Durban



Durban (Zulu: eThekwini; itheku means "city") is a city on the east coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and in the municipality of eThekwini. It is the third largest city in South Africa and the busiest port in Africa. As of 2011, the population of the eThekwini municipality was around 3.4 million. In 2020, it was named the greenest city in the world by Husqvarna Urban Green Space Index because of its many parks.

Understand
Durban has a large bay that was protected from the seas by a land spit now known as The Point. This bay formed a natural harbour.

Durban was originally called Port Natal by the Portuguese mariner Vasco da Gama who sighted the bay on Christmas Day, 1497. The city was founded as Port Natal by British settlers in the 1820's and became part of the British Empire in 1842. It was renamed Durban in honour of Sir Benjamin D'Urban, Governor of the Cape Colony.

In the years immediately preceding the European settlement of the area, Shaka, king of a small African clan known as the Zulu, built up his strength, making the Zulu people the dominant African tribe in the area.

The hot and humid climate was ideal for growing sugar and after the first railway was built in 1860, sugar became the principal export from the area. Indian workers were brought in on contract to work the sugar cane plantations. When their contracts finished, they were offered return trips to India or land to the value of the return trip. Many chose to stay making this one of the largest population centres of Indians in the world.

After the discovery of coal in North Natal and gold in the Witwatersrand, Durban expanded rapidly and, excluding the Mediterranean, became one of the largest port in Africa.

Its warm climate and ample beaches have made it one of South Africa's premier holiday areas. Zulu and English are the most common languages in Durban.

By plane


Taxi fares from the new airport to the hotels on Marine Parade and centre of Durban can cost well over R400. However, next to the taxi rank, there is an airport shuttle bus service that leaves every hour on the hour (or as soon as the bus has several passengers) for R80 per person, though it may take longer to reach your hotel. The taxi drivers can be quite aggressive and will try to intercept you before you reach the shuttle.

The following airlines offer domestic service to Durban: Airlink, British Airways & FlySafair

The following airlines offer international service to Durban: Air Mauritius (from Mauritius), Emirates (from Dubai), Proflight Zambia (from Lusaka), Qatar Airways (from Doha via Johannesburg), and Turkish Airlines (from Istanbul) via Johannesburg).

British Airways offers a thrice-weekly flight from London Heathrow — the only direct link from Europe.

Durban International Airport (formerly Louis Botha Airport) to the south of the city is closed. The King Shaka International Airport, at La Mercy 40 km north of Durban, is fully operational.

Virginia Airport is a small, private airport in Durban North a few kilometres north of the Durban CBD and a few kilometres south of Umhlanga Rocks. No large scale commercial flights are scheduled from this airport but you can charter a plane from companies to and from this airport.

See also Discount airlines in Africa.

By bus
All national carriers and the Baz Bus offer regular services to Durban. The central bus stop is next to the central train station, Durban Station. You can also use Greyhound or Transcape/Intercape bus, depending on whether you want to travel in the morning or the afternoon. The bus station is a 20-minute walk from the beachfront.

By train
Intercity trains are limited, Shosholoza Meyl operates a Friday and Sunday night train from Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg. MetroRail operates frequent commuter trains from various suburbs of Durban and towns nearby such as Pinetown and the resort towns of the south coast (e.g. Kelso and Park Ryne) and of the north coast).



By boat
Some cruise ships dock in Durban, but generally there are few "one-way" entries by boat to Durban. Passage on a freighter might be arranged, but it's not widely advertised. Cruises from Durban available on the MSC Sinfonia.

By car
The best way to get around Durban is by car. Check that you have the latest updated street maps and/or GPS device as some street names have changed. It also helps to have a list of old and new names as some of the new names are vandalized.

By bus
Durban People Mover buses feature CCTV cameras and wheelchair-friendly ramps. They run from 6AM until 11PM every 15 minutes. These buses stop in the CBD, the Victoria Street Market, the Workshop, Suncoast Casino, Ushaka Marine World and along the beach route. (R4 per trip, valid for 1 hour on a hop-on, hop-off basis; R10 for a full day pass on a hop-on, hop-off basis).

