Things Durban Wants Tourists to Know

Durban offers a lot more than beautiful, golden beaches. It is the centre of world-class sport and hosts major international events. It is a shopper's paradise with world class standard shopping malls and precincts, craft markets and street bazaars. They are a few things you need to know about Durban:


Durban ocean is warm

Durban part of the Indian Ocean is heated by the warm Mozambique current up north, meaning Durban actual sea water is warm to swim in. Unlike the frigid Atlantic along South Africa’s west coast (ahem, Cape Town), we can swim at our beaches without getting hypothermia.

Durban has the largest Indian population outside of India

Many people outside of South Africa don’t seem to know that Durban has the largest Indian population outside of India. Indentured labourers were once brought to Durban by the British to work in the sugarcane fields. They are now a part of Durban’s culture, adding a twist to everything from local fashion to food flavours.

Durban is a cheaper destination than Johannesburg or Cape Town

Durban is significantly cheaper than the other two main cities. His smaller economy and proximity to the harbour where imports arrive means Durban markets, rent, goods and even food are cheaper.

Durban has some of the most beautiful sunrises in the world

Durban is on the east coast of Africa so you get breathtaking views of the sun coming out of the water early in the morning, making Durban one of the best places to wake up in.

Durban has some of the best beaches in the world

Durban's golden beaches spread from the north down to the south across the Golden Mile and the Dolphin Coast with at least six Blue Flag beaches in KwaZulu-Natal alone. The water is warm and perfect for surfing, snorkelling and kayaking. If you don’t want to get in, you can always just sit on the sand and watch the water, check out the sand sculptures or whale-watch.

Durban has the biggest mall in Africa

GatewayTheatre Of Shopping  opened in 2001 and is one of the 50 largest malls in the world. It’s airy and bright and boasts more than 90 restaurants, 400 stores and the highest fountain in Africa.

Durban culture is diverse

South Africa is a mixing pot of cultures that Durban contributes richly to. Local Zulus, Indians from south and north India, white people of British and Dutch descent and a range of other cultures and religions. They have found a way to meld together to create such a multicultural city that churches, mosques and temples are built right next to each other.

Durban aquarium is world-class

The uShakaMarine World has an underground aquarium designed around shipwrecks that is the fifth largest aquarium in the world. It also has a Wet ‘n’ Wild section with water rides that includes the highest waterslide in the southern hemisphere.

Durban has it all; mountains, valleys and the sea

Durban not only has a beautiful sea but further inland towards the Midlands Durban has beautiful valleys with waterfalls that run into conservation parks and even further inland, the majestic Drakensberg mountains.