Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Durban, South Africa, Africa

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Durban, South Africa, Africa

Durban is one of the prominent cities of South Africa, situated on the east coastline of the country. It is recognized as the 2^nd largest manufacturing centre in South Africa, following the country’s largest city, Johannesburg. Durban also holds one of the busiest airport of the country. Durban owns a thriving hospitality industry, with tourist favor healthy warm subtropical climate and some of the enthralling beaches of Africa. The city of Durban forms the part of eThekwini municipally in KwaZulu-Natal province, covering an area of 225.91 sq. km. The geographical coordinates of Durban are 29°53′ S 31°03′ E.

History of Durban:

The history of Durban begins with the arrival of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama on the way of his voyage to India. However, colonization in Durban was begun by the British, led by the British Lieutenant F. G. Farewell. Durban was named after then governor of the Cape Colony, Sir Benjamin, in 1835.

Getting Durban:

The King Shaka International Airport is the airport serving Durban city, situated around 40 km away from the city centre. Other than Johannesburg and Cape Town in the country, the airport covers many international destinations like Mauritius, Dubai, Harare, Lusaka and Maputo.

Durban is well served by MetroRail and its intercity train connection extends to Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg, served by Spoornet.

Buses are the primary options for local travel in Durban and two well known car rentals in Durban include:

First Car Rental
Europcar Car Hire

Culture, Food and Shopping in Durban:

Durban is a colorful city, with many internationally recognized events, including Durban International Film Festival and Jomba – Contemporary Dance Festival.

Some famous traditional markets in Durban are Essenwood Craft Market, African Arts Center and Victoria Street Market. For Indian dining, visitors can consider Vintage Restaurant.

What to do in Durban?

Visiting casinos
Swimming
Surfing
Snorkeling
Festival celebrations

What to see in Durban?

Durban Botanical Gardens:

The Durban Botanical Gardens is renowned as the oldest surviving botanical garden in Africa, situated at 70 John Zikhali Road. Apart from plants and flower species, the garden is also famous among tourists for its various social gatherings, including a blend of cultural weddings.

The Golden Mile:

The Golden Mile is one of the excellent beaches in Durban, located near the downtown area. It is a heaven for surfers and also offers opportunity to have fun for children with play pools and playgrounds. Hotel, bars and restaurants are dozens in number on the waterfront.

Crocodile Creek:

Around 50 km north of Durban, the Crocodile Creek is a worthy trip for all types of tourists. It is in the town of Tongaat, home to more than 7000 Nile Crocodiles as well as caiman, snakes and alligators that are allowed to see for visitors. The farm also features a waterfall, hill trails and shops with a wide range of crocodile leather goods.

The City Hall:

The City Hall of Durban is one of the major landmarks as well as tourist attractions of Durban, where visitors can find three major cultural centres of Durban like an art gallery, science museum and public library. It is in the heart of the city.

Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World:

The Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World is an amazing entertainment centre in Durban, home to South Africa’s largest casino complex as well as cinemas, a beach bar, semi-private beach and numerous restaurants inside. It is a worth visit.

Other places of interest in Durban:

Umgeni River Bird Park
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Greyville Racecourse
uShaka Marine World
The International Convention Centre
The Victoria Embankment
Mahatma Gandhi Settlement
Sahara Stadium Kingsmead
Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Kings Park Stadium

Best time to visit Durban:

Durban features a humid subtropical climate with warm and dry winters and hot and humid summers. The tour of Durban can be enjoyed best during any month between April and September.

Where to stay in Durban?

Being a world class tourist destination, Durban houses loads of top class hotels shared between all parts of the city, centered on the beach line. Some budget, mid range and luxury hotels in Durban include:

Budget: