DURBAN
Area: South Africa


Location:
On the E coast of South Africa, 565 miles NE of Port Elizabeth, 885 miles SE of Johannesburg, 12 miles N of airport.

Telephone code from UK:
27 31

Website:
http://www.durban.org.za

Position:
On fairly flat land facing E on to the Indian Ocean and S on to the Bay of Natal, one of the world's largest natural harbours.

Description:
A massive modern city with suburbs sprawling in all inland directions and a population of 3» million. A cosmopolitan mix with a sizeable Indian community in great evidence and the local Zulus as well as the white and black population. A major commercial and industrial centre within the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The centre boasts a few well-preserved or adapted Victorian buildings but the pride of Durban is the so-called "Golden Mile". This is the beach front where most of the skyscraper hotels are situated overlooking a promenade full of attractions like paddling and swimming pools, funfair, dolphinarium etc. This is nicely done, pedestrianised and has plenty of green areas along it. Anyone who has visited Benidorm will relate to this larger combination of big beach, tall hotels and seaside promenade. Unfortunately the rest of the resort area is rather brash and tacky and does not live up to this considerable civic investment. Durban is the world's murder capital having now succeeded Johannesburg for this most dubious title. Although this may not apply to the tourist areas, muggings are common so sensible precautions are in order especially at night.

Suitability:
Billed as South Africa's premier holiday destination and for the national population probably so. However, mass-market appeal has created a fairly tacky seaside resort similar to many of the larger Spanish ones at their worst. Unless visiting friends or relatives, there are better places to spend valuable time in the country. If a seaside break is essential between safaris and Cape Town, Umhlanga Rocks, 11 miles N, is a more attractive option.

Accommodation:
One 5-star, one 4-star and a whole raft of beachfront tower blocks in the 3-star category, which says something about the type of market attracted here. Many of the older hotels are planning upgrades, refurbishment and even rebuilds in anticipation of the expected tourist boom. Several more, mainly modern, hotels at Umhlanga Rocks.

Shopping:
A wide selection from large stores to boutiques, markets and Zulu women street hawkers all along the beach front. The "Workshop" mall in the old railway station building has plenty of small outlets for tourists. Indian market for curry spices.

Beach:
A huge stretch of broad golden sand running the whole length of the Golden Mile and beyond. Separated by piers and variously called North Beach, Dairy Beach and South Beach. Slightly narrower but equally sandy beaches separated by rocky promontories at Umhlanga Rocks. The Indian Ocean can be rough and there are sharks off this coast so swimming only where it is recommended to do so and within view of lifeguards is advisable.

Entertainments:
Daytime: various Victorian buildings including City Hall housing library and 2 museums, Da Gama Clock and Amphitheatre Gardens. Botanical gardens and several parks and sports stadia. Minitown with models of many Durban buildings. Beach front funfair. Sea World aquarium and dolphinarium. Snake park. Jumah mosque and plenty more things to pass the time if not on the beach. Nightlife: some culture with concerts and shows but mainly devoted to bars, discos and nightclubs operating till late.

Eating:
Plenty of restaurants both in and out of hotels reflecting the city's cosmopolitan nature. Lots of cheaper options at steakhouses, pizzerias, burger bars and other fast food outlets.

Public-transport:
"Mynah" minibuses run round town passing the rear of the seafront hotels. Rickshaw rides pulled by Zulu "warriors". Transport can be arranged by hotels as required. Taxis are best ordered through your hotel. Car hire will give greater freedom.

Local-excursions:
City tour. Durban by night. Oriental drive/ Indian Market. Various harbour cruises. Various tours to N and S coasts, inland, game reserves, Zulu villages, battlefields and Drakensberg Mountains.