writer - International Festival of Writing - March every year.
Durban International Film Festival - International Festival of Film - July/August every year.
Jomba! Contemporary Dance Festival - International Festival of Contempary Dance - every year.
Awesome Africa - World Music Festival - September every year.
MTN Durban Fashion Week - For all fashion-lovers! June every year. For all fashion-lovers!
Durban July - July every year.Africa's Premier Horse-Racing Event, with plenty of celebrities and walking fashion models to bump into.
Hindu Festivals - There are dozens of these and you'll need to ask around because they're not well publicised, but there's one in Easter in the Umbilo area where devotees walk on hot coals, and another sometime between February and July (it moves) called Kavady where the devotees pierce their backs with hooks and drag decorated portable shrines. Not to be missed!
Umhlanga (Rocks) Festivals - 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, 15min north of the 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.
Its winter festival is held on the main beach and the summer festival on the main street where live jazz bands play out late into the evening
A must to visit.
Eat
As Durban has one of the largest Indian populations outside of India itself, a Durban curry is a popular dish and can range from mild to very hot. There is also the Bunny Chow which is unique to the city, a quarter loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with a curry of your choice. Check out the Workshop restaurants for some of the best bunny chow in the city. Or head over to the Indian neighborhood near Victoria Market for more authentic Durban Indian food.
Good Indian dining is at Vintage Restaurant next to Bean Bag Bohemia - Windemere Road
Try the Roma Revolving Restaurant at the top of John Ross House on the Esplanade for Italian food and the best view of Durban.
Wilson's Wharf a long pier build into the harbour, hosts a wide selection of international restaurants and watch the busiest harbor in Africa's activity. Take in a show afterwards at the upstairs Catalina theater.
Try Morningside restaurants, along Florida Road, for trendy cafe sidewalk eateries including one Italian style, Spiga d'Oro , frequented so often by South Africa's notorious businessman, Schabir Shaik, that a dish is named in his honor 'Pasta a la Shaik'. Bill Clinton and Bill Gates ate at "Spice" set off the busy street in a quiet upstairs courtyard. And nearby, be nearly guaranteed to rub shoulders with the up-and-coming in-crowd at the Bean Bag Bohemia, Windermere Road, a restaurant that makes great dining an artistic event.
Definitely try some 'biltong' when you're in South Africa. Its South African-style jerky and available in a whole range of flavors and textures.
Drink
Zacks, located at Wilson's wharf on Victoria's embankment is a popular place to get thirst quenching drinks and just relax and enjoy the view of the harbor.
Joe Kool's, on the beachfront is also well known as the best place for a "sundowner" after a long day on the beach. Check out their roof-top deck for the best views.
The BAT Centre, on the port is also a good place for a quick meal or drink. There's free jazz most nights as well as other concerts, hip-hop and the occasional poetry slam.
The Firkin is a micro-brewery on the top floor of the Pavilion shopping centre in Westville. It has some great ales and beers and good snacks at reasonable prices.Tilted house is a trendy place situated in the city center in an old victorian house. It has its own VIP section, but it is open to the beautiful as well as important. Cool Runnings is a reggeaton place with cheap beer and a relaxed atmosphere. Burn is a good concert scene for Metal and Rock music with club evenings every weekend. Durban is known for its pot and you will easily find it around the clubs, but beware that the police does care if tourists break the law and you can be thrown out of the country if you are caught with it.
Florida Road 275, +27 (0)31 312-3355, Definitely the happening street in Durban. Restaurants, Bars Cafe's Boutique shopping the in happy friendly Durban hang out. Durban's most interesting book shop, Book Base also located at the top of Florida Road (275) and is open every day. Lots of interesting material of historical interest, Zulu Wars etc to be seen.
Sleep
Budget
African Sunrise Backpackers & Lodge, , Valley of 1000 Hills, Artery Rock Cottages located outside Durban.
Ansteys Beach Backpackers International, 477 marine Drive, Bluff, 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.
Banana Backpackers, +27 (0)31 368-4062, Pine Street and Prince Alfred Road, Close to the beach, the ICC, the mall and the city center. Pool, bar, internet, DSTV, laundry. Shuttle service. Tour booking.
Black Mamba Backpackers Lodge, 031 765 4063, Valley of 1000 Hills, Close to Tala Game Reserve and Phezulu Crocodile Farm, Jacuzzi under the stars, shower in the open air, snuggle around the bonfire. Free airport and shopping cneter pick ups/drop offs, free internet, kitchen, bar.
