'''Durban''' [http://www.durban.gov.za/eThekwini/] is a city of about 4 million on South Africa's east coast in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). It is no longer just a holiday/resort city, boasting industry and Africa's busiest container port.

Understand

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.

Get in

By plane

'''Durban International Airport''' (formerly Louis Botha Airport) is the main airport serving the city of Durban and is 15km south of the city center. It serves mostly domestic destinations and the only international flights are to/from Mauritius (Air Mauritius) and Swaziland (Swazi Express Airways [http://www.swaziexpress.com] and South African Express). All other international flights will enter the country through either Cape Town or Johannesburg. A new international airport is under construction 40km North of the city at La mercy and due to be operational in time for the Soccer world cup in 2010. See also Discount airlines in Africa.

By helicopter

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.

By bus

All national carriers (e.g. Intercape, SA Roadlink, Greyhound, Translux ) and the Baz Bus offer regular services to Durban. The city is the gateway to Kwazulu-Natal province & north eastern Eastern Cape province.

By train

The central train station is in the city centre.

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).

By boat

Some cruise ships dock in Durban, but generally there are no "one-way" entries by boat to Durban. In theory passage on a freighter might be arranged, but it's not widely advertised.

Get around

By car

The best way to get around Durban is by car. You are able to explore the city and surrounding areas at your leisure. There are a number of car rental companies that have safe and reliable vehicles for travel groups and single travellers.

  • <listing name="CABS Car hire" url="http://www.cabs.co.za/" email="info@cabs.co.za " phone="+27 (0)21 386 5500" fax="+27 (0)21 385 1110">Branches at all major airports in South Africa</listing>
  • <listing name="Tempest Car Hire" phone="+27 (0)31 469 0660" email="reservations@tempestcarhire.co.za" fax="+27 (0)31 408-1416" url="http://www.tempestcarhire.co.za">Safe and affordable car rental service at all major locations in South Africa.</listing>
  • By Helicopter

    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.

  • '''JNC Helicopters''', ph: ''+27'' (0)31 563-9513, [http://www.jncheli.co.za]
  • By bus

    Unlike other major cities in South Africa,Durban has got a reliable, user/tourist friendly public transport to get around the city centre & its surbubs.The municipality is replacing the older buses with brand new one's. The process will be completed by August 2009 in time for the 2010 soccer world cup.

    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).

  • To Bluff (route 330/338/411/418 )
  • To Yellowwood Park/Woodlands/Woodhaven/Montclair (route 505/518/520).
  • To Queensburgh catch either one of these four buses, Malvern (route 112), Montgomery road (route 113), Shalcross/Hillview (route 140), Pinetown/Westmead (route 840/842/843/849).
  • To Glenwood catch either one of these four buses, Berea Beach (route 022/023), Umbilo (route 007),Glenmore (route 086), Manor Gardens (route 084).
  • To Umhlanga Rocks/Gateway Mall catch the Aqualine bus(route 716/705)outside Nando's in Pixley ka Seme (West) street, departs every hour.
  • To UKZN catch the Howard College bus (route 070)/Westville campus (route 075).
  • To Pinetown/Westville central/Westwood mall, catch Aqualine Pinetown/Westmead bus (route 855,857,858,870,871,873,877,886).
  • To The Pavilion mall catch the Aqualine bus (route 853/860 )route 853 departs from the Workshop terminus and route 860 departs from North Beach near Blue Waters hotel/Suncoast casino.
  • 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!

    By metered taxi

    Registered taxis are common, generally safe and relatively inexpensive. There are ones which are based in Durban, in surrounding suburbs and in Umhlanga Rocks. These taxis do not rove and hence need to be called so that one can be fetched from your pick up point. A lot of these will conduct point to point transfers, airport shuttles, and corporate transfers. The ones that can be recommended for the Durban and surrounds are:
  • '''Umhlanga Rocks Taxis (Ucabs)''', ph: ''+27'' (0)31 561-1846, [http://www.ucabs.co.za]
  • '''Eagle Taxi's''', ph: ''+27'' (0)31 337-8333
  • '''Zippy Cabs''', ''+27'' (0)31 202-7067, [http://www.zippycabs.co.za]
  • '''Mozzie Cabs''', ''+27'' (0)31 303-5787 (''local toll share: 086 066-9943''), [http://www.mozzie.co.za/]
  • By minibus taxi

    There are also group taxis, referred to as "combi taxis" (or "minibus taxis"), that are impossible to miss as (in Durban) they're brightly decorated and always have music pumping. There is always someone hanging out of a window making the hand gestures that indicate whether there are seats available and where the combi is going. Minibus taxis are very common and less expensive than metered taxis.Strictly speaking, they are minibuses that take people to and from work, they stick to set routes and they are generally not suitable for tourists unfamiliar with the area they are going to; when in doubt stick to metered taxis or buses.There are minibus taxis plying same routes as Mynah buses,They are more frequent and faster then buses.

    By Rickshaw

    Rickshaw rides are offered to tourists along the beach front, for amusement rather than getting around. Watch out for the many ups and downs in the ride; the tipping back of the rickshaw cause the contents of your pockets to fall out, into the coffers of the drivers!

    See

  • '''Berea'''. This is a long ridge overlooking the harbor, city center and beaches. Once covered with coastal forest, it is now completely built up.
  • '''City Hall'''. There is an art gallery and outdated science museum inside, as well a a public library.
  • Florida Road. Definately the happening street in Durban. Restaurants, Bars Cafe's Boutique shopping the in happy friendly Durban hang out.Durbans most interesting book shop, Book Base also located at the top of Florida Road (275) and is open every day. Lots of interesting material of historical interest, Zulu Wars etc to be seen ph:+27(0)31312355.

