Durban

• The Golden Mile: Segway and bike hires provide the best tour and experience of the Durban Beachfront.
• uShaka Marine World, consisting of a water theme park and one of the largest aquariums in the world.
• The Markets of Warwick—possibly the largest informal street market in South Africa
• The Victoria Embankment (also known as the Esplanade) is home to many tourist sites.
• Revolving Restaurant is present on the Victoria Embankment
• The International Convention Centre (ICC)—the leading conference centre in Africa for the last 5 years, and rated 4th in the world in 2005.
• uMhlanga Beach with the iconic lighthouse

Dining And Entertainment Areas

• Florida Road, Morningside
• uMhlanga Ridge
• Swapo Road, Durban North

Nature And Wildlife

• Burman Bush
• The Durban Botanic Gardens offer great scenery and occasional musical events near the lake.
• Hawaan Forest
• New Germany Nature Reserve
• Pigeon Valley Nature reserve
• Umgeni River Bird Park
• Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve

Casinos

• Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World located on the beachfront in close proximity to the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
• Sibaya Casino and Entertainment World

Shopping Centres

• Gateway Theatre of Shopping
• The Pavilion Shopping Centre
• Galleria on the Durban South Coast
• Bridge City Shopping Centre in the Inanda, KwaMashu, Phoenix intersection
• Westwood Mall
• La Lucia Mall in Durban North
• Musgrave Shopping Centre, Berea
• Watercrest Shopping Center—Inanda road in the Hillcrest area
• Rinaldo Shopping Centre in Durban North
• City View Shopping Centre in Durban Central

Durban has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and pleasant, dry winters that are devoid of snow and frost. Durban receives 1,009 mm of rain per year (39.7 in). The average summer temperature is roughly 24 °C (75 °F), whereas the average winter temperature is 17 °C (63 °F). On the summer solstice, dawn is at 04:45 a.m. and sunset is at 19:00 a.m.; on the winter solstice, sunrise is at 06:30 a.m. and sunset is at 17:20 a.m. Summer is the wet season, which starts in November and ends in mid-April. Summer days are bright, hot, and humid, although afternoon or evening thunderstorms provide relief. During the cyclone season, which runs from November 15 to April 30, the city is periodically hit by tropical storms and cyclones. Winters are often warm and sunny, lasting from June until August.

With significant manufacturing, tourism, transportation, finance, and government sectors, the Durban Metropolitan Area (DMA) has a big and diverse economy. Its coastal location and vast port offer it a competitive edge over many other export-related industrial locations in South Africa. Tourists flock to Durban because of its subtropical temperature, mild marine current, and culturally diversified populace.

Durban is still South Africa’s third wealthiest city. Durban was named among the top cities in Africa with the most billionaires in a study published in 2015 by AfrAsia Bank and research firm New World Wealth. Durban came in seventh position, with 2700 millionaires.

The new Durban Point Waterfront development south-east of downtown, which includes uShaka Marine World and numerous other residential and recreational buildings, has revitalized the city’s inner neighborhoods. The city’s efforts to clean up the commercial area, new projects in Point, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium (Moses Mabidha Stadium) north of the CBD have all contributed to the economic revival. Durban was designated as a Gamma-level global city in 2010.

The Durban Metropolitan Area is KwaZulu-principal Natal’s economic engine, accounting for more than half of the province’s production, employment, and revenue. Durban is the second most significant economic complex in South Africa after Gauteng, accounting for 15% of national production, 14% of household income, and 11% of national employment. Regional development corridors connect Durban to Richards Bay and Maputo in the north and Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg in the west.

In May 2010, King Shaka International opened its doors. The former Durban International Airport was judged insufficiently large to accommodate the increased business and tourist traffic passing through Durban.

All major South African airlines service King Shaka International Airport, located 35 kilometers north of Durban. There are flights to the majority of cities. Numerous smaller cities, on the other hand, are not linked from here. Additionally, it offers flights to Mauritius.

International flights to Mauritius (Air Mauritius) and Swaziland are available (with Swazi Express Airways and South African Express).

Taxi charges from the new airport to hotels on Marine Parade and the central business district of Durban may easily exceed R400 ZAR (US $53). However, next to the taxi rank, an airport shuttle bus service departs every hour on the hour (or as soon as the bus reaches a sufficient number of people) for R80 ($ 10.50) per person, however the journey may take longer. Bear in mind that taxi drivers may be highly aggressive and will attempt to stop you before you reach the shuttle.