Gibela Backpackers Lodge, +27 (0)31 303-6291, +27 (0)31 303-6291, This lodge has placed itself high with international and local travellers alike. It is a 4 star graded property by the South African Tourism Grading Council and is the 2008 winner in the South African Tourism Welcome Awards - Backpacking. It is also offers a totally smoke free environment, including the garden.
Happy Hippo, +27 (0)31 718-1196, 222 Point Rd (Mahatma Ghandi Road), Waterfront, Located 500m from the beach, but not the safest area. Rooftop bar, wi-fi. Kitchen, nice rooms.
Nomads Backpackers, +27 (0)31 202-9709, 70 Essenwood Rd, Since 1995. Log beds. Fans. Bambooza bar & Restaurant.
On The Beach, Luxurious ensuite rooms with sea view. Air-conditioned dorms. Walking distance to La Lucia Mall.
Shelbourne Lodge Bed 'n Breakfast, +27 (0)31 562-1282, La Lucia
Smiths Cottage, Cozy and tranquil, with pool and tropical garden. Shuttle service.
Tekweni Backpackers, +27 (31) 303 1433 , +27 (31) 303 1433 , 169 9th Avenue, The most fun place to stay in Durban. Offers local tours, barbeques, walking distance to Durban Stattion.
Midrange
Crooked Tree Cottage, +27 (0)31 561-5759, +27 (0)31 561-5759, Corner of Hiken Dr& Pearl Drive, Umhlanga
Dolphin Sands B&B, +27 (0)32 943-1023, North Beach Rd, Westbrook
Durban Self Catering Accommodation, An Exclusive Private Beach House, With sea views spanning from Ballito in the North, to the Durban Point and light house in the South. The part of the beach it is on is usually very quiet.
Buy
Popular items to buy are Zulu beadwork, wirework, wicker work - from baskets and sustainable conference bags to fantastic lights and furniture, Spices - anyone dare 'mother-in-law's revenge' ? Fantastic!
Gateway Mall, the largest in the southern hemisphere
Victoria Street Market. Mostly oriental souvenirs. Haggle hard, beware of pickpockets.
Essenwood Craft Market - For a true taste of South Africa look out for a guy selling biltong (South African jerky). A good place to buy curios, and don't be afraid to haggle. Last time I was there I found some beautiful Zimbabwean soap-stone sculptures at a very good price.
The Pavilion - A large shopping mall with a good range of shops.
African Arts Center at Tourist Junction on West Street
BAT Center on the harbor front
Stay healthy
Travel vaccines and general practitioner services available at Umhlanga Sports and Travel Clinic Umhlanga Hospital Helipad, 323 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga Rocks. +27 (0)31 560-5569
Safety
The beach strip is frequently patrolled by policemen, there are CCTV cameras and there's ample lighting at night. As in all countries, there are several basic safety rules to follow. Avoid dark, deserted areas, and do not go out alone in the early hours of the morning. The promanade along the beach is safe to walk, but do not venture to the side and back roads of the hotels.
Avoid the Point Road area - day and night time.
At night: It is still a good idea to stick to the main streets and not go out at night unless you are very familiar with a particular area. Avoid the usually busy central business district, which is empty after dark. Above all, use common sense.
Remember, you're a tourist, not a 70s celebrity. Dress down to blend in with the people in the CBD (keep the fancy stuff to a minimum).
The harbour area is quite safe, as are the shopping malls and higher residential areas.
The Point, the area between downtown and the port, known for prostitution and cheap hotels has higher crime rate (although parts are currently undergoing a massive redevelopment). Avoid walking here alone or at night and take cars or metered taxis if you need to go to this area. Point Road has been renamed Mahatma Gandhi Road. Despite the new name and the image the city is trying to project it is probably better to keep clear of this area.
Street children can be a problem, and its best to keep clear of them. Many sniff glue, carry knives, and can be quite unpredictable.
Umhlanga Nature reserve
Go south along the Sunshine and Wild Coast through Margate and to East London, Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route
Go south along the Hisbiscus coast through Port Shepstone, visit the Oribi gorge and blue flag beaches.
Go up the North Coast and visit Ballito, the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park or drive further on to Swaziland.
Valley of 1000 hills, +27 (0)31 736-2323, +27 (0)31 736-2323, With breathtaking views, more than 10 nature reserves, hiking trails, cultural villages and much more. This is an area not to miss when you visit KwaZulu-Natal
Contact & location
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Durban is located 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. According to the 2007 Community Survey, the population of the eThekwini municpality was 3,468,086 .
