What to do and see in Durban
Durban is located on the east
coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and
it is famous as the busiest port in Africa. The city’s warm subtropical climate and beaches makes Durban a
popular tourist centre. Durban has a large population of Zulu people and a strong infusion of tribal
citizens.
Main Attractions in Durban
A mixture of cosmopolitan sophistication and tribal
culture, Durban offers a wide selection of attractions and they are:
The Golden Mile – Durban is famous
for its Golden Mile, a nickname given for the beaches that stretch along the Indian Ocean. The wide sandy
beaches are a hit with locals and tourists during the Christmas holidays but if you visit the Golden Mile at
off season, it will be a irresistibly beautiful experience. The sea is an excellent surfing ground and it is
protected year round by shark nets.
uShaka Marine World is the largest
marine theme park in Africa. There is a 1200-seater Dolphinarium, a dive tank, snorkel reef, touch pool and
it is one of the five largest aquariums in the world. Visitors can participate in steep water slides, sun
bath or take a river ride by the fearsome shark tank.
Drakensburg Mountains are the
highest mountain range in Southern Africa. The 200km range of mountains is also a World Heritage site. The
mountains are rich in plant life with 119 species listed as globally endangered". The caves in Drakensburg
hold the largest collection of art from the bushman civilization which existed more than 40,000 years ago.
Visitors to the mountains can enjoy adrenaline pumping activities such as mountain biking, white water
rafting to quieter pursuits like trout fishing and hiking.
KZN Sharks