Durban

On Christmas Day 1497 Vasco da Gama first landed here, and named the harbour Rio de Natal (Christmas River) in the mistaken belief that it was a lagoon at the mouth of a river, which was later changed to Port Natal by others who discovered Da Gama's mistake.

Today Durban is South Africa's busiest port and beach resort. Most of the province of Natal is populated by the Zulu people and Durban has a strong infusion of tribal citizens.

Durban Beach Front
Durban is about surf, sun and sand and with 320 sunshine days a year, high sea water temperatures throughout the year, the city offers beaches for everybody’s taste - all protected by shark nets and served by lifeguards.

The Durban beachfront with its promenade stretch from uShaka Beach to the North Beach area with a walkway leading to the Moses Mabhida Stadium. With a smooth surface of clay brick and tinted concrete paving, the Promenade provide visitors with kilometres of uninterrupted, unbroken sea views, restaurants and other amenities.

Here you will find wonderful traditional beadwork and basketry for sale, here you can rent a rickshaw, tan, swim, surf and offer the kids hours of entertainment at the water park.

The Durban Beachfront Accommodation is situated on the promenade and most popular.

See also
Museums and Monuments
uShaka Marine World
Parks & Gardens
Family Fun
Diving
Durban Arts

Durban has the largest Indian population descendants of indentured labourers who came in the 1860's to work on the sugar cane fields. It is also the city where Mahatma Gandhi started a political career that eventually led him to great prominence in the struggle for independence in India.

The wealth of influences will entertain and enthrall you with traditional warrior dancers, mystic fire-walkers and colonial heritage. Durban offers you the unique vibrancy of township life, the finest curries outside India and a calendar filled with thrilling, spectacular events.

Durban is a holiday destination quite unlike any other. Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, Durban after dark is abuzz with elegant lounges, funky taverns, local theatre and live music, trendy clubs, pubs and discos.

Durban is world-renowned for its "Golden Mile" - the Durban beach front. Merely a few paces from an enticing selection of international-class tourist accommodation, clean golden sands and warm Indian Ocean beckon with irresistible allure. Protected year round by shark nets and expert lifeguards where designated areas keep bathers and surfboard riders a safe distance apart.

Although Durban is viewed by most as a resort city, it offers a rich cultural heritage and history with numerous and a variety of museums, parks and gardens.