Where is it and how to access it
Durban is in South Africa’s, subtropical, southeast coast, with King Shaka International Airport being the primary airport servicing this port city. It can also be accessed by road on national motorways linking it to Johannesburg, Cape Town and neighbouring Mozambique.
What makes it a tourist destination and description?
In the sunny city of Durban, the beach is the main attraction and the beautiful seafront promenade runs from uShaka Marine World – a huge theme park with an aquarium – to the futuristically designed Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The warm-water beaches, premium restaurants, emerging waterfront, and art and theatre scene are among its attractions, plus its art-deco buildings, and the most recent addition, the Point Waterfront development.
What is unique about the destination?
The combination of history, culture – mainly Zulu, British and Indian – and long, warm-water beaches with great surfing. In Durban you will find unequalled world-famous curries (which have their own unique South African flavours) and beautiful examples of classic Victorian and art deco architecture.
Durban is the gateway to the Zulu kingdom, some of South Africa’s finest and oldest game reserves, and the Drakensberg mountain rage.
What are the top activities for tourists?
· Durban harbour cruise
· Point Waterfront.
· uShaka Marine World (where you can enjoy the country’s finest sushi as a ragged-tooth shark swims past in the tank).
· Durban Botanic Gardens. Lush and beautiful gardens boasting indigenous species is a recommended way to de-stress after long travel.
· A sunrise (preferably) run or walk on Golden Mile Beach, just off the Marine Parade.
· A sunrise (preferably) run or walk on the Umhlanga beach boardwalk
· Watch and photograph the surfers from one of the Golden Beach piers.
· Day tour (or even a few days) to the Hluhluwe-Mfolozi Game Reserve, or iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Seasonality?
Peak summer, January to March, is hot and very humid. Autumn and winter are kind to Durban, with April-June near perfect, often T-shirt weather. Summer rainfall rules.
Travellers’ Tips
Summer in Durban is shorts, summer dresses and sandals, with the occasional need for layers. Raincoats and umbrellas will probably be useful in summer. Winter is rarely very cold, a jersey or a jacket usually does the job. Mosquitoes are active, but Durban is south of the malarial areas. Nevertheless, ‘mozzie’ spray and natural prophylactics may be advisable.
