Durban- a cosmopolitan and lively city- characterized by the cultural influences of Africa, Europe and India

Durban, a million inhabitant city, is the largest metropolis in KwaZulu Natal. Durban was founded in 1823 by the British Governor Benjamin d’Urban. Natal is the last bastion of the "British Empire". The British influence is to be seen everywhere in the city. Splendour full buildings of colonial in the Edwardian and Victorian architectural style coin/shape unmistakably the British townscape.
Amazingly for English holiday-makers this region with its comfortable climate is far rather unknown.

Visit…

…the Indian Victoria Street Market with its special eastern atmosphere.

Many temples, e.g. the Ghandi Temple in Tongaat and the mosques should as well have your undivided attention.

…the African flea market in the Marine Parade and the African Art Centre, where contemporary African art as well as art craft are offered. The Kwa Muhle museum shows the history of the local population in the 20th century and the apartheid.

…the Umgeni River Bird’s Park

In the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve the river falls down 100 m deep over weathered rocks in a canyon. The Howick Falls are in the centre of a town which can be reached by a steep trail. The Zulus call this place Nogqasa, place of the big. There are 4 more waterfalls nearby. You also find the Howick museum there which was dedicated to Nelson Mandela who has been arrested there.

…the botanic garden with its expressive orchid exhibition.

Built in 1849, the botanic garden is a place of tranquillity and mental relaxation – a perfect place to recover.

…the Beach Front. From the northern border of the harbour up to the mouth of the Umgeni River a 6 km sandy beach extends. This is the Golden Mile of Durban, a pleasure grounds according to American model.

There are only a few of the Rickshaws left driven by muscle power. The Zulus who are pulling them are recognized by their fantasy costumes and their huge coloured headdress.

Further you find here the Fitzsimon’s Snake Park with 80 types of snakes and the Sea World Aquarium, big aquariums with 500 m of length. Next to it there is a dolphin stadium with 1200 places, one of the biggest of the world, a penguin station as well as a huge seal pool. Sea World offers several times daily various shows like dolphin and seal training, feeding of penguins, sharks and a presentation of corals.

uShaka Marine World, biggest water pleasure grounds of the southern hemisphere offers e.g. windsurfing, kayaking, paragliding, jet ski boats and a lot more while the uShaka village walk offers a variety of fast food restaurants and the spectacular Shark’s Restaurant. Further you find boutiques, jewellery and souvenir shops.

…the biggest harbour of South Africa and at the same time the most secure one, one of the most busy and most modern of the world – with marina, the huge sugar terminal and the docks.

…the protected areas of the nature parks of the Zulu’s land or the beaches on the dolphin bay, the Valley of a 1000 hills with numerous traditional Zulu villages, Pietermaritzburg, former capital of Boer’s Republic of Natal with its splendid Victorian buildings, its lovely gardens, Hindu temples and mosques and finally the Drakensberge, a magnificent nature event and a lot more.

…Xhosa village

The Xhosa belong to the group of the Bantu people, who settled in South Africa since the Iron Age. The kral is forming the basic social and economic unit which is also well to be seen in the green hills of Umtata.

…waterfalls in the Drakensberge

The Drakensberge, which reach an altitude of 4000 m did not come into existence by folding but by erosion.
Known as one of the most beautiful hiking and holiday places in a bit cooler region, the huge water falls and the Giants Castle is a special tourist attraction.

…beaches around Durban and Umhlanga

The warm water between 20 an 25°C is ideal for swimming and doing water sports all over the year.
The beaches of Durban and Umhlanga are secured by shark nets. Additionally life guards care for security concerning dangerous currents and lost sharks. In the late afternoon, when the waves are very high, you can sit on the beach and watch foolhardy guys showing you what surfing means.

Durban by Night

Don´t miss...

…the BAT Centre overlooking the harbour, which at night is spectacular with all the lights twinkling. The Centre offers ethnic fusion food, drinks overlooking the water, artists rehearsing in the workshops and live bands that never run out of steam. Just back from the Centre is the New Café Fish, known for its tremendous seafood offerings and awesome water-side setting, next to the yacht harbour.

…a walk at sunset along the promenade that fronts the major ocean-side hotels. Everyone is out and about, the smell of calamari and prawns grilling greet you in the breeze and whenever you get tired, just pop into the nearest place for some refreshment. The atmosphere is informal, fun and young. Curb-side vendors are still plying their trade at night, so you can stock up on some souvenirs as you stroll.

…Florida Road, where the trendy types hang out. All the restaurants that take themselves seriously food-wise, line this road and range from Thai, to Italian, steakhouses and fusion food. The Colonial architecture is glorious, as are the tall palms with their fronds rustling in the wind.

…traditional pubs in the English style. Florida Road has some, but by all means ask around for pointers – every local has a favourite watering hole and will gladly share information with you.

…a truly Indian dining experience with fabulously dressed Indian women in their traditional saris and jewellery in attendance. The Jewel of India restaurant on the beachfront offers authentic Indian cuisine, traditional musicians and the attractively adorned serving staff.

Umhlanga Coastline Attractions

Umhlanga Rocks is the leisure capital of Ethekwini's beautiful coastline. Vibrant, diverse and cosmopolitan this stylish village of Umhlanga Rocks is famous for its position, views, attitude and progress.

