Durban was originally called Port Natal, and was founded by British settlers. Indian workers were brought in to work the sugar cane plantations, making this one of the largest population centres of Indians in South Africa. Zulu is the most common local language in both KwaZulu-Natal and Durban. Afrikaans features far less in Durban (and in KZN in general) than in the rest of the country.
JNC Helicopters are able to offer VIP travel to and from any South African cities as well as an infinite number of tourist flight combinations, from 20min sight seeing flights to complete tours.
We have flown many VIP's; from former South African presidents to film stars, government ministers, visiting international music stars and many corporate clients.
Our executive charter clients are looked after in our VIP lounge prior to departure, provided refreshments before their trip and on return.
We can tailor make your 2010 visit, ensuring your travel needs are best suited to your life style.
Spoornet [http://www.spoornet.co.za/ShosholozaMeyl/index.jsp] operates daily inter-city trains to Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg, with a weekly service to Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Cape Town. You can also get to Port Elizabeth or East London by changing trains in Bloemfontein.
MetroRail [http://www.metrorail.co.za] operates frequent commuter trains to various suburbs of Durban and towns nearby (such as Pinetown and the resort towns of both the south coast (eg. Kelso and Park Ryne) and the north coast).
JNC Helicopters are able to offer VIP travel to and from any South African city as well as an infinite number of tourist flight combinations, from 20min sight seeing flights to complete tours that take you around any part of South Africa. Our helicopters provide fast, safe and efficient transport that can land almost anywhere, making it easy to fly you to your door step!
We can tailor make your 2010 visit, ensuring your journey is best suited to your needs. Flying you to and from the soccer matches, to game reserves and private resorts, all while you enjoy an exclusive view of South Africa, which can only be experienced by helicopter.
Durban's newest transport system is People-Movers buses, which feature CCTV cameras, tv and wheelchair-friendly ramps. They run from 6AM until 11PM, and depart from dedicated stop every 15 minutes. These buses stop over in the CBD, the Victoria Street Market, the Workshop, Suncoast casino, Ushaka marine world and along the beach route. (R4.00 per trip,valid for 1hour on a hop-on ,hop-off basis (route map available at the tourist junction cnr Pine/Gardiner streets and Ushaka Marine World.
There is also the usual public bus system. Bus schedules are relatively accurate within the city but allow extra travel time if taking the bus. You can pick up free paper schedules and buy discounted multi-ride tickets/coupon at the info booth at the depot across the road from The Workshop.
To travel between the Berea surbubs and the city its cheaper to travel by Mynah buses,R2.40 off peak (8AM 3:30PM), peak R3.60. Park your car in Musgrave Centre and travel by Mynah bus to the city or Florida road as parking in those areas is scarce to non existant. The Mynah buses depart from the Workshop terminus every 15/20 minutes to Musgrave, The Ridge, Kensington, Mitchell Park/Florida road, South, Tollgate(cnr Aliwal/Smith streets), To South Beach/Ushaka, North Beach/Suncoast (in Pixley ka Seme {west} street, opposite the City Hall ).
The Aqualine buses to the suburbs (depart from the Pine street terminus ) are usually within 5 minutes of the schedule every hour.Peak cash fare can be quite steep. If you're travelling daily by bus to work,its advisable to buy a weekly coupon, which can save you up to 35% of the cash fare. Fare, bus route & time table enquiries (+27 (0)31 309-5942/3).
Most buses depart every hour,check the bus schedule. Please note that sometimes to get to your destination, you might have to catch a couple to three buses. When not sure about bus route/number ask the locals or the bus driver (tell him the nearest landmark to your destination). Mynah buses do not have route numbers, only the destination will be displayed in front of the bus. Please note that u must flag the bus down to stop at the bus stop, it won't automatically stop. It is advisable to have the exact change before you board the bus and get a receipt!
Elsewhere in the city:
<sleep name="Banana Backpackers" alt="" address="Pine Street" directions="" phone="+27 (0)31 368-4062" email="" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long=""></sleep>
<sleep name="Gibela Backpackers Lodge" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+27 (0)31 303-6291" email="gibela@gibela.co.za" url="http://www.gibelabackpackers.co.za" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">This lodge has placed itself high with international and local travellers alike. It is a 4 star graded property by the South African Tourism Grading Council and is the 2008 winner in the South African Tourism Welcome Awards - Backpacking. It is also offers a totally smoke free environment, including the garden.</sleep>
<sleep name="Hippo hide" alt="" address="2 Jesmond Road, Berea" directions="" phone="+27 (0)31 207-4366" email="" url="http://www.hippohide.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="Dorm R85, single R170, double and twin R220, triple and en-suite double rooms R280" lat="" long=""></sleep>
<sleep name="The Happy Hippo" alt="" address="222 Point Rd, Waterfront" directions="" phone="+27 (0)31 718-1196" email="" url="http://www.happy-hippo.info/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long=""></sleep>
<sleep name="Shelbourne Lodge Bed 'n Breakfast" alt="" address="La Lucia" directions="" phone="+27 (0)31 562-1282" url="http://www.shelbourne-lodge.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="R350.00 pps" lat="" long="" email=""></sleep>
<sleep name="Sundance" alt="Ballito Bed and Breakfast" address="18 Dolphin Crescent, Shakas Rock" directions="Up the hill from Salt Rock Main beach, 20 mins North of Umhlanga" phone="+27 (0)32 525-5342" email="sundancebnb@vodamail.co.za" fax="+27 (0)32 525-5342" url="http://www.sundanceguesthouse.co.za" checkin="" checkout="" price="From R300.00 per person per night"></sleep>
<sleep name="Dolphin Sands B&B" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" url="http://www.dolphinsands.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long=""></sleep>
<sleep name="Durban Self Catering Accommodation" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+27 (0)76 480 2565" email="info@ballito-accommodation.co.za" url="http://www.ballito-accommodation.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">magnificent upmarket apartments are right on the beach front with unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean.</sleep>
<sleep name="Crooked Tree Cottage" alt="" address="Umhlanga Rocks" directions="" phone="" email="" url="http://www.kznlive.com/DurbanMetro/Featured/crooked_tree_cottage.htm" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long=""></sleep>
<sleep name="Royal Palm - Gateway" alt="" address="08 Palm Boulevard, New Town Centre, Umhlanga Ridge" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.royal-palm.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="" email=""></sleep>
<sleep name="The Royal Hotel" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" url="http://www.theroyal.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long=""></sleep>
<sleep name="The Riverside Hotel & Spa" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" url="http://www.riversidehotel.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long=""></sleep>
<sleep name="The Quays" alt="" address="Timeball Square, Waterfront" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.quays.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="" email=""></sleep>
<sleep name="Quarters Hotel" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" url="http://www.quarters.co.za/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long=""></sleep>
<sleep name="Durban Self Catering Accommodation" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" url="http://www.kingdomofthezulu.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">An Exclusive Private Beach House, With sea views spanning from Ballito in the North, to the Durban Point and light house in the South. The part of the beach it is on is usually very quiet.</sleep>
The beach strip is frequently patrolled by policemen, there are CCTV cameras and there's ample lighting at night. As in all countries, there are several basic safety rules to follow. Avoid dark, deserted areas, and do not go out alone in the early hours of the morning. The promonade along the beach is safe to walk, but do not venture to the side and back roads of the hotels. Avoid the Point Road area - day and night time.
At night: It is still a good idea to stick to the main streets and not go out at night unless you are very familiar with a particular area. Avoid the usually busy central business district, which is empty after dark. Above all, use common sense.
Remember, you're a tourist, not a 70s celebrity. Dress down to blend in with the people in the CBD (keep the fancy stuff to a minimum).
The harbour area is quite safe, as are the shopping malls and higher residential areas.
The Point, the area between downtown and the port, known for prostitution and cheap hotels has higher crime rate (although parts are currently undergoing a massive redevelopment). Avoid walking here alone or at night and take cars or metered taxis if you need to go to this area. Point Road has been renamed Mahatma Gandhi Road. Despite the new name and the image the city is trying to project it is probably better to keep clear of this area.
Street children can be a problem, and its best to keep clear of them. Many sniff glue, carry knives, and can be quite unpredictable.
HIV/AIDs is very common in South Africa, so observe standard precautions. Assuming that everyone is HIV positive is not an unreasonable precaution.