To travel between the Berea suburbs and the city its cheaper to travel by Mynah buses, R5 off-peak (8AM-3:30PM), peak R6. The Mynah buses depart from the Workshop Terminus (Pine Street Terminus) every 30 minutes to Musgrave, The Ridge, Kensington, Mitchell Park/Florida road, Tollgate (cnr Aliwal/Smith streets), to South Beach/Ushaka, North Beach/Suncoast (in Pixley ka Seme [West] Street, opposite the City Hall).

The Aqualine buses to the suburbs (depart from the Pine Street Terminus) are usually within 5 minutes of the schedule every hour. Peak cash fare can be quite steep. A weekly coupon can save you up to 35% of the cash fare. Fare, bus route & time table enquiries (+27 31 309-5942/3). However, due to the ongoing dispute, some routes have be suspended.


 * To Bluff (route 330/338/411/418 )
 * To Queensburgh catch either one of these four buses, Malvern (route 112), Montgomery road (route 113), Shalcross/Hillview (route 140), Pinetown/Westmead (*route 840/842/843/849). Service suspended.
 * To Glenwood catch either one of these four buses, Berea Beach (route 022/023), Umbilo (route 007), Glenmore (route 086), Manor Gardens (route 084).
 * To Umhlanga Rocks/Gateway Mall catch the Aqualine bus (route 716/705) outside Nando's in Pixley ka Seme (West) street, departs every hour.
 * To UKZN catch the Howard College bus (route 070)/Westville campus (route 075). Service suspended
 * To Pinetown/Westville central/Westwood mall, catch Aqualine Pinetown/Westmead bus (route 855,857,858,870,871,873,877,886).Service suspended
 * To The Pavilion mall catch the Aqualine bus (route 853/860) route 853 departs from the Workshop terminus and route 860 departs from North Beach near Blue Waters hotel/Suncoast casino. Service suspended

Most buses depart on the hour every hour, check the bus schedule. Please note that sometimes to get to your destination, you might have to catch a couple to three buses. When not sure about bus route number, ask the locals or the bus driver (tell him the nearest landmark to your destination). Mynah buses do not have route numbers, only the destination will be displayed on the electronic display in front of the bus. You must flag the bus down to stop at the bus stop. It is advisable to have the exact change before you board the bus and get a receipt!

By metered taxi
Registered taxis are common, generally safe and relatively inexpensive. Taxis do not rove and hence need to be called so that one can be fetched from your pick up point. A lot of these will conduct point to point transfers, airport shuttles, and corporate transfers. The ones that can be recommended for the Durban and surrounds are:

By minibus taxi
There are also group taxis, referred to as "combi taxis" (or "minibus taxis"), that are impossible to miss as (in Durban) they're brightly decorated and always have music pumping. There is always someone hanging out of a window making the hand gestures that indicate whether there are seats available and where the combi is going. Minibus taxis are very common and less expensive than metered taxis. Strictly speaking, they are minibuses that take people to and from work, they stick to set routes and they are generally not suitable for tourists unfamiliar with the area they are going to; when in doubt stick to metered taxis or buses. There are minibus taxis plying same routes as Mynah buses, they are more frequent and faster than buses.

By train
Metrorail KZN runs a network of commuter trains in and around Durban. The schedule is mainly aimed at commuters and safety has been an issue.

By rickshaw
Rickshaw rides are offered to tourists along the beach front, for amusement rather than getting around. Watch out for the many ups and downs in the ride; the tipping back of the rickshaw cause the contents of your pockets to fall out, into the coffers of the drivers!

By Uber
Uber is quite popular in Durban and SA, as is offers any fast and reliable taxi service. It's often cheaper than a metered taxi.