  • Durban Botanical Gardens. 27 (0)31 201-1303. alzellc@durban.gov.za. 27 (0)31 309-1271. ttp://www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za/. Visit on a Saturday and see a mixture of Cultural weddings all having their photos taken

  • '''The Golden Mile''' The Golden Mile, the nickname for the beaches near downtown that stretch along the Indian Ocean, is well known for it's excellent surfing, occasional shark attack and wide sandy beaches. Visiting around the Christmas holidays ensures a crowded experience, complete with stations for missing children, but visit at the off season and you'll practically have the place to yourself, save the serious surfers. There are also play pools and playgrounds for children along the waterfront, as well as hotel, bars and restaurants.
  • Events

    Do

    Down on the beach strip:

  • '''Swim, surf or canoe''' year round or watch pro surfers at the various tournaments held throughout the year.
  • '''Snorkel and deep diving''' in the secluded beaches, amongst the clear waters and corals.
  • Take '''helicopter rides''' with NAC Helicopters Unlimited, Hangar No 4, Virginia Airport, Durban 4051, ph: ''+27'' (0)31 564-0176, (''fax: ''+27'' (0)31 563-0037''), mob: 082 977 1847, [http://www.nachelicopters.co.za]
  • '''Gamble''' at the Suncoast Casino, Suncoast Boulevard, Marine Parade, Durban, ph: ''+27'' (0)31 328-3000 (''fax: ''+27'' (0)31 328-3001, email: mailto:webmaster@tsogosun.com'')
  • '''Sibaya Casino''', Sun international
  • Visit '''Fitzsimons Snake Park''', 240A Lower Marine Parade, North Beach, (''next to Mini Town''), Durban. ph: ''+27'' (0)31 337-6456 (''cell: ''+27'' (0)73 156-9606, fax: ''+27'' (0)31 337-3125''), [http://www.snakepark.durbanchamber.co.za]. Open daily 9AM-4:30PM.
  • Visit the '''uShaka Marine World''', 1 Bell Street, Durban 4001 ph: ''+27'' (0)31 328-8000, [http://www.ushakamarineworld.co.za] to see the HUGE '''Aquarium''' or ride more than eight different rides in the '''Waterworld'''
  • Watch the '''Durban''' '''A1 Grand Prix''' (''800 m from the Durban CBD and 300 m from the North Beach coastline close to the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World'') Brickhill Road, Durban. [http://www.a1gp.com/racing/season.php?raceid=9] The only road race on the world circuit.
  • Elsewhere in the city:

  • Watch the horse racing at the '''Greyville Race Course'''.
  • '''Surfing artificial waves''' at the Gateway Shopping Center.
  • Visit the '''Shark Institute''' and take a boat offshore to see the shark nets that protect beachcombers from shark attack.
  • '''Crocodile creek'''.
  • '''Mahatma Gandhi Settlement''' - historical tours.
  • '''Historical compensation sugar mill'''
  • '''International 18 hole Zimbali Golf Estate'''.
  • Skydive Durban. ttp://www.skydivedurban.co.za/. urban. ernon@skydivedurban.co.za. 27 (0)72 214-6040. Definitely try some 'biltong' when you're in South Africa. Its South African-style jerky and available in a whole range of flavors and textures.

    Drink

    Zacks, located at Wilson's wharf on Victoria's embankment is a popular place to get thirst quenching drinks and just relax and enjoy the view of the harbor. Joe Kool's, on the beachfront is also well known as the best place for a "sundowner" after a long day on the beach. Check out their roof-top deck for the best views. The BAT Centre, on the port is also a good place for a quick meal or drink. There's free jazz most nights as well as other concerts, hip-hop and the occasional poetry slam. The Firkin is a micro-brewery on the top floor of the Pavilion shopping centre in Westville. It has some great ales and beers and good snacks at reasonable prices.Tilted house is a trendy place situated in the city center in an old victorian house. It has it`s own VIP section, but it is open to the beautiful as well as important. Cool Runnings is a reggeaton place with cheap beer and a relaxed athmosphere. Burn is a good concert scene for Metal and Rock music with club evenings every weekend. Durban is known for it`s pot and you will easily find it around the clubs, but beware that the police does care if tourists break the law and you can be thrown out of the country if you are caught with it.

    Sleep

    As one of the largest cities in South Africa, and a major tourist destination, Durban offers a broad range of accommodation. There are many budget guest houses, an abundance of mid-range hotels and several luxury hotels. For those who want to stay longer it is also possible to rent a fully furnished flat.

    Budget

    <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>

    Midrange

    <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>

    Splurge

    <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>

    Stay safe

    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.

    Stay healthy

  • Travel vaccines and general practitioner services available at Umhlanga Sports and Travel Clinic [http://www.sportsandtravelclinic.co.za/contact.html] Umhlanga Hospital Helipad, 323 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga Rocks. +27 31 560 5569
  • Get out

  • Umhlanga Nature reserve
  • Go south along the Sunshine and Wild Coast through Margrate and to East London, Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route
  • Go south along the Hisbiscus coast through Port Shepstone, visit the Oribi gorge and blue flag beaches.
  • Go up the North Coast and visit Ballito, the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park or drive further on to Swaziland.
  • '''Valley of 1000 hills''' <listing url="http://1000hills.kzn.org.za/1000hills/" email="info@tourism-1000hills.com" phone="+27 (0)31 736-2323">With breathtaking views, more than 10 nature reserves, hiking trails, cultural villages and much more. This is an area not to miss when you visit KwaZulu-Natal</listing>