Domestic flights to/from Durban are operated by the following airlines: Airlink, British Airways, Interlink, Kulula, Mango, and South African Airlines.

International flights to/from Durban are operated by the following airlines: Airlink (to/from Maputo), Air Mauritius (to/from Mauritius), and Emirates (to/from Dubai).

Durban International Airport (formerly known as Louis Botha Airport) has ceased operations. King Shaka International Airport, located 40 kilometers north of Durban near La Mercy, has been constructed and is operating.

Virginia Airfield is a tiny, privately owned airport located in Durban North, only a few kilometers north of the Durban central business district and a few kilometers south of Umhlanga Rocks. There are no regular commercial flights from this airport, although you may charter a jet to and from this airport via businesses such as King Shaka Aviation.

The city’s major railway station is located in the heart of the city. Shosholoza Meyl runs a night train between Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg on Fridays and Sundays. This seems to be the sole intercity route connecting Durban to the rest of the world.

MetroRail runs regular commuter trains to Durban’s numerous suburbs and surrounding towns (such as Pinetown and the resort resorts on both the south and north coasts (e.g. Kelso and Park Ryne).

All national airlines and the Baz Bus serve Durban on a regular basis. The central bus stop is located next to Durban Station, the city’s primary railway station.

While some cruise ships stop in Durban, there are normally just a few “one-way” boat entry to the city. While travel aboard a freighter is theoretically possible, it is not generally publicized. MSC Sinfonia cruises departing from Durban.

The most convenient mode of transport in Durban is the vehicle. Check that your street maps and/or GPS gadget are up to date, since a number of street names have changed in recent months. Additionally, it is beneficial to keep a list of both old and new names, since some of the new names have been vandalized.

Durban is striving to improve its public bus system in time for the Commonwealth Games, but union disputes have rendered vehicles unreliable at times.

The Durban People Mover buses are equipped with CCTV and wheelchair-accessible ramps. They operate every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The CBD, Victoria Street Market, the Workshop, Suncoast Casino, Ushaka Marine World, and along the beach route are all served by these buses. (R4 for a one-hour hop-on, hop-off journey; R10 for a full day hop-on, hop-off ticket).

It is less expensive to commute between the Berea suburbs and the city on Mynah buses, R5 off peak (8AM 3:30PM) and R6 peak (6AM 3:30PM). The Mynah bus service operates every 30 minutes from the Workshop Terminus (Pine Street Terminus) to Musgrave, The Ridge, Kensington, Mitchell Park/Florida Road, Tollgate (cnr Aliwal/Smith streets), South Beach/Ushaka, and North Beach/Suncoast (in Pixley ka Seme [West] Street, opposite the City Hall).

Aqualine buses to the suburbs (which leave from the Pine Street Terminus) often arrive within five minutes of the scheduled departure time each hour.

Cash fares during peak times might be rather high. If you take the bus to work every day, it’s a good idea to get a weekly voucher, which may save you up to 35% on the cash cost. Inquiries about fares, bus routes, and schedules (+27 31 309-5942/3). However, certain routes have been halted owing to the continuing conflict.

The majority of buses leave on the hour; check the bus timetable. Please keep in mind that occasionally it may be necessary to transfer between two and three buses to reach your destination. If you are unsure about the bus route number, inquire with locals or the bus driver (tell him the nearest landmark to your destination). Mynah buses do not have route numbers; the LED display in front of the vehicle will simply indicate the destination. Please keep in mind that you must signal the bus to stop at the bus stop. It is advisable to have correct change on hand before boarding the bus and obtaining a receipt!

