Image Source: http://www.madriver.com
DURBAN-eTHEKWENI
Durban is the 'capital city' of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Each year, it attracts thousands of holiday-makers to its shores, earning it the right to be known as South Africa's "playground".
Durban is home to a diversity of people- there is a large Indian population,which gives the city a charming Oriental flair that no other city in South Africa has. The local African population is Zulu-speaking, and then there are the Europeans that make up the rest of the city's numbers.
Durban's harbour is the largest in Africa.It was once a natural lagoon,and now provides the means for a massive import and export operation. The harbour never sleeps, and there is always something to watch as the huge ships come in and out of the bay. There are several restuarants where you can relax and watch the proceedings, or if you're more adventurous you can take a tour around the harbour and get up close and personal.
Situated right on the Indian Ocean, Durban boasts so many attractions that visitors can not complain about being bored in this lovely city! Durban's Golden Mile is a vast stretch of beachfront along which hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, curio sellers and more can be found. From Ushaka Marine world to the Fitzsimmons Snake Park to the Rickshaw men, there is something for everyone to do! Activities such as snorkelling, sailing, swimming, surfing, fishing and more are on offer on Durban's Golden Mile.
Durban's Botanical Gardens is a tropical haven. It is a popular picnic spot with both locals and tourists. Outdoor concerts are often held at the Gardens.
If the weather is bad, or if a change in scenery is needed, the city has a huge variety of other sights and activities on offer.
Image Source: Durban ICC
For those who are inspired by class and culture, Durban has a host of art galleries and museums waiting to be visited. There are also many local arts and crafts showcasings and exhibitions in and around the city.The BAT centre is a haven for artists and not to missed. Several theatres in and around the city host various performances throughout the year, ranging from plays and pantomimes to orchestral extravaganzas. There are plenty of museums to be visited. The most popular ones are the Maritime Museum, the Natural Science Museum and the Local History Museum.
If shopping is what drives you, then Durban is a great place to be. There are shopping centres throughout the city; the two main ones being Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga and The Pavilion just outside Pinetown. Here, you will find anything your heart desires, as well as restaurants, cinemas, climbing walls, tenpin bowling, go-karting, adventure golf and much more to keep the whole family entertained. Victoria Market Street will give you a whole new shopping experience, so don't miss this one.
Eating out in Durban is a pleasure- there are so many fabulous restuarants to choose from. The famous Roma Revolving Restaurant turns 360 degrees, giving spectacular views of Durban and the harbour. This city does not sleep at night! Besides all the restaurants, there are many nightclubs that will keep the young at heart entertained until the early hours of the morning. The Suncoast Casino in Ballito is a great place to watch a movie or have dinner.
As you proceed inland from Durban, the hustle and bustle dies down, and quietness pervades the senses of the visitor. The steep
slopes and diving gorges of the Valley of 1000 Hills is a balm to any soul. Here, the tourist will encounter Zulu communities living in rural villages, nature reserves, waterfalls, rivers, forests and sheer beauty. Traditional Zulu dancing, craft villages and safari parks are all on offer to the tourist into this charming area.
Durban is a great base for day trips. It's location is ideal for trips into the Midlands, up north to St Lucia or Hluhluwe/Umfolozi, down south to the Transkei or even up Sani's Pass to the highest pub in Southern Africa!
Durban is the entrance-way into Kwa-Zulu Natal. As historic and beautiful as it is, it serves to whet the appetite of the visitor for more of what this unique province has to offer.
Image source: 1000 Hills Tourism
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