Durban

One of South Africa’s most popular summer holiday destinations, Durban lies at the heart of the east coast and is the ideal springboard from which to access the many attractions of KwaZulu Natal Province. Originally built as a colonial port, Durban has since grown into a flourishing multi-cultural city, most noted for its large Indian and Zulu populations.

In 1994, Inanda’s outlook changed as democracy was born in South Africa. To mark the occasion, Nelson Mandela cast his vote in this historic election at Inanda’s Ohlange Institute, fitting given that the first-ever president of the African National Congress (ANC), Dr. John L. Dube, established this school in 1901. It’s this wealth of history that you can explore on the Inanda Heritage Route. The trail starts in Phoenix Settlement, established in 1904 by Gandhi. Here you can see Gandhi’s house, and his International Printing Press and Museum. Next it moves on to the Ohlange Institute, Dube’s house – a national monument – and his grave.

Pack your picnic basket and head up to one of many picnics located around Durban. Our key picnic site is situated in Berea, the Durban Botanic Gardens is currently the oldest surviving botanic garden on the African continent and is Durban’s oldest public institution. Developed in 1849 as a botanic station for the trial of agricultural crops, the Gardens has progressed as part of a network of botanic gardens internationally to focus on core areas of biodiversity, education, heritage, research, horticultural excellence and green innovation. As well as being an enjoyable day out in the warm Durban weather, the Gardens also feature music concerts on a regular basis. Visitors can either bring along their own picnics or purchase food at the venue.

While Durban itself is a busy urban centre, visitors will find a number of outstanding wildlife destinations within a few hours’ drive from the city. KwaZulu-Natal is a leading conservation area with a multitude of game parks and reserves. In the north are the Hluhuluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage site. A few hours inland is the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, another World Heritage Site that is home to abundant plant and birdlife. A number of smaller boutique game reserves such as Tala and GwaHumbe lie in the mid-Illovo region.

Durban’s cultural influences have given it some unique tasting experiences that are just too important to miss. There’s no shortage of restaurants in Durban for a wide variety of global cuisine. You name it, they’ve got it. Simple and homely to high end gourmet – you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Popular restaurant areas include the Florida Road entertainment strip, Chartwell Drive in Umhlanga, Helen Joseph Road in Glenwood, Mackeurtan Avenue in Durban North and along the Golden Mile at the Beachfront.

And last, but not least, as you might expect from a city lying on the warm Indian Ocean coast, a visit to Durban usually revolves around beaches. And you don’t even have to go far: the famous ‘Golden Mile’ runs along Durban’s coastline, a bustling six kilometer stretch of beaches, high-rise hotels, bars and restaurants. The beaches here are perfect for swimming and relaxing. Whatever your adventure, Durban truly holds something for everyone.