Taxis that are registered are plentiful, typically safe, and reasonably priced. Taxis do not rove and must thus be summoned from your pick-up location. Numerous these companies will provide point-to-point transfers, airport shuttle services, and corporate transports. The following are some that might be suggested for Durban and its environs:

• Umhlanga Rocks Taxis (Ucabs), ph: +27 31 561-1846,
• Eagle Taxi’s, ph: +27 31 337-8333
• Zippy Cabs, +27 31 202-7067,
• Mozzie Cabs, +27 31 303-5787 (local toll share: 086 066-9943),

There are also group taxis, known to as “combi taxis” (or “minibus taxis”), which are unmistakable in Durban due to their vivid décor and constant music. There is usually someone hanging out of a window, making hand signals to indicate the availability of seats and the direction of the combi. Minibus taxis are more prevalent than metered taxis and are less costly. They are technically minibuses that transport people to and from work; they operate on fixed routes and are often unsuitable for visitors unfamiliar with the region they are visiting; when in doubt, choose metered taxis or buses. There are minibus taxis that operate on the same routes as Mynah buses; they are more frequent and quicker.

Along the beachfront, visitors are given rickshaw rides for fun rather than transportation. Keep an eye out for the ride’s many ups and downs; the rickshaw’s tilting back causes the contents of your pockets to spill out, into the coffers of the drivers!

Uber is highly popular in Durban and across South Africa, since it provides a quick and dependable cab service. It is often less expensive than a metered taxi.

• JNC Helicopters, Hangar 1, Virginia Airport Glenashley, +27 31 563-9513, e-mail: FlightOps@choppers.co.za. JNC Helicopters provides VIP transportation to and from every South African city, as well as an endless number of tourist flight combinations, ranging from 20-minute sight-seeing flights to full-day excursions that take you around South Africa.
• King Shaka Aviation, Hangar 4, Virginia Airport, Durban North,  +27 31 563-7229, fax: +27 31 563-5450, e-mail: russell@kingshakaaviation.com. King Shaka Aviation is the foremost helicopter charter company in Durban and Kwazulu Natal, specialized in VIP charters, scenic flights to several local locations, airlift operations, and utility services. With the most extensive fleet of aircraft accessible locally, King Shaka Aviation is well suited to meet the majority of requests.
• BAC Helicopters (Helicopter Rides, Tours and trips), Greystones heli port 135 Old North Coast Road Glen Anil,  +27 31 569-1531, e-mail: info@bacheli.com.Provides helicopter tours, rides, and journeys up Kwa-Zulu Natal’s Golden Coastline from Durban, including game reserves and the Drakensberg Mountains.

• Durban Botanical Gardens, +27 31 201-1303, fax: +27 31 309-1271, e-mail: dalzellc@durban.gov.za. Visit on a Saturday to witness a variety of cultural weddings being photographed.
• Berea. This is a long hill that provides panoramic views of the port, city center, and beaches. Previously covered in coastal woodland, it has been totally developed.
• Moses Madhiba Stadium. The city’s new landmark, constructed in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Take the Skycar or climb to the top of the stadium for a breathtaking view over downtown Durban and Berea..
• City Hall. Inside, there is an art gallery, an outmoded scientific museum, and a public library.
• The Golden Mile The Golden Mile, the moniker for the beaches that extend along the Indian Ocean near downtown, is well-known for its great surfing, the odd shark attack, and broad sandy beaches. Visit over the Christmas holidays for a packed experience replete with stations for missing children, but visit during the off season for almost perfect solitude, except for the professional surfers. Along the coastline, there are additional swimming pools and playgrounds for children, as well as hotels, bars, and restaurants.
• Mahatma Gandhi Settlement.
• Durban North Japanese Gardens, Free entrance.
• KwaZulu Natal National Parks.
• Crocodile Creek. Crocodile Creek is located in the’sugar town’ of Tongaat (only a few kilometers beyond Umhlanga), on the Tongaat river among sub-tropical jungle. Over 7000 Nile Crocodiles, Alligators, Caiman, snakes, and other reptiles call this waterway home. The farm has forest and hill paths, a waterfall, river plains, and thatch structures with treetop walkways. A wonderful spot to spend the day, refreshments are provided, and you can visit the store, which offers curios, crocodile leather products, and even crocodile recipes.

• KwaMuhle Museum, 130 Bram Fischer Road. Apartheid’s history in Durban. Free.
• Durban Cultural and Document Centre, Corner of Epsom and Derby Street.The history of indentured Indian labor. Free.
• Old Court House Museum, 77 Aliwal Street. Monday to Saturday : 8:30 to 16:00 Sundays and Public Holidays : 11:00 to 16:00. The museum’s lobby is filled with collectibles, including an enormous miniature automobile collection. The Daphne Strutt Costume Room showcases fashion from the twentieth century, and fascinating accessories such as cigarette cases, handbags, shoes, jewelry, and hats add interest to the presentation. This show, which features a number of rare Art Deco and Nouveau items, is a must-see for connoisseurs. Free.