Understand
Durban was originally called Port Natal, and was founded by British settlers. Indian workers were brought in to work the sugar cane plantations, making this one of the largest population centers of Indians in South Africa. Zulu and English are the most common languages in Durban.
Getting there
By plane
Durban International Airport (formerly Louis Botha Airport) is located 15km southwest of the city center.
The following airlines offer domestic service to/from Durban: 1time , Airlink , British Airways , Interlink , Kulula , Mango , and South African Airlines
The following airlines offer international service to/from Durban: Airlink (to/from Maputo), Air Mauritius (to/from Mauritius), and Emirates (to/from Dubai),
A new international airport is under construction 40km North of the city at La Mercy and due to be operational in time for the Soccer world cup in 2010. See also Discount airlines in Africa.
By bus
All national carriers and the Baz Bus offer regular services to Durban.
By train
The central train station is in the city centre.
Spoornet operates daily inter-city trains to Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg, with a weekly service to Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Cape Town. You can also get to Port Elizabeth or East London by changing trains in Bloemfontein.
MetroRail operates frequent commuter trains to various suburbs of Durban and towns nearby (such as Pinetown and the resort towns of both the south coast (eg. Kelso and Park Ryne) and the north coast).
By boat
Some cruise ships dock in Durban, but generally there are limited "one-way" entries by boat to Durban. In theory passage on a freighter might be arranged, but it's not widely advertised. Cruises from Durban available on the MSC Sinfonia .
Traveling around
By car
The best way to get around Durban is by car.
AroundAboutCars
CABS Car hire , +27 (0)21 386-5500, +27 (0)21 386-5500, Branches at all major airports in South Africa
Tempest Car Hire , +27 (0)31 469 0660, +27 (0)31 469 0660, Safe and affordable car rental service at all major locations in South Africa.
First Car Rental , +27 (0)31 335-8401, 0861 011 323, +27 (0)31 335-8401, 24 hours, 123 Pine Street, CBD, Find out more about First Car Rental - a vehicle hire company that provides affordable car rental throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
By Helicopter
By bus
Durban is attempting to upgrade its public bus system in time for the world cup; however, problems with the union sometimes makes buses unreliable.
Durban People Mover buses feature CCTV cameras and wheelchair-friendly ramps. They run from 6AM until 11PM every 15 minutes. These buses stop in the CBD, the Victoria Street Market, the Workshop, Suncoast Casino, Ushaka Marine World and along the beach route. (R4 per trip, valid for 1 hour on a hop-on, hop-off basis).
To travel between the Berea surbubs and the city its cheaper to travel by Mynah buses, R2.40 off peak (8AM 3:30PM), peak R3.80. The Mynah buses depart from the Workshop terminus every 30 minutes to Musgrave, The Ridge, Kensington, Mitchell Park/Florida road, Tollgate(cnr Aliwal/Smith streets), To South Beach/Ushaka, North Beach/Suncoast (in Pixley ka Seme (West) street, opposite the City Hall).
The Aqualine buses to the suburbs (depart from the Pine street terminus ) are usually within 5 minutes of the schedule every hour.Peak cash fare can be quite steep. If you're travelling daily by bus to work,its advisable to buy a weekly coupon, which can save you up to 35% of the cash fare. Fare, bus route & time table enquiries (+27 (0)31 309-5942/3).Please note that due to the ongoing dispute some routes have be suspended. *= service suspended.
To Bluff (route 330/338/411/418 )
To Queensburgh catch either one of these four buses, Malvern (route 112), Montgomery road (route 113), Shalcross/Hillview (route 140), Pinetown/Westmead (*route 840/842/843/849).service suspended.
To Glenwood catch either one of these four buses, Berea Beach (route 022/023), Umbilo (route 007),Glenmore (route 086), Manor Gardens (*route 084).
To Umhlanga Rocks/Gateway Mall catch the Aqualine bus(route 716/705)outside Nando's in Pixley ka Seme (West) street, departs every hour.
To UKZN catch the Howard College bus (route 070)/Westville campus (route 075).Service suspended
To Pinetown/Westville central/Westwood mall, catch Aqualine Pinetown/Westmead bus (*route 855,857,858,870,871,873,877,886).Service suspended
To The Pavilion mall catch the Aqualine bus (*route 853/860 )route 853 departs from the Workshop terminus and route 860 departs from North Beach near Blue Waters hotel/Suncoast casino.Service suspended
Most buses depart on the hour every hour, check the bus schedule. Please note that sometimes to get to your destination, you might have to catch a couple to three buses. When not sure about bus route number, ask the locals or the bus driver (tell him the nearest landmark to your destination). Mynah buses do not have route numbers, only the destination will be displayed on the electronic display in front of the bus. Please note that u must flag the bus down to stop at the bus stop. It is advisable to have the exact change before you board the bus and get a receipt!