See




Do



 * Rugby Union: Sharks play in the United Rugby Championship (formerly Pro14), the European professional league, with a playing season Oct-March. Their home ground is Kings Park, capacity 52,000, in the Kings Park sports complex.
 * Cricket:
 * Nature parks - There are dozens of nature reserves in the suburbs, just ask around. Please remember to be safe, there are natural hazards like snakes, and criminals like the isolation for different reasons.
 * Golf: the premier course is Beachwood Country Club north side of the city.
 * Nature parks - There are dozens of nature reserves in the suburbs, just ask around. Please remember to be safe, there are natural hazards like snakes, and criminals like the isolation for different reasons.
 * Golf: the premier course is Beachwood Country Club north side of the city.
 * Nature parks - There are dozens of nature reserves in the suburbs, just ask around. Please remember to be safe, there are natural hazards like snakes, and criminals like the isolation for different reasons.
 * Golf: the premier course is Beachwood Country Club north side of the city.
 * Nature parks - There are dozens of nature reserves in the suburbs, just ask around. Please remember to be safe, there are natural hazards like snakes, and criminals like the isolation for different reasons.
 * Golf: the premier course is Beachwood Country Club north side of the city.
 * Golf: the premier course is Beachwood Country Club north side of the city.
 * Golf: the premier course is Beachwood Country Club north side of the city.
 * Golf: the premier course is Beachwood Country Club north side of the city.
 * Golf: the premier course is Beachwood Country Club north side of the city.
 * Golf: the premier course is Beachwood Country Club north side of the city.

Festivals

 * Hindu festivals - There are dozens of these and you'll have to ask around because they're not well publicised, but there's one in Easter in the Umbilo area where devotees walk on hot coals, and another sometime between February and July (it moves) called Kavady where the devotees pierce their backs with hooks and drag decorated portable shrines. Not to be missed!
 * The winter festival is held on the main beach and the summer festival on the main street where live jazz bands play out late into the evening.
 * Hindu festivals - There are dozens of these and you'll have to ask around because they're not well publicised, but there's one in Easter in the Umbilo area where devotees walk on hot coals, and another sometime between February and July (it moves) called Kavady where the devotees pierce their backs with hooks and drag decorated portable shrines. Not to be missed!
 * The winter festival is held on the main beach and the summer festival on the main street where live jazz bands play out late into the evening.
 * Hindu festivals - There are dozens of these and you'll have to ask around because they're not well publicised, but there's one in Easter in the Umbilo area where devotees walk on hot coals, and another sometime between February and July (it moves) called Kavady where the devotees pierce their backs with hooks and drag decorated portable shrines. Not to be missed!
 * The winter festival is held on the main beach and the summer festival on the main street where live jazz bands play out late into the evening.
 * Hindu festivals - There are dozens of these and you'll have to ask around because they're not well publicised, but there's one in Easter in the Umbilo area where devotees walk on hot coals, and another sometime between February and July (it moves) called Kavady where the devotees pierce their backs with hooks and drag decorated portable shrines. Not to be missed!
 * The winter festival is held on the main beach and the summer festival on the main street where live jazz bands play out late into the evening.
 * The winter festival is held on the main beach and the summer festival on the main street where live jazz bands play out late into the evening.

Buy
Popular items to buy are Zulu beadwork, wirework, wicker work - from baskets and sustainable conference bags to fantastic lights and furniture, Spices - anyone dare 'mother-in-law's revenge'? Fantastic!


 * Gateway Theater of Shopping, a mall situated to the north of Durban along the M4 or N2 highways. Believed to be the largest in the southern hemisphere. Also offers a great range of kids' entertainment like a skateboard park and an artificial wave in the Wavehouse to test your surfing abilities.
 * Victoria Street Market. Mostly oriental souvenirs. Haggle hard, beware of pickpockets.
 * Essenwood Craft Market - For a true taste of South Africa look out for a guy selling biltong (South African jerky). A good place to buy curios, and don't be afraid to haggle. Only open certain weekends so please check local listings.
 * The Pavilion - A large shopping mall with a good range of shops, in the Westville suburb of Durban.
 * African Arts Center at Tourist Junction on West Street
 * BAT Center on the harbor front

Eat
As Durban has one of the largest Indian populations outside of India, a Durban curry is a popular dish and can range from mild to very hot. There is also the bunny chow which is unique to the city, a quarter loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with a curry of your choice. Check out restaurants at the Workshop shopping center for some of the best bunny chow in the city. Or head over to the Indian neighborhood near Victoria Market for more authentic Durban Indian food.

