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Travel

About Durban

 

Located on South Africa's sublime Indian Ocean coast, Durban, formerly Port Natal, is a tropical, urban gem city of KwaZulu-Natal province and chief seaport of South Africa, located on Natal Bay of the Indian Ocean.

 

Durban's attractive, sweeping beaches are complemented by rejuvenation evident along the seafront. Refurbished for soccer’s 2010 World Cup, the seafront promenade runs from uShaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Durban Botanical Gardens showcases African plant species 

 

The Golden Mile is the most popular stretch of the beachfront and offers everything from amazing snorkelling and diving experiences to nature's unique Sardine Run.

 

Hotels, bars, restaurants and clubs overlook the azure Indian Ocean interspersed with remnants of art deco architecture while cool surfers swagger along the sun-baked sands. Whale watching, wreck-diving, fishing and kitesurfing are all available around the city's edge.

 

But what really sets Durban apart from other South African cities is its rich ethnic mix: more than half of Durban's inhabitants are Zulu, but almost one-fifth of the population is made up of Indians. The result is a potent, vibrant cocktail.

 

This is reflected in Durban's ubiquitous street food, the bunny chow, a fusion between South African and Indian cuisine - a square loaf of soft, white bread filled with spicy curry. It's hot and messy, but delicious to eat and best accompanied by a cold beer.

 

It completely contrasts with another popular tourist experience - enjoying traditional afternoon tea, a throwback to the city's colonial past.

 

Diversity is also reflected in the citv's bewildering array of festivals, with Durban currently staging events dedicated to everything from world music to fashion over the course of a year.

 

KEY FACTS:

Area: 2,292 km²

Population: 3.7 million (2018)

Area code: 031

Mayor: Mxolisi Kaunda

Weather: 26°C, Wind SW at 16 km/h, 70% Humidity 

Local time: UTC/GMT +2:00

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10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT DURBAN
 

  1. Home to the largest port in Africa

  2. Known for its Indian-inspired architecture

  3. Famous for its Golden Mile beach

  4. Hosts the annual Durban July horse race

  5. Has the second oldest botanic garden in South Africa

  6. Birthplace of the bunny chow dish

  7. Has the largest population of Indians outside of India

  8. Has a rich history in the sugar industry

  9. Hosts the Durban International Film Festival

  10. Has a unique mix of African, Indian, and colonial influences

Eight things to do while visiting Durban

  1. Visit the Durban beachfront, which is home to a number of popular beaches, such as uShaka Beach and North Beach.

  2. Take a stroll along the Durban promenade, which offers beautiful ocean views and is a popular spot for running, cycling, and rollerblading.

  3. Visit the Victoria Street Market, where you can find a wide variety of local crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.

  4. Visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which is an iconic modern stadium that offers tours, as well as the "SkyCar", which takes you to the top of the arch for a panoramic view of Durban.

  5. Take a trip to the Umgeni River Bird Park, home to a wide variety of bird species, including many native to South Africa.

  6. Experience the culture and history of Durban by visiting the KwaMuhle Museum, which tells the story of the city's apartheid past.

  7. Take a day trip to the nearby Valley of 1000 Hills, which offers beautiful scenery and a chance to learn about the Zulu culture.

  8. Take a Durban Food Tour, where you can explore the city's diverse food scene and sample local specialities such as Bunny chow and Durban curry.

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