Soak
up the sun on the beach Surf
a killer wave Sip
cocktails on the beachfront Visit
Ushaka Marine World Eat
a traditional Durban Curry Browse
the Indian Markets Picnic
at the Botanical Gardens Shop
for Zulu beadwork Buy
art at the African Art Center Visit
the Natal Maritime Museum
The sub-tropical coastal playground of Durban on Kwazulu
Natal's Indian Ocean coast welcomes visitors with open smiles, clean
golden beaches, warm seas, exotic culture, vibrant entertainment
and a character that is both cosmopolitan and distinctly African.
The city itself is an eclectic mix of Edwardian,
Victorian and modern architecture embodied in buildings like the historic
Durban City Hall, designed by Stanley Hudson and built in 1910.
The City Hall houses the Natural Science
Museum, main Public Library and the Durban Art Gallery where
many appealing examples of national and international artworks
can be seen, along with contemporary performance art.
Impressive modern edifices include The International
Convention Center and Durban Exhibition Center that rank as Africa's
best, and have placed Durban firmly on the world map of conference
and trade fair venues.
Durban's beachfront, or Golden Mile as it's been called
for many decades, is a mecca for sun-lovers. surfers, bodyboarders
and fishermen. The safe beaches and lazy rhythm of the
warm, Indian Ocean waves creates the perfect atmosphere
for
relaxed,
fun-filled
days, where you can unwind and appreciate one of
Africa's best coastal, holiday destinations.
Within easy walking distance of the beaches are some of
Durban's top attractions. Treat your taste buds at sea-food
emporiums, curry restaurants and steakhouses, browse
the flea markets and curio shops, or sip a long, cold draught
in the heat of the day at one of the pubs overlooking the
bay. Other must-sees include Ushaka Marine World,
the Snake Park and the Zulu craft sellers whose beaded artwork provide
unique gifts to take home from your vacation.
To end a perfect day, savour a colourful cocktail on
the balcony of a colonial-style hotel as the
sun goes down, or stroll on the promenade and enjoy the
magic of a warm African evening.
Downtown Durban is a shoppers delight. Tourist
Junction is
a good first stop and provides info, guides and maps to the
central city area. Be sure to visit the African Art Center
for authentic Zulu art, and for an appreciation of Durban's
Indian history
and
culture, spend a few hours browsing the area around Grey
Street's Great Mosque and colourful stalls of the 'Indian'
or Victorian Street Market.
Here you can bargain for a choice of traditional copper,
brass and silver jewelry, fine silks or exotic incense and
spices.
For
those
with an adventurous palate, the wonderful aromas of cooking
may tempt you to try Durban's own unique
lunchtime feast - the 'Bunny Chow' - a half loaf of bread
filled with delicious curry!
Durban is also heaven for nature lovers. Spend
an afternoon with a picnic at the Botanical Gardens among
the flowering frangipanis and lush tropical vegetation.
This location is also well known for its orchid
house and rare cycad collection.
Birdwatchers should head for the highly rated Umgeni
River Bird Park for a close-up look at a grand
variety
of
brightly
coloured
birds, both indigenous and exotic, that inhabit the picturesque
gardens and walk-in aviaries.
Durban is without doubt the continent's most alluring
coastal city destination. Its vibrant blend of colonial and contemporary
African culture, golden beaches, unique attractions and
world-class restaurants and accommodation, bring visitors
from all over the world back again and again.
Soak
up the sun on the beach
Freestate 
