Durban

The many faces of Durban

With well preserved art deco and Victorian architecture, bustling markets and art scene, Durban is truly a unique place shaped by many different cultures and events. Take a wander through the Victorian Markets offering an eclectic mix of African and Oriental products; check out the atmosphere of the Durban flea market and take a walk down the Victorian Embankment and the Berea to get a sense for the many facets of Durban’s unique mix.

Beaches, beaches and more beaches

If you are a beach lover, you’re probably going to find it tricky to leave Durban once you’re there. Warm all year round, protected and many with vibrant promenades, markets and cafes nearby, the beaches in Durban are hard to beat. Whether you’re planning on getting into the surf or just swimming, there’s a beach or five that will suit your mood. And when the day is done, grab a ride home on a brightly coloured rickshaw and take it all in from another perspective.

Action town

Any type of sport, especially if it involves getting wet is on offer in Durban. Facing sharks might not be everyone’s cup of tea but if it’s yours, the opportunity to cage dive is waiting at uShaka Marine World. Or if you want to go that bit further, don on the wetsuit and scuba with sharks at Aliwai Schoal, one of the top ten dive sites in the world. For something a little less heart pounding, you might like to take a horseback ride in the ocean; take a four wheel motorcycle for a spin; climb the highest indoor climbing wall; take a go-kart for a spin or a passenger ride in a microlite, or head to Shongweni Dam for world-renowned rock climbing. The sports and adventure opportunities in Durban are just like the beaches - endless.

Party town 365

With subtropical weather, it’s not surprising that Durban has a relaxed, party vibe pretty much all year round. Streets full of atmosphere pumping out from cafes and restaurants serving a Zulu, Indian and Mediterranean culinary melange, and the best prawns and calamari this side of the Indian Ocean would be enough to put anyone in a great mood. Make sure you try a Bunny Chow – half a loaf of bread with curry – a popular local meal and tradition for South African holidaymakers, and if you’re fond of meeting the locals and trying their fare, then Britannia Hotel is for you. But before you call it a night, there are many late night venues, especially along Florida Road where you’ll find Durban’s own distinctive beat and locals happy to have a chat.