Durban
Durban
Vistas transform city-scapes into mountainous coastlines in a delightful tropical climate
Vistas transform city-scapes into mountainous coastlines in a delightful tropical climate
Durban, located on the east coast of South Africa, is a vibrant and bustling city that offers a unique blend of cultures, stunning scenery and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. This coastal city is the third largest in South Africa and is known for its rich history, bustling street markets, and beautiful beaches. Whether you’re a history buff, an adrenaline junkie, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, Durban has something to offer for everyone. The city is steeped in history, with a rich cultural heritage that is visible everywhere you look. From the Victorian and Edwardian architecture of the city center to the colorful Indian Quarter, Durban has a fascinating story to tell. Visitors can explore the fascinating history of the city at the KwaMuhle Museum, which showcases the apartheid era and the city’s struggle for freedom and equality, or take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, where they can discover the indigenous flora and fauna of South Africa. Durban is also famous for its incredible street markets, where visitors can purchase a wide range of goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The Warwick Junction is the largest street market in Durban, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in shopping and local culture. Here, visitors can find everything from street food to traditional Zulu baskets and carvings. For those seeking adventure, Durban offers a wealth of outdoor activities to choose from. From surfing and kite-surfing on the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to exploring the lush forests and hills of the nearby Drakensberg Mountains, there is never a shortage of activities to keep visitors entertained. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the city’s stunning beaches, such as the iconic uShaka Beach, are the perfect place to soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, or simply stroll along the shore. When it comes to dining, Durban has a rich and diverse food scene, with something to suit every palate and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional South African dishes like bunny chow or spicy Indian cuisine, you’ll find it all here. The city is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. In conclusion, Durban is a city that has something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore the rich cultural heritage of South Africa, or simply seeking a relaxing escape, this vibrant coastal city is the perfect destination. With its beautiful beaches, rich history, and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation, Durban is truly a must-visit for anyone traveling to South Africa.
In South Africa, a colossal biannual pilgrimage takes city dwellers from urban decay to pristine coastlines in only six hours. Durban holidays are wildly popular with the Gauteng set because, after a negligibly short drive, vistas transform cityscapes into mountainous coastlines.
The tropical climate and cosy marine temperatures play their part in making Kwazulu Natal the vacation of choice for those in the know. A strong infrastructure and commercial hub ensure that holidays to Durban are jam-packed with all the first world amenities a beach goer could dream of. Natal's greatest asset is its immaculate shoreline and year round temperature-perfect climate. To those seeking niche holidays with a slightly more unusual flavour, it offers up a novel cluster of treasures that the average holidaymaker remains ignorant of. The surrounding Drakensburg mountain range provides its own version of spectacular landscapes, and is close enough to reach from hotels in Durban.
There is a trick to planning a holiday to Durban: Seasonal travellers choosing its most popular corners will be met with crowded sands and queue-ridden commercial centers. More innovative tourists take advantage of its constant summer by visiting out of season and choosing the lesser known pockets of coastline. Umhlanga and Umdloti have long held their ranks as Natal's most precious gems, but the 2010 Soccer World Cup developments stretched The Golden Mile beyond its previous borders to include some less populace but equally striking aquatic zones. Sunbathers and surfers in search of their own private beach time venture into the more secreted Elephant Coast. The Dolphin Coast is Natal's pearl, steeped in tribal culture and historic tales. Those on the hunt for the buzz of the crowds squeeze their way into Unhlanga Rocks, Ballito Bay and Margate, whilst naturalists prefer the unspoiled splendor of St Lucia Wetlands Park.
The two most dominant cultures met on holidays to Durban are the Zulu tribes and local Indian people. As such, the region offers some of South Africa's highest Indian cuisine, as well as some of its most vibrant African cultures. Durban was the home to the famed Zulu king, Shaka, which won it its nickname, Shakaland. South Africans are world renowned for their friendliness and the Zulu people are the most inclusive and welcoming of all cultures. They will make your visit to an authentic Zulu Kraal feel homely and cosy. That snug atmosphere is, however, incomparable to the electrifying atmosphere generated by their ground thumping traditional dance presentations. Weighed down by traditional beads and animal skins, the locals offer guests a peek into their color-ridden warrior rituals, replete with palpable rhythms that reach into the core of your being. Snuggle down inside the chief's hut for a sip of Zulu beer, and have a private consultation with the spiritual healers of the tribe.
