Hotels Durban

On the south east coast of South Africa lies the city of Durban. It is the largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest in South Africa. Partly because the city is able to offer so many different experiences to its visitors and partly because it boasts a huge range of places to stay ranging from guest houses through to boutique hotels Durban is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination.

The appearance of modern day Durban has been influenced by many different cultures including the indigenous Zulu, European and Indian and was much less affected by apartheid than many other South African cities. The multicultural aspect has persisted largely due to the massive harbor and ensuing stream of foreign visitors of all nationalities. Durban Bay Harbor is home to the busiest international port in Africa and has been used by shipping for more than five hundred years.

Traditional Zulu food is readily available in the city from many sources. There are, naturally, restaurants which specialize in African cuisine, mostly at the heart of the city but there are other areas like Warwick Triangle which are filled with street traders who cook and serve homemade local delicacies in their tents. Some may seem bizarre to the European palette with dishes on offer such as 'smiley's' (boiled sheep's head), 'inyama' (spiced goat), 'aunties' (fried dumplings) and 'walkie-talkies' (boiled and spiced chicken feet).

For the adventurous traveler to Durban there is a massive amount of activities from which to choose. With over forty national parks and game reserves all around inland Durban and the rugged coastline on the opposite side, the options range from quite tame pastimes such as game viewing, hiking, fishing and climbing through to some rather more intense activities like white water rafting, 'canopy tours' (on metal cables above the tree line), 'rap jumping' (similar to free running) or even swimming with sharks.

With almost four hundred miles of beaches and numerous water parks, it is no surprise that almost any sport or activity involving water is available for everyone, at any level. The biggest and most visited water park is uShaku Marine World which has won numerous awards and as well as covering a massive land area, also owns the private uShaku Beach.

Durban is naturally very proud of its beaches. Many are named and themed to particular activities. Several have also achieved Blue Flag status which means that they have achieved excellence in water quality, environmental education and information, adhere to international safety standards, a high level of cleanliness, good quality of facilities (toilets and showers) and professional lifeguard services.

The 'Golden Mile' is the name given to a particular stretch of coastline which attracts a massive amount of visitors to the city. All of the beaches are protected all year round by coastguards and have shark nets to ensure safe swimming. There are numerous tourist attractions including the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World, a unique casino complex with a semi-private beach, restaurants, shops and public entertainment facilities. By night the long row of beach front properties light up, becoming the vibrant mix of nightclubs, bars and hotels Durban is renowned for.

Margate Beach covers a long stretch of the south coast and is ideal for swimming, surfing and body boarding. This beach also has its own pier which is well known for being an excellent spot to fish. The beach also has its own shopping mall as well as numerous restaurants and bars. During the height of the surfing season there are competitions to watch, often with live music and barbeque beach parties to enjoy.

Ballito Beach, Zinkwazi Beach and Umhlali Beach are all very popular for safe swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, rock and ski boat fishing. It is a very peaceful area with a calm sea and has become very popular with families. In contrast, Durnford Point, Alkantrand, Five Mile Beach, Mtunzini Beach, Mbonambi Beach, Newark and Two Mile Beach are all vibrant, busy beaches much frequented by a younger clientele attracted by the variety of water sports on offer.

As a tourist resort the city has a naturally perfect setting with miles of sandy beaches, real surf provided by the Indian Ocean, subtropical weather and a close proximity to numerous safari parks and nature reserves. With the addition of manmade tourist attractions, numerous shops, international restaurants and a host of hotels Durban has been made into an immensely popular and desirable location to visit.

South Africa Rand Currency

10.2085
|
7.7162
|
1.2252
|
12.0925

Thu, Feb 23 - Light Rain
Max : 26°C (79°F) Min : 18°C (64°F)

Fri, Feb 24 - Sunny
Max : 31°C (88°F) Min : 20°C (68°F)

Sat, Feb 25 - Sunny
Max : 31°C (88°F) Min : 22°C (72°F)

Featured Hotels

South Africa Rand Currency

Durban Weather