Durban Travel Guide
Travel guide to Durban, South Africa with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Durban sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Durban Overview
Durban lies on the Indian Ocean Coast of South Africa and is probably the premier international beach destination for the country. The city is the capital of the Kwa Zulu Natal province of South Africa, and boasts excellent weather throughout the year. Durban is a city unlike any other in the country, and has a uniquely rich, and diverse culture all of its own, offering visitors the chance to shop in a super mall in the morning in order to pick up the latest designer fashions, spend the afternoon relaxing or surfing just off North Beach, before wandering through spellbinding temples and mosques and then eating dinner in one of the city's many top class restaurants in the evening
The people of Durban pride themselves on living in the most cosmopolitan city in South Africa, a place that has a unique mix of peoples, who bring their influences from all over the world, especially China, and India which have combined with the traditional Zulu culture of the region over many years and created an intriguing blend. Because of all it has to offer, Durban is without a doubt a truly exceptional destination for anyone.
Top Durban Attractions
Aside from Durban's well deserved reputation as the main beach destination in South Africa, and the attendant bars and nightlife that go along with it, There is another side to the city, an intriguing cultural mix that is most obvious in the large Indian Quarter.
In the west of the city, you can see the famous Victoria Street Market, and the two main places of worship - The ancient Juma Mosque, and the Alayam Temple - both of which are well worth visiting.
Shopping in Durban
As far as shopping goes, there are two distinct sides to Durban. On the one hand, the European part of the city has plenty of shopping malls offering the latest fashion and electronic goods with hefty discounts on UK prices available.
In the Asian part of town, things take a decidedly more oriental slant, with old-fashioned market places where prices are negotiable, and you can buy everything from traditional medicines through to stunning fabrics from all over the world.
Durban Sporting Events
With stunning landscapes and amazing beaches, Durban and its surrounding area are well known as being one of the main areas for sport and activity in South Africa. Aside from the top quality surfing breaks along the coast, inland, you can try your hand at mountain biking through the Kwa Zulu national parks, and in the nearby Drakensberg Mountains. There are a number of championship quality golf courses in the area around Durban that offer access to non-members on payment of a small charge.
As one of the main cities in South Africa, Durban regularly plays host to test match cricket and international rugby, and if you are able to get a ticket to a match, the experience is well worth it.
