Durban is the largest and most important port of South Africa and entry point to KwaZulu - Natal region. Durban has a bustle and vibrancy that is missing from most of other cities in South Africa. With a large Indian population, the city presents a multicultural perspective and a totally different look. Durban has a long history, big business environment, exciting nightlife, and above all beautiful beaches which attracts tourists from all parts of the world.
There is nothing better than spending the day under the sun on the beautiful beaches of Durban. But beaches are not the only attractions in Durban. Explore the city and you will find some of the finest temples and mosques in South Africa. If shopping is what you like most then there are varied opportunities starting with traditional to the modern ones. Nightlife in Durban is full of energy and vitality and should not be missed.
Latitude 29°53’ S Longitude 30°53’ E Population 716,000 (1991) Language English, Local Tribal Languages Religion Christianity, Islam, Hinduism Telephone Code 031
It is believed that Durban and the
surrounding region provided refuge to sea explorers as early as in the
last phase of the 17th century. More than that it is also believed that in
1497, Vasco da Gama anchored here while he was on his famous journey to
India. In 1824, Henry Fynn and Francis Farewell set up base here to trade
in ivory, which marked the beginning of Durban’s interaction with
modernity and outside world.
The growth of Durban as an important colonial city began in 1843, when
British annexed this region. Discovery of gold and construction of first
railway line in South Africa in the last decade of 19th century propelled
the growth of the city manifold. In 1910, Durban became a part of South
Africa, the status it has maintained ever since. The role of Durban in the
fight against apartheid has been remarkable the most famous being the
Durban Riots of 1942.
Durban has a sub-tropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters with the temperature hovering around the 15°C mark. Considering these facts one can say that Durban is an ideal destination, which can be visited during most parts of the year.
Being a cosmopolitan city Durban is home to people of various ethnic backgrounds. This is very much reflected in its festivals, the most important being Kavady - (February - July) a Hindu festival during which many penitents pierce their flesh with hooks and draw beautifully decorated carts (Rath) through the streets. Another important Hindu tradition of fire walking in the Umbilo Temple is celebrated here during Easter when devout Hindus walk on a bed of red - hot coals.
Amongst the sporting events the most important is the Gunston 500. Organised during the month of July this is a popular weeklong surfing competition attracting the best surfers from the world.
Situated at a distance of around 35 km from Central Durban is Phezulu Safari Park, an exciting tourist attraction. The main highlights of this park are: the valley of 1000 hills, traditional dances, artefacts, various beliefs and rituals, and many entertainment facilities for all age groups.
When it comes to nightlife, Durban is as good as any other modern city. The options are varied and affordable. The post sunset activities in Durban should include dining at its swanky restaurants, witnessing the best of talents in its theatres, and shaking a leg at one of its glitzy nightclubs.
Shopping has got some special flavour in Durban. Once here, you can bargain for textile, crafts, gifts, flowers, fresh fruit, and leather goods at rock bottom prices. Some of the other important commodities that you can look forward to are: African Art & Craft, African Craft, Arts & Crafts, Carvings-Ivory, Verdite & Wood Craft Shop, Crafts, decorated Ostrich Eggs, Decoupage, Handicrafts, Home Crafts, Leather Craft, Objects d Art, and Woodcrafts.
There are accommodation options available for all budgets, starting from the luxury class hotels to cheap hostels for backpackers. Services are generally good and vary according to the budget. Besides many bed and breakfast accommodation options are also available in Durban.
Durban abounds with restaurants, which are famous for both their international and local cuisines. The speciality of course is the seafood, which is available in almost all places on the city. Also to be tried is the famous Durban Curry. The local cuisine of Durban like other places in the world is unique in itself however what makes it different is a distinct Portuguese influence that comes from its contacts with the Portuguese in the past.