Durban City Guide

Welcome to South Africa’s City of Surprises and Beauty of Africa!

Durban City is the third most populous city in South Africa, forming part of the Thekwini metropolitan municipality. It is the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal and is famous as the busiest port in Africa. It is also a major centre of tourism due to the city’s warm subtropical climate and beaches. This bustling port city of Durban is also known as the fun-seeker’s capital of South Africa.

According to the 2007 Community Survey, the city has a population of almost 3.5 million. Durban’s land area of 2,292 sq km is comparatively larger than other South African cities, resulting in a somewhat lower population density of 1,513 inhabitants per square km.

Durban City today

Today, Durban is the busiest container port in Africa, and a popular tourist destination. The Golden Mile, developed as a welcoming tourist destination in the 1970s, as well as Durban at large, provides abundant tourist attractions, principally for people on vacation from Johannesburg. It lost its international vacation pre-eminence to Cape Town in the 1990s, but remains more popular among domestic vacationers.

Durban is a sophisticated multinational city of over three million residents – a city where east meets west – a city beneath which beats the pulse of Africa – city known as the home of Africa’s best managed and – a city of surprises.

Durban Terrain

This metropolitan area is topographically hilly, with very few flat areas, except in the immediate vicinity of the central business district and the harbor. The western suburbs off Hillcrest and Kloof are significantly higher above sea-level, reaching up to 850m in the community of Botha’s Hill. Many gorges and ravines are found within the metropolitan area. There is almost no true coastal plain.

Durban Climate

Durban is characterized by a mild subtropical climate with warm wet summers and mild moist to dry winters, which are frost-free. However, due to large altitude variations, some western suburbs get very cold in the winter. Durban has an annual rainfall of 1,009 ml. The average annual temperature is 210C, with daytime maxima peaking from January to March at 28 °C and the minimum is 21 °C, dropping to daytime highs from June to August of 23 °C and the minimum is 11 °C.

Durban Attractions

Durban is South Africa’s most sought domestic Vacation destination. It boasts several sandy immaculate swimming beaches perfect spots for surfing and an inviting warm weather all year round. You’ll never run out of fun in Durban.

Take a walk to the ocean for a fishing charter or chill out on a sunset sundowner cruise. Take in the marine life at Ushaka Marine World and burn up some energy at Water World.

The green environment enhances the city’s beauty, thanks to its subtropical weather. To enjoy the city views to fullest, head to La Lucia Ridge. Look south to view the beach arcing around Durban’s bay. See a different angle of the same view by looking north from atop the Bluff at the harbour entrance.

Durban is recognized for its well preserved art deco and Victorian architecture, particularly along Victoria Embankment and on the Berea. Many events, cultures and nations have shaped Durban and you’ll find more than a dozen museums that tell its unique story.

Durban Family Holiday

Durban is an exciting city in which to play, shop, and experience the nightlife and to relax. It’s a city in which business and debate issues, which have far-reaching effects, not only on Africa but way beyond its borders, are discussed.

Go for an early morning walk along which is close to Durban’s main entertainment drag. It has a powerful wave house and an indoor climbing wall, which at 24m is the highest in the world. Plus, there are fast go-karts and a Tony Hawke-designed skate park. Stroll along the Umhlanga Rocks paved beachfront walkway and you may see dolphins surfing the waves just offshore. The outstanding Valley of a Thousand Hills, sculpted over aeons by the Umgeni and Msunduzi River; the Natal Sharks Board’s boat tours for whale and dolphin-watching and to see shark-nets being cleared.

Do not miss a typical traditional dining, entertainment and shopping spree in scenic Durban settings. Shop till you drop in modern shopping malls. Grey Street and the Warwick Triangle boast vibrant locals’ shops and markets. Enjoy the excellent entertainment on offer at the city’s theatres and clubs or take a township tour. Beachfront stalls sell traditional arts and crafts

For more information about Durban – the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal, visits our Durban Tours Section