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. A lot of these will conduct point to point transfers, airport shuttles, and corporate transfers. The ones that can be recommended for the Durban and surrounds are:
Umhlanga Rocks Taxis (Ucabs), ph: +27 (0)31 561-1846,
Eagle Taxi's, ph: +27 (0)31 337-8333
Zippy Cabs, +27 (0)31 202-7067,
Mozzie Cabs, +27 (0)31 303-5787 (local toll share: 086 066-9943),
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. There is always someone hanging out of a window making the hand gestures that indicate whether there are seats available and where the combi is going. Minibus taxis are very common and less expensive than metered taxis. Strictly speaking, they are minibuses that take people to and from work, they stick to set routes and they are generally not suitable for tourists unfamiliar with the area they are going to; when in doubt stick to metered taxis or buses. There are minibus taxis plying same routes as Mynah buses,They are more frequent and faster then buses.
By Rickshaw
Rickshaw rides are offered to tourists along the beach front, for amusement rather than getting around. Watch out for the many ups and downs in the ride; the tipping back of the rickshaw cause the contents of your pockets to fall out, into the coffers of the drivers!
See
Durban Botanical Gardens , +27 (0)31 201-1303, +27 (0)31 201-1303, Visit on a Saturday and see a mixture of Cultural weddings all having their photos taken
Berea, This is a long ridge overlooking the harbor, city center and beaches. Once covered with coastal forest, it is now completely built up.
City Hall. There is an art gallery and outdated science museum inside, as well as a public library.
The Golden Mile The Golden Mile, the nickname for the beaches near downtown that stretch along the Indian Ocean, is well known for it's 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, as well as hotel, bars and restaurants.
Crocodile Creek
Mahatma Gandhi Settlement, Tours Available
Durban North Japanese Gardens, +27 (0)31 563-1333
KwaZulu Natal National Parks
Things to do
Watersports, Swim, surf, canoe, snorkel, dive
Calypso Dive & Adventure Center , Scuba Dive at uShaka Marine World. PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center. Dive to wrecks, caves, offshore reefs. Offers 6-month
Skydive Durban , +27 (0)72 214-6040, Pietermaritzburg Airport, Take a 25 minute plane ride, then 35 seconsd of freefalling before the parchute opens, then a post-jump barbeque.
NAC Helicopters Unlimited , +27 (0)31 564-0176, Hangar No 4, Virginia Airport, helicopter rides
Suncoast Casino, +27 (0)31 328-3000, +27 (0)31 328-3000, Suncoast Boulevard, Marine Parade
Sibaya Casino (Sun international)
uShaka Marine World , +27 (0)31 328-8000, 1 Bell Street, To see the HUGE *Aquarium* or ride more than eight different rides in the *Waterworld*.
Glenholme trail for disabled & blind persons, +27 (0)31 705-5448, Glenholme Nature Reserve, Caters for wheelchairs and the blind with elevated walkway and guide rails and braille plaques.
Nature Parks - There are dozens of nature reserves in the suburbs, just ask around. Please remember to be safe, there are natural hazards like snakes, and criminals like the isolation for different reasons.
Durban A1GP A1 Grand Prix , Watch the A1 Grand Prix (**800 m from the Durban CBD and 300m from the North Beach coastline close to the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World**) Brickhill Road. The only road race on the world circuit.
Greyville Race Course, Horseracing
Surf Artificial Waves, At Gateway Shopping Center
Shark Institute, Take a boat to see the shark nets that protect beachcombers from shark attack.
Historical compensation sugar mill
Zimbali Golf Estate, 18 holes
Skydive Durban , +27 (0)72 214-6040, +27 (0)72 214-6040, Durban, Skydiving
Durban Tourism (Tourist Junction), +27 (0)31 3044-934, 160 Monty Naicker Road, 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.
Festivals
Poetry Africa - International Festival of Poetry. Early October every year.
Time of the Writer - International Festival of Writing - March every year.
Durban International Film Festival - International Festival of Film - July/August every year.
Jomba! Contemporary Dance Festival - International Festival of Contempary Dance - every year.
Awesome Africa - World Music Festival - September every year.
