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Durban
 The Durban Beachfront
The Drakensberg mountains are a breathtaking sanctuaty of soaring beauty, crisp air, and phenomenal hiking. In the far north ,
Hlujluwe-Umfolozi and several private reserves offer a big-game experience rivaling that of Kruger National Park.
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 Durban Fisherman Cleaning their nets.
Here lies the highest and most beautiful mountains in Southern Africa, some of the finest game reserves,and a landscape studded with memorials commemorating the great battles between Briton, Boer and Zulu. The main draws, though are the climate and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. In fact, the entire 480-km (300-miles) coastline from the Wild Coast in the south to the border with Mozambique in the north is essentially one long beach, attracting hordes of bathers, surfers, and anglers.
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When To Tour Durban & KwaZulu Natal |
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 Oriby Gorge Nature Reserve The best time to tour KwaZulu Natal is definitely autumn through winter and into spring. Summer can be terribly hot and humid, and some facilities in the Zululand game reserves close because of the extreme and unpleasant high temperatures in that area. The coast is particularly pleasant during winter, and it is at this time that the Ocean Action festival is held on Durban's Golden Mile. Centering on the world famous surfing championships. Ocean Action includes 10 days of exciting outdoor, water-sport-related activities, including night surfing. An abundance of market stalls on the promenade are open until late. Game viewing is better during winter (late June, July, August) when the grass is shorter, many trees have lost their leaves, and the animals tend to congregate around water holes. Northern parts of the province are dry and dusty during winter, but the frosty mornings and crisp late afternoons make up for it. The cold weather does not deter the thousands of folk music lovers of all ages who congregate in May every year for the folk music festival held at the Splashy-Fenn farm in the Drakensberg; during this four day celebration, both local and International folk musicians perform. |
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From curios and collectibles, clothing and fabric to fresh produce and exotic collections of medicinal plants, Durban and its surrounds are awash with colourful and chaotic markets. The centrally located Victoria Street Market in Durban is a bustling Indian market. Draw inspiration from the heady aromas of soaps and incense mingled with curries and spices; leave with your shopping basket brimming with oriental brassware, silks and vibrant fabrics, woven or beaded African ware, Hindu lamps or bags of lentils and split peas.
Fresh and organic produce can be found in abundance at farmers' markets throughout the Zulu Kingdom. Watch Zulu women weaving, crocheting and threading intricate bead designs, baskets, mats and sunhats from grasses and palms on the pavements outside Durban's railway stations and at roadside craft stalls.
Visit fleamarkets for an array of handmade and commercial goods - 'something different' to add to your holiday memorabilia.
For sophisticated shopping and an entertainment experience, visit the malls and shopping centres in the suburbs and on the beachfront. |
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Durban is perfectly located. A few hours' drive takes you to a choice of two World Heritage Sites
{the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park), game reserves with the Big Five, Maputaland's renowned coral reefs, or ancient fossil beds in the south of the long coastline. Inland lies the cool, green Valley of a Thousand Hills, offering arts and crafts, Zulu cultural experiences and nature trails, with plenty of wildlife.
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Within half an hour's drive north and south of the city you will find several magnificent resorts on the edge of the Indian Ocean.
Durban hosts a number of high profile annual sporting events including the famous Comrades Marathon (June), the Dusi Canoe Marathon (January), and a beach festival in July, which includes an international surfing event.
In addition, the city is home to one of the world's most famous rugby teams, the Sharks, and hosts international rugby, cricket, golf and football matches.
The city has played host to numerous prestigious international conventions at its world-class venues.
Durban provides an ideal springboard from which to explore the many wonders of the Zulu Kingdom. |
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Durban 
