Introduction
Largest and most important port of South Africa and entry point to Zulu - 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.

What to do
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.

City at a Glance

Latitude 29°53’ S Longitude 30°53’ E Population 716,000 (1991) Language English, Local Tribal Languages Religion Christianity, Islam, Hinduism Telephone Code 031

History
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.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
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.

Attractions
Durban Beaches
From Addington to the Country Club, Durban is lined with some of the most beautiful beaches. Besides natural beauty these beaches provide a good number of facilities such as changing rooms, eating joints, and some water sports - all the making of a great holiday.

Golden Mile
Golden Mile a 6 km strip along the Durban beachfront is a place where life takes a turn for fun and relaxation in the city. This area is covered by a number of amusement parks, cafeterias, bars, pubs and discos. Visitors and locals alike flock this place and enjoy apart from other things, a ride on the famous rickshaws of Durban, a helicopter flip or the foot tapping music emanating from some of its open-air symphony orchestras

Durban City Hall
A building designed in Modern Renaissance style and completed in 1910 AD, the City Hall houses the Durban Art Gallery a centre for international and South African art collections.

Seaworld (Dolphinarium)
This aquarium is situated in the Golden Mile and linked by an underground tunnel to the Dophinarium where seal and dolphin shows are held daily

Jumma Mosque
Situated in the most vibrating region to the west of city centre, it is the largest and the most beautiful mosque in the southern hemisphere.

Muckleneuk
An erstwhile home of a sugar magnate, this building now houses three important African collections. These are Killie Campbell African Library, The Mashu Museum of Ethonology, and William Campbell Furniture Museum.

Other Attractions
Other important attractions in the city include: Alayam Hindu Temple, Fitzsimons Snake Park, Umgeni River Bird Park, Da Gama Clock, Local History Museum, Natal Maritime Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
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.

PLACES AROUND
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.

After Hours
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
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.

WHERE TO STAY
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.

WHERE TO EAT
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.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
Air Travel Resources
Durban has an international airport at a distance of around 14 km from the city centre, which is served by several international airlines. Many centres around the world are connected to the city with direct flights. Airport buses, shuttle service, and taxis are available to commute from the airport to the city centre.

Land
South Africa has a very good road network that connects Durban with almost all the major cities in the country. There are intercity bus services from Durban to other important cities like Johannesburg. There is also a train service that connects Durban with other places in the country.

Local Transport
Buses, taxis, and cars are the most common means to travel within the city. Regular bus service is operated by Durban Transport Management Board on regular routes and is the cheapest way of exploring the city. Taxis can be hired from most of the places in the city.

Travel Resources
Tourist Information
MiVisitors Information Bureau
160 Pine St, Durban, 4001
Tel: (031) 304-4934
Fax: (031) 304-3868

Durban Africa Station Building
160 Pine St, Durban, 4001
Tel: (031) 304-4934
Fax: (031) 304-6196

KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority
303 Tourist Junction, 160 Pine Street, Durban 4001, South Africa
Tel: (+27 31) 304 7144
Fax: (+27 31) 305 6693

Airline Offices
Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd
5 Dinkleman Cres, Waterfall, Hillcrest, 3652
Tel: (031) 301-4957
Fax: (031) 763-4156

Virgin Atlantic Airways
115 Musgrave Ctr, 115 Musgrave Rd, Berea, Durban, 4001
Tel: (031) 201-6061
Fax: (031) 201-7809

Virgin Atlantic Airways
115 Musgrave Ctr, 115 Musgrave Rd, Berea, Durban, 4001
Tel: (031) 201-6061
Fax: (031) 201-7809

Singapore Airlines
305 Musgrave Rd, Durban, 4001
Tel: (031) 301-4250
Fax: (031) 202-4333

Air France
141 Musgrave Rd, Berea, Durban, 4001
Tel: (031) 202-9204
Fax: (031) 202-9209

Hospitals
Addington
Tel: 031-32 2111
Chatsmed
Tel: 031-401 0140
Fax: 031-403 5388

Entabeni 148 South Ridge Road, Berea
Tel: 031-204 1300
Fax: 031-261 6435

Parklands
Tel: 031-208 8181
Fax: 031-207 3369

St Augustines
Tel: 0268 5000
Fax: 031-2014606

Banks
ABSA
Tel: 031-3019196

Bank of Athens
Tel: 031-3048621

Bank of Lisbon
Tel: 031-3014606

First National Bank
Tel: 031-301 6331