Umhlanga is well situated on the KwaZulu Natal North Coast. It is just north of Virginia Airport, and, by car, 30 minutes from Durban Airport.

The Lighthouse

The Umhlanga Lighthouse was completed on November 24, 1954 and has since become an area landmark. The circular concrete tower, painted white with a red band at the top, stands 21m above the beach and has a focal plane height of 25m. The fixed red light enable a ship waiting to anchor in the outer anchorage to monitor its position if the red light can be seen, it suggests the ships anchors have probably dragged and is too close to shore.
The lighthouse is situated near the end of Lighthouse Road in Umhlanga.

The Sharks Board

Watch a spectacular half hour audio-visual presentation, capturing the drama of the ocean and the energy of the Sharks Board staff as they carry out their daily servicing of shark nets, or watch a shark dissection. Visit the display hall and view a large variety of lifelike replicas of sharks, fish and rays. The curio shop is a treasure trove of unusual and stylish gifts. The Sharks Board is open to the public from Monday to Friday between 08h00 and 16h00 and on Sundays between 13h00 and 16h00.

Granny's Pool

Originally a sheltered bathing area formed by two natural rock outcrops, the area became the natural launching site for the first ski boats off Umhlanga today it is used by local fishermen and the Natal Sharks Board. Maritime life surrounding Granny's Pool is fairly prolific.

The Hawaan Forest

A unique indigenous woodland area that has remained in its natural state for centuries, this beautiful forest is characterised by many notable species of trees with tropical attributes. It supports a surprising number of animals and a great wealth of birds. The trails are not open to the public; however, walks may be arranged by the Umhlanga Centre of the Wildlife Society.

Shell Midden

The Shell Midden was thought to either have an Arabic or Bushman heritage. It appears that the area was occupied between the 6th and 10th centuries by black iron workers who cultivated sorghum behind the sand dunes. The place appears to have been a popular meeting place where brown mussels were eaten and shells discarded. Pottery as well as evidence of iron working have been found. The Shell Midden is a fragile and precious asset proving that the black iron workers occupied the region. Unfortunately, during the 1984 and 1987 great floods, part of the Midden was washed out to sea.

Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Trails

A delightful trail of approximately one and a half hours begins at Breakers Resort, Lagoon Drive. There are lovely Braai and picnic spots along a well-marked path.

O' Connor Promenade

Named after the late Councillor Ken O Connor, mayor and hotelier of Umhlanga, this promenade stretches from Durban View Park in the south to Breakers Resort in the north. Used by hundreds of people daily with benches placed strategically to give uninterrupted views of the sea and distance markers for keen joggers and walkers.

Shopping Centres

Gateway Theatre of Shopping

Gateway is more than a shopping mall – it's billed as a 'Theatre of Shopping' offering visitors, much more than the average shopping centre. The impressive structure, situated alongside the N2 highway in Umhlanga Rocks, houses a vast array of shops, cinemas and restaurants PLUS a huge standing wave known as DRex, a mega skate park designed by international expert Tony Hawk, the highest climbing wall imaginable and now a go-kart track, putt-putt course and a challenging 4x4 track. It's definitely worth a visit since you can nip over the ridge for a swim at Umhlanga Rock's beautiful Bronze beach to cool off after you have exhausted yourself at Gateway.

Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom

Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom is destined to evoke superlatives.

From the striking architecture and idyllic setting, to the awe-inspiring Afro-Chic atmosphere and the fantasy world of our state-of-the-Art casino, there's nothing pedestrian about the latest Jewel in Sun International's Crown. Years and years of experience, an unfaltering attention to detail and a keen understanding of what really turns our guests on, has resulted in a unique entertainment offering that is as breathtakingly riveting as it is unforgettable, no matter who you are or where you're from. No airs or graces required. Yet, in spite of the grand scale, you're welcomed warmly and invited to be informal and at ease. If you can't resist gawking or staring a little, we'll completely understand. So, feel free. In fact, we'd be flattered. After all, we've really worked rather hard to leave our guests a little short of breath.

Dive Sites

Fontao Wrack

Rated in top 15 warm water dive sites of South Africa by Dive style magazine. The Fontao was a Mocambiquan fishing trawler sunk off the coast of Umhlanga by ORI in 1991. It lies in 27 metres of water with the top of the wreck at 17 metres.

T-Barge Wrack

Rated in top 15 warm water dive sites of South Africa by Dive style magazine. A T-shaped barge sunk by ORI in 1990 off Virginia Airport between Durban and Umhlanga. It also lies in 27 metres of water with the top of the wreck at 17 metres.

Dolphin Reef

Dolphin Reef is a reef off Umdloti and has a lot of soft corals, sponges, gorgonians and nudibranchs. It stretches for more than 2 km and there are a lot of different sections to dive including ledges and overhangs. The depth ranges from 16 to 27 metres.

Fame Wrack

Fame sank in May 2000, offshore from Ballito. It lies in 19m of water and the mast extends up to 6m! This provides for an excellent training sight, lots of time and air and light penetration and a surprising amount of fish life already.

Lighthouse Riff

Umhlanga Rocks. The Lighthouse Reef is directly offshore, just south of the Umhlanga lighthouse.

Wellness

Sugar coast Restaurants