MTN Durban Fashion Week - For all fashion-lovers! June every year. For all fashion-lovers!
Durban July - July every year.Africa's Premier Horse-Racing Event, with plenty of celebrities and walking fashion models to bump into.
Hindu Festivals - There are dozens of these and you'll need to ask around because they're not well publicised, but there's one in Easter in the Umbilo area where devotees walk on hot coals, and another sometime between February and July (it moves) called Kavady where the devotees pierce their backs with hooks and drag decorated portable shrines. Not to be missed!
Umhlanga (Rocks) Festivals - 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, 15min north of the 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. Its winter festival is held on the main beach and the summer festival on the main street where live jazz bands play out late into the evening A must to visit.
Eat
As Durban has one of the largest Indian populations outside of India itself, a Durban curry is a popular dish and can range from mild to very hot. There is also the Bunny Chow which is unique to the city, a quarter loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with a curry of your choice. Check out the Workshop restaurants for some of the best bunny chow in the city. Or head over to the Indian neighborhood near Victoria Market for more authentic Durban Indian food.
Good Indian dining is at Vintage Restaurant next to Bean Bag Bohemia - Windemere Road
Try the Roma Revolving Restaurant at the top of John Ross House on the Esplanade for Italian food and the best view of Durban.
Wilson's Wharf a long pier build into the harbour, hosts a wide selection of international restaurants and watch the busiest harbor in Africa's activity. Take in a show afterwards at the upstairs Catalina theater.
Try Morningside restaurants, along Florida Road, for trendy cafe sidewalk eateries including one Italian style, Spiga d'Oro , frequented so often by South Africa's notorious businessman, Schabir Shaik, that a dish is named in his honor 'Pasta a la Shaik'. Bill Clinton and Bill Gates ate at "Spice" set off the busy street in a quiet upstairs courtyard. And nearby, be nearly guaranteed to rub shoulders with the up-and-coming in-crowd at the Bean Bag Bohemia, Windermere Road, a restaurant that makes great dining an artistic event.
Definitely try some 'biltong' when you're in South Africa. Its South African-style jerky and available in a whole range of flavors and textures.
Drink
Zacks, located at Wilson's wharf on Victoria's embankment is a popular place to get thirst quenching drinks and just relax and enjoy the view of the harbor. Joe Kool's, on the beachfront is also well known as the best place for a "sundowner" after a long day on the beach. Check out their roof-top deck for the best views. The BAT Centre, on the port is also a good place for a quick meal or drink. There's free jazz most nights as well as other concerts, hip-hop and the occasional poetry slam. The Firkin is a micro-brewery on the top floor of the Pavilion shopping centre in Westville. It has some great ales and beers and good snacks at reasonable prices.Tilted house is a trendy place situated in the city center in an old victorian house. It has it
s own VIP section, but it is open to the beautiful as well as important. Cool Runnings is a reggeaton place with cheap beer and a relaxed atmosphere. Burn is a good concert scene for Metal and Rock music with club evenings every weekend. Durban is known for its pot and you will easily find it around the clubs, but beware that the police does care if tourists break the law and you can be thrown out of the country if you are caught with it.Sleep
Budget
African Sunrise Backpackers & Lodge , , Valley of 1000 Hills, Artery Rock Cottages located outside Durban.
Ansteys Beach Backpackers International , 477 marine Drive, Bluff, 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.
Banana Backpackers , +27 (0)31 368-4062, Pine Street and Prince Alfred Road, Close to the beach, the ICC, the mall and the city center. Pool, bar, internet, DSTV, laundry. Shuttle service. Tour booking.
Black Mamba Backpackers Lodge , 031 765 4063, Valley of 1000 Hills, Close to Tala Game Reserve and Phezulu Crocodile Farm, Jacuzzi under the stars, shower in the open air, snuggle around the bonfire. Free airport and shopping cneter pick ups/drop offs, free internet, kitchen, bar.
Gibela Backpackers Lodge , +27 (0)31 303-6291, +27 (0)31 303-6291, This lodge has placed itself high with international and local travellers alike. It is a 4 star graded property by the South African Tourism Grading Council and is the 2008 winner in the South African Tourism Welcome Awards - Backpacking. It is also offers a totally smoke free environment, including the garden.
Happy Hippo , +27 (0)31 718-1196, 222 Point Rd (Mahatma Ghandi Road), Waterfront, Located 500m from the beach, but not the safest area. Rooftop bar, wi-fi. Kitchen, nice rooms.
Hippo Hide , +27 (0)31 207-4366, 2 Jesmond Road, Berea, Private wooden huts, entertainment area.