• Watersports. Swim, surf, canoe, snorkel, dive
• Calypso Dive & Adventure Center.Scuba Dive at uShaka Marine World. PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center. Dive to wrecks, caves, offshore reefs. Offers 6-month “From Zero to Hero” carrer dive course.
• SkydiveDurban, Pietermaritzburg Airport,  +27 72 214-6040. Take a 25-minute flight, followed by 35 seconds of freefall until the parachute deploys, followed by a post-jump picnic. Tandem R1.350 for Jump; R400 for DVD.
• Suncoast Casino, Suncoast Boulevard, Marine Parade,  +27 31 328-3000, e-mail:webmaster@tsogosun.com.
• uShaka Marine World, 1 Bell Street, +27 31 328-8000. To view the GIANT Aquarium or experience any of the Waterworld’s more than eight different attractions.
• Glenholme trail for disabled & blind persons, Glenholme Nature Reserve, +27 31 705-5448. Elevated pathway, guide rails, and braille plaques accommodate wheelchair users and the blind.
• Nature Parks – There are plenty of natural reserves scattered across the suburbs; just ask around. Please keep in mind that there are natural risks like as snakes, and criminals enjoy the remoteness for a variety of reasons.
• Greyville Race Course. Horseracing
• Surf Artificial Waves. At Gateway Shopping Center
• Shark Institute. Take a boat ride to witness the shark nets that protect beachcombers from shark attack.
• Historical compensation sugar mill.
• Zimbali Golf Estate. 18 holes
• SkydiveDurban, Durban,  +27 72 214-6040, e-mail:vernon@skydivedurban.co.za. Skydiving
• Durban Tourism (Tourist Junction), 160 Monty Naicker Road,  +27 31 3044-934. The city’s official tourist organization can give maps, lodging information, and general help for your visit to Durban. Durban Tourism’s wide offerings include tour guides, authorized tour operators, and permitted lodging.

Due to Durban’s huge Indian community outside of India, a Durban curry is a popular meal that ranges from moderate to very spicy. Additionally, the Bunny Chow is a unique to the city, consisting of a quarter loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with your choice of curry. Visit the Workshop eateries for some of the city’s tastiest rabbit chow. Or, for more real Durban Indian cuisine, walk down to the Indian area near Victoria Market.

Vintage Restaurant, next to Bean Bag Bohemia On Windemere Road, serves excellent Indian cuisine.

For Italian cuisine and the greatest view of Durban, visit the Roma Revolving Restaurant at the top of John Ross House on the Esplanade.

Wilson’s Wharf, a long pier built into the harbour, is home to a diverse assortment of foreign eateries where visitors may see the action of Africa’s busiest port. After dinner, go in a play in the upstairs Catalina theater.

Try Morningside restaurants along Florida Road for trendy cafe sidewalk eateries, including one Italian-style establishment, Spiga d’Oro, which is frequented by South Africa’s infamous businessman, Schabir Shaik, to the extent that a dish named in his honor, ‘Pasta a la Shaik,’ was named in his honor. Bill Clinton and Bill Gates dined at “Spice,” a secluded upstairs patio restaurant tucked back from the noisy street. And nearby, you’re almost certain to brush elbows with the in-crowd at the Bean Bag Bohemia, Windermere Road, a restaurant that elevates eating to an artistic experience.

When in South Africa, you must definitely taste some ‘biltong.’ It’s jerky made in the South African manner and comes in a variety of tastes and textures.

Zulu beading, wirework, and wickerwork – from baskets and ecological conference bags to magnificent lighting and furniture – are all popular products to purchase.

