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"an ideal base from which to explore all that South Africa has to offer"
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Durban is the largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal with 4 million inhabitants. It has vibrant business and shopping districts and an impressive manufacturing base. With one of the largest ports in Africa, it has a diverse population combining African, European and Eastern cultures.
Restaurants
Visit some of Durban's fine restaurants and sample its specialities of succulent seafood, fish and the famous "Durban Curry". Durban's food tastes are as diverse as its people, its restaurants cater for all tastes and are extremely good value for money.
Shopping
Shop in one of Durban's many shopping malls or browse the weekend markets for original and second hand clothing, crafts and gifts. Street side vendors offer flowers, fresh fruit and leather goods and most items can be bought at very acceptable prices.
Museums
KwaZulu-Natal's varied history is documented in a number of fascinating museums in and around the city. The development of Durban can be viewed from a number of important perspectives. The history of apartheid is found in the Kwa Muhle museum, seafaring memorabilia can be found in the Maritime museum and the history of Indian indentured labour is shown in photographic and document form in the Durban Cultural and Document Centre.
Architecture
The diverse and cosmopolitan heritage of Durban is reflected in its architecture. Asian, Zulu, English Colonial and Afrikaans cultural influences have given the city a charming array of architectural styles. As well as the major influences of Victorian, Edwardian, Union, Berea, Oriental and Art Deco styles, many rare and obscure styles have been preserved here.
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Craft
African arts and crafts have existed for centuries in traditional societies. In urban areas, where there is a lack of suitable raw materials for craftwork, this has resulted in some innovative and creative work.
Dance
The Playhouse Company, formerly the Natal Perfoming Arts Council (NAPAC), has been home to a tremendous amount of talent. Expect a blend of classical and quirky, traditional and contemporary.
Durban is situated in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Known as the 'Kingdom of the Zulu', it is one of the nine provinces of South Africa and lies on the subtropical southeast coast of the African continent.
The Kingdom boasts an untouched wilderness where the wildlife of Africa can be seen in its natural habitat, an endless coastline, and the highest mountain range in the country (reaching 3500 m). The indigenous people are the Zulu, a proud African people with a strong tradition, with wild, colourful ceremonies and a King who is honoured by his people.
Gateway to Southern Africa
Durban is an ideal base from which to explore all that South Africa has to offer. Within two hours, you could be on safari at one of the country's renowned game reserves home to some of the world's rarest and most exotic species, or you could be in the fairest Cape. Ninety minutes by road and you could be hiking or trout fishing in the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains. A day or two away could put you in the midst of a miraculous flower transformation in the Namaqualand Desert or at the origins of man in the Sterkfontein Caves. You could be experiencing the glorious sunsets and campfires of the Kruger National Park or the spectacular sight of Victoria Falls.
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