Nomads Backpackers , +27 (0)31 202-9709, 70 Essenwood Rd, Since 1995. Log beds. Fans. Bambooza bar & Restaurant.
On The Beach , Luxurious ensuite rooms with sea view. Air-conditioned dorms. Walking distance to La Lucia Mall.
Shelbourne Lodge Bed 'n Breakfast , +27 (0)31 562-1282, La Lucia
Smiths Cottage , Cozy and tranquil, with pool and tropical garden. Shuttle service.
Tekweni Backpackers , +27 (31) 303 1433 , +27 (31) 303 1433 , 169 9th Avenue, The most fun place to stay in Durban. Offers local tours, barbeques, walking distance to Durban Stattion.
Midrange
Crooked Tree Cottage , +27 (0)31 561-5759, +27 (0)31 561-5759, Corner of Hiken Dr& Pearl Drive, Umhlanga
Dolphin Sands B&B , +27 (0)32 943-1023, North Beach Rd, Westbrook
Northway Lodge , +27 (0)31 563-9687, +27 (0)31 563-9687, 28 Northway Dr, Durban North
Nunuburd Lodge , 74 Clair Avenue, Manor Ridge
Umdloti Letting & Sales , , Umdloti Beach
Splurge
Royal Palm - Gateway , +27 (0)31 581-8000, 08 Palm Boulevard, Umhlanga
The Royal Hotel , +27 (0)31 333-6000, 267 Smith St
The Riverside Hotel & Spa , +27 (0)31 563-0600, +27 (0)31 563-0600
The Quays , +27 (0)31 310-6900, +27 (0)31 310-6900, Timeball Square, Waterfront
Quarters Hotel , +27 (0)31 303-5246, +27 (0)31 303-5246, 101 Florida Road, Morningside
Durban Self Catering Accommodation , An Exclusive Private Beach House, With sea views spanning from Ballito in the North, to the Durban Point and light house in the South. The part of the beach it is on is usually very quiet.
Buy
Popular items to buy are Zulu beadwork, wirework, wicker work - from baskets and sustainable conference bags to fantastic lights and furniture, Spices - anyone dare 'mother-in-law's revenge' ? Fantastic!
Gateway Mall, the largest in the southern hemisphere
Victoria Street Market. Mostly oriental souvenirs. Haggle hard, beware of pickpockets.
Essenwood Craft Market - For a true taste of South Africa look out for a guy selling biltong (South African jerky). A good place to buy curios, and don't be afraid to haggle. Last time I was there I found some beautiful Zimbabwean soap-stone sculptures at a very good price.
The Pavilion - A large shopping mall with a good range of shops.
African Arts Center at Tourist Junction on West Street
BAT Center on the harbor front
Stay healthy
Safety
The beach strip is frequently patrolled by policemen, there are CCTV cameras and there's ample lighting at night. As in all countries, there are several basic safety rules to follow. Avoid dark, deserted areas, and do not go out alone in the early hours of the morning. The promanade along the beach is safe to walk, but do not venture to the side and back roads of the hotels. Avoid the Point Road area - day and night time.
At night: It is still a good idea to stick to the main streets and not go out at night unless you are very familiar with a particular area. Avoid the usually busy central business district, which is empty after dark. Above all, use common sense.
Remember, you're a tourist, not a 70s celebrity. Dress down to blend in with the people in the CBD (keep the fancy stuff to a minimum).
The harbour area is quite safe, as are the shopping malls and higher residential areas.
The Point, the area between downtown and the port, known for prostitution and cheap hotels has higher crime rate (although parts are currently undergoing a massive redevelopment). Avoid walking here alone or at night and take cars or metered taxis if you need to go to this area. Point Road has been renamed Mahatma Gandhi Road. Despite the new name and the image the city is trying to project it is probably better to keep clear of this area.
Street children can be a problem, and its best to keep clear of them. Many sniff glue, carry knives, and can be quite unpredictable.
Umhlanga Nature reserve
Go south along the Sunshine and Wild Coast through Margate and to East London, Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route
Go south along the Hisbiscus coast through Port Shepstone, visit the Oribi gorge and blue flag beaches.
Go up the North Coast and visit Ballito, the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park or drive further on to Swaziland.
Valley of 1000 hills , +27 (0)31 736-2323, +27 (0)31 736-2323, With breathtaking views, more than 10 nature reserves, hiking trails, cultural villages and much more. This is an area not to miss when you visit KwaZulu-Natal
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