• Gateway Theater of Shopping, is a shopping mall located north of Durban on either the M4 or N2 freeways. It is said to be the southern hemisphere’s biggest. Additionally, it has a variety of children’s amusement options, including a skateboard park and an artificial wave in the Wavehouse for testing your surfing ability.
• Victoria Street Market. The majority of the souvenirs are oriental in nature. Struggle hard and be cautious of pickpockets.
• Essenwood Craft Market – For an authentic flavor of South Africa, keep an eye out for a vendor selling biltong (South African jerky). This is an excellent spot to purchase curios, and don’t be afraid to haggle. When I went there last, I discovered some exquisite Zimbabwean soapstone sculptures at a very reasonable price. Due to the fact that we are only open on specific weekends, please check local listings.
• The Pavilion – A major shopping mall with a diverse selection of retailers located in Durban’s Westville area.
• African Arts Center at Tourist Junction on West Street
• BAT Center on the harbor front

Zacks, situated on Victoria’s embankment near Wilson’s wharf, is a favorite spot for thirst-quenching beverages and to just relax and enjoy the view of the harbor. Joe Kool’s, located on the seashore, is also well-known for being the finest spot for a “sundowner” after a long day on the beach. The nicest views are from their roof-top terrace. Additionally, the BAT Centre on the port is a convenient location for a quick dinner or drink. On most evenings, there is free jazz as well as other concerts, hip-hop, and the odd poetry slam. The Firkin is a microbrewery located on the top floor of Westville’s Pavilion retail area. It features some excellent ales and brews, as well as some tasty appetizers, all at affordable costs. Tilted home is a fashionable establishment located in an ancient Victorian mansion in the city center. It features a separate VIP area, yet is accessible to both the beautiful and the important. Cool Runnings is a reggae bar featuring affordable drinks and a laid-back vibe. Burn is a great venue for Metal and Rock concerts, with club nights every weekend. Durban is famous for its marijuana and you can easily obtain it in the clubs, but be aware that the police do care if visitors breach the law and you might be deported if found with it.

• Poetry Africa. International Poetry Festival. Each year, in early October.
• Time of the Writer. Every March, the International Festival of Writing takes place.
• Durban International Film Festival. International Festival of Film – July/August every year.
• Jomba! Contemporary Dance Festival. Every year, the International Festival of Contemporary Dance takes place.
• Awesome Africa. World Music Festival – September every year.
• MTN Durban Fashion Week. For all fashion enthusiasts! Each year, in June.
• Durban July. Every year in July. Africa’s Premier Horse-Racing Event, along with celebrity sightings and walking fashion models.
• Hindu Festivals – There are dozens of these, and you’ll need to ask around because they’re not well publicized, but there’s one at Easter in the Umbilo area where devotees walk on hot coals, and another called Kavady that takes place sometime between February and July (it changes) and involves devotees piercing their backs with hooks and dragging decorated portable shrines. This is not to be missed!
• Umhlanga (Rocks) Festivals. Umhlanga is one of South Africa’s most popular beach vacation resorts. It attracts both domestic and foreign tourists. It attracts a considerable quantity of foreign visitors from all over the globe who come to shop, relax, party, and enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. It is situated on South Africa’s east coast, about 15 minutes north of the port city of Durban. Umhlanga has some of the greatest accommodation alternatives, including fantastic vacation flats, luxury hotels, lodges, and guesthouses. With its winter and summer festivals, street café culture, restaurants, and bars, it is quickly gaining popularity.

The beach strip is routinely guarded by police officers; CCTV cameras and several lights illuminate the area at night. As is the case everywhere else, there are a few fundamental safety regulations to observe. Avoid dark, abandoned regions and avoid venturing out alone in the early morning hours. While walking along the promenade along the beach is safe, avoid the side and back roads of the hotels.

At all times, avoid the Point Road (called Mahatma Gandhi Road) region.

At night, it’s still a good idea to stay on major thoroughfares and avoid venturing off unless you’re quite acquainted with a specific region. Avoid the normally bustling core business center after dark. Above everything, use sound judgment.

Bear in mind that you are a visitor, not a superstar. Dress casually to fit in with the CBD residents (keep the fancy stuff to a minimum).

The waterfront region, as well as the commercial centers and upper residential districts, are fairly secure.

The Point, the region between downtown and the harbor, is notorious for prostitution and has a higher crime rate due to its inexpensive motels (although parts are currently undergoing a massive redevelopment). Avoid walking alone or at night in this neighborhood and instead use automobiles or metered taxis.

Street children may be a nuisance, and it is better to avoid them. Numerous individuals sniff glue, carry blades, and exhibit very unpredictable behavior.