The Indian Quarter's bustling modernity in no way dilutes the character-crammed experience of bargaining for treasures at Durban's iconic commercial zone. The aroma of incense and spices will accompany you as you foray for fabrics, garments and ingredients. Holidays in Durban are incomplete without practicing your negotiation skills with the local vendors. Foodies may even walk away with an authentic recipe for Rogan Gosh. The Indian gastronomy is tinted with South African fare, with the most popular dish being bunny chow. Travelers who prefer a slightly more serene way to max out their platinum cards will find their high end labels at The Pavillion and Gateway shopping malls. Richly hued Indian bed throws and blouses can be found in tiny stores secreted away in these first world commerce cores.
Since Natal's weather is particularly forgiving, the season you choose to take your Durban holiday is dependent on your whims. Avoiding the Gauteng and Cape Town commute that happens during the four annual school holidays remains the key factor for timing your vacation.
A winter holiday to Durban will be dry and comfortably temperate. The sun never stops shining in Natal, and rainfall is light enough to leave your vacation choices uninterrupted by downpours. Summers fall between November and March, and in certain regions Decembers are heavy with humidity. In January, the region is subject to spectacular thunderstorms. From June to August, winter tries to add a little chill to the air but fails. Humidity diminishes during these months, making winter an ideal time to visit.
Enthused surfers from across the globe are magnetized by Durban's premier surfing conditions. All waters are netted to keep sharks at bay and marine temperatures are constantly inviting. Of course, even the chilliest waters are insufficient to restrain a fanatical surfer, and professionals choose their visits in accordance with the ocean's habits. Choppier waters and blustery weather only improve the swells, which makes winter's monsoon season a surfer's dream. During January and February, swells are at their fiercest. Those looking to rub shoulders with the most competitive international professionals choose New Pier. Cave Rock, North Beach, Baggies and Dairy Beach are a surfer's haven, comparable to some of Australia's premier spots. Novices learn to wax up at Umhlanga Rocks' gentler coastline, which is home to many of the finest Durban hotels.
A springtime holiday in Durban can be knitted around the regions resplendent wildlife destinations. Hluhluwe and Thanda reserves will take you deep into the wilderness to gaze at the local fauna. The absence of city lights makes these regions ideal for stargazing. Private reserves can be experienced in absolute luxury by booking into some of the highest ranked hotels in Durban. Spring's slightly cooler weather lends itself to a comfortable safari. Guided trips have the added benefit of the higher observational skills and knowledge of a professional, but independent travellers prefer the infinite hours they are free to spend with their favorite creatures by traveling alone.
The slightly danker winter days offer opportunities to dig into the depths of Durban's cultural foundations. Art fiends will enjoy travelling back to the source of all artistic movements by taking a Drakensburg rock painting tour. When the San painted elands, their intentions were spiritual rather than aesthetic: They sought to absorb the essence of the creature they painted. Nonetheless, San paintings are considered by many professionals to be some of the greatest artworks in existence. They can be seen in their original environment in the midst of the massive mountain range on Durban's outskirts. Some tours fetch guests directly from their Durban hotel for day tours complete with picnics worthy of their own Michelin stars.
The soaring temperatures and humidity levels of summer will leave those on holiday in Durban craving a little watery fun. Scuba diving and water sports are the ideal way to cool off and find relief from the heaviness in the air. The Aliwal Shoal was one of Jacques Cousteau's most prized reefs, and it has retained its status as one of the globe's most spectacular and diverse diving spots. Its reef houses a vast array of dolphins, shark species and anemones, as well as a sparkling plethora of Technicolor tropical fish species. Scuba fans can comfortably house themselves in a nearby Durban hotel, since the diversity is great enough to keep them entertained for an entire trip.
