KwaZulu-Natal : Durban
Overview
With its population of approximately 3.5 million, Durban, in KwaZulu Natal is the
third most populous city in South Africa and also the country’s and indeed Africa’s
largest and busiest port. Due to its balmy sub-tropical climate, it lovely beaches,
and the multitude and diverse attractions, Durban is a major tourism of South Africa.
Things to do and see
Durban is an exciting city in which to play, shop, eat, experience the nightlife
or just to relax. Leisure facilities abound in and around the city with many theme
and amusement parks of which UShaka Marine World is probably the highlight. With
a world-class aquarium daily dolphin shows and many fun water rides, Uskaka Marine
World is a family experience not to be missed. Other places of interest and leisure
include Mini Town with its scale models of many landmark buildings and Ice World
where you can brush up on your ice skating skills.
You will be able to learn more about the Great White Shark at the Natal Sharks Board
where you can experience a live shark dissection or you could visit Crock World
or Fitzsimons Snake park for a close encounter with some of the more scary reptiles.
If winning big is on your agenda, you can try your hand at one of the 1250 slot
machines or 50 gaming tables at the 7000 square meter SunCoast Casino and Entertainment
World, situated on the Marine Parade on the beachfront in Durban.
With is many local history museums, natural science museum as well as the Durban
Art Gallery, one can experience some of the many cultural offerings Durban has to
offer. Apart from the many cinemas in and around the city, there is also many venues
where one can enjoy the joys of the theatre and live music performances, ranging
from jazz, local music to symphonic music.
Durban is a fusion of East, West and African and this can be experienced in the
many diverse options when it comes to food and restaurants. Durban is also a shoppers
paradise where you can spend your money at one of the many art ands crafts markets
or shopping centres like Gateway and The Pavilion.
For the sporty inclined you can sail, swim, go canoeing, surf, body board, scuba
dive or play a round of golf or tennis. If you just want to relax, come take a stroll
on one of the many sun-drenched beaches or experience the tranquillity and beauty
of the world famous Botanical Gardens.
Climate
Durban is characterized by a mild sub-tropical climate with warm wet summers and
mild moist to dry winters. Frost does not occur in the city. However, due to large
altitude variations, some western suburbs get very cold in the winter. Durban has
an annual rainfall of 1,009 millimetres, with daytime maxima peaking from January
to March at 28 °C and a of minimum 21 °C. During the winter months from June to
August, this drops to daytime highs of 23 °C and minimums of 11 °C.
Accommodation
Luxury hotels abound on Durban’s beachfront and elsewhere in the city, which is
often referred to as South Africa’s Miami Beach. Apart from the many hotels and
apartments on the beachfront, Durban has many other accommodation options on offer
to cater for any taste or pocket. You will find a wide range of B&B’s, guest
houses and self-catering apartments and houses to let in and around the city of
Durban.
Towns and suburbs
Durban consists of many towns and suburbs, some of which are :
Athlone Park
Berea
Bluff
Brighton Beach
Durban Beachfront
Durban Central
Durban North
Glenwood
Hillcrest
Kloof
Morningside
Musgrave
Umhlanga
Westville