Good Indian dining is at Vintage Restaurant next to Bean Bag Bohemia - Windemere Road

Try the Roma Revolving Restaurant at the top of John Ross House on the Esplanade for Italian food and the best view of Durban.

Wilson's Wharf is a long pier built into the harbour. It hosts a wide selection of international restaurants and watch the busiest harbor in Africa's activity. Take in a show afterwards at the upstairs Catalina theater.

Try Morningside restaurants, along Florida Road, for trendy cafe sidewalk eateries including one Italian style, Spiga d'Oro, frequented so often by South Africa's notorious businessman, Schabir Shaik, that a dish is named in his honor 'Pasta a la Shaik'. Bill Clinton and Bill Gates ate at "Spice" set off the busy street in a quiet upstairs courtyard. And nearby, be nearly guaranteed to rub shoulders with the up-and-coming in-crowd at the Bean Bag Bohemia, Windermere Road, a restaurant that makes great dining an artistic event.

Definitely try some 'biltong' when you're in South Africa. It's South African-style jerky available in a whole range of flavors and textures.

Drink
Durban is known for its pot and you will easily find it around the clubs, but beware that the police do care if tourists break the law and you can be thrown out of the country if you are caught with it.
 * Zacks, at Wilson's Wharf on Victoria's Embankment, is a popular place to get thirst-quenching drinks and relax and enjoy the view of the harbour.
 * Joe Kool's, on the beachfront, is also well known as the best place for a "sundowner" after a long day on the beach. Check out their roof-top deck for the best views.
 * The BAT Centre, at the port, is also a good place for a quick meal or drink. There's free jazz most nights and other concerts, hip-hop and the occasional poetry slam.
 * Cool Runnings is a reggeaton place with cheap beer and a relaxed atmosphere.

Mid-range

 * Lazy Lizard Guesthouse, Umhlanga Rocks, Kwa-Zulu Natal. Private, up market accommodation.
 * Lazy Lizard Guesthouse, Umhlanga Rocks, Kwa-Zulu Natal. Private, up market accommodation.
 * Lazy Lizard Guesthouse, Umhlanga Rocks, Kwa-Zulu Natal. Private, up market accommodation.

Splurge




Stay safe


The beach strip is frequently patrolled by policemen, there are CCTV cameras and many lights at night. As everywhere else, there are several basic safety rules to follow. Avoid dark, deserted areas, and do not go out alone in the early hours of the morning. The promenade along the beach is safe to walk, but do not venture to the side and back roads of the hotels.

Avoid the Point Road (aka Mahatma Gandhi Road) area at all times.

At night, it is still a good idea to stick to the main streets and not go out at night unless you are very familiar with a particular area. Avoid the usually busy central business district, which is empty after dark. Above all, use common sense.

Remember, you're a tourist, not a celebrity. Dress down to blend in with the people in the CBD (keep the fancy stuff to a minimum).

The harbour area is quite safe, as are the shopping malls and higher residential areas.

The Point, the area between downtown and the port, is known for prostitution and cheap hotels has higher crime rate (although parts are undergoing a massive redevelopment). Avoid walking here alone or at night and take cars or metered taxis if you need to go to this area.

Street children can be a problem, and its best to keep clear of them. Many sniff glue, carry knives, and act quite unpredictably.

Stay healthy

 * Travel vaccines and general practitioner services available at Umhlanga Sports and Travel Clinic Umhlanga Hospital Helipad, 323 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga Rocks. +27 31 560-5569

Consulates

 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next

 * Umhlanga Nature reserve
 * Go south along the Sunshine and Wild Coast through South Coast and to East London, Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route
 * Go south along the Hisbiscus Coast through Port Shepstone, visit the Oribi gorge and blue flag beaches.
 * Go up the North Coast and visit Ballito, the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park or drive further on to Eswatini (Swaziland).
 * Valley of 1000 hills