Overview

Durban is the pulse of Africa—with hundreds of ships docking by its bay daily. The sophisticated cosmopolitan city is also the largest settlement in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. It serves as South Africa’s busiest port, with shipment not only bringing sources of industry, but also thousands of baggage of tourists who arrive in the tourist destination daily. 

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Durban’s extensive beaches and warm subtropical climate still attract a lot of Westerners searching for perennial summers. Entertainment, shopping, and sightseeing are available at its leisure facilities while endless debate on business issues fills its historic line-up of conferences. Durban is that quintessential all-important city. 

Fast Facts

• Since 100,000 BC, the Durban area was said to be inhabited by groups of hunter-gatherers, as suggested by archaeological evidence obtained from the Drakensberg Mountains. 
• The area’s written history can be traced as far as Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama’s trip.  He sailed in 1497 parallel to Christmastide. The explorer named the area ‘Natal’, which means Christmas in Portuguese. 
• The modern city was granted to an adventurer named Henry Francs Finn. He was able to help the Zulu King to recover from a wound. A 30-mile strip of coast was given as favor.
• In 1835, European residents decided to build a capital town, and named it d’Urban, after Cape Colony’s governor.

When to Visit

Summers in Durban are big. The city packs a sensational summer program each year. Activities such as bungee jumping, scuba diving, White River rafting, wind surfing, and diving with the sharks are just some of its offering. The season provides the perfect climate for going on a safari at the Valley of 1000 Hills, and ends the trip with a crocodile steak at Croctilians restaurant. You can also try a sunset cruise by the bay before heading out to several nighttime hotspots. World-class surfing waves are right on its doorstep. Epic conditions can be found along Battery Beach, North Beach, and New Pier during the summer. 

Neighborhoods

Central Durban has Africa’s best convention center. The coastal area has art galleries, areas for nightlife, and a deep sea harbor. Durban North boasts of the Durban Country Club, Windsor Park, and Beachwood Golf Course. The large up-market suburb has sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. The city’s Outer West Area includes scenic locations such as Botha’s Hill, Valley of 1000 Hills, and Kloof. South Durban is known as Amanzimtoti. The seaside destination is perfect for wholesome family vacations. The west area has the residential suburbs of Sarnia, Westmead, Queensburgh, Clermont, Reservoir Hills, and Sherwood among others. Umdloti and Umhlanga is a place of reeds and rocks. The broad coastal resort area is dubbed as Durban’s own Riviera. Several resorts can be found in this tropical paradise. Book your Durban Hotel with Reservations.com

Best Hotel Accommodations

Well-positioned between the bay and Durban’s center, the Corner House Bed and Breakfast has en-suite bathrooms and queen sized beds for all rooms. Both pleasure and business travelers will find the accommodations of Broadway Lodge ideal. The bed and breakfast is a typical home away from home. Only five suite rooms are available, but all have mini-kitchens. Even big families will fit into 8 Royal Palm Guest House and Conference Centre’s lodges. The rooms with kitchenettes and dining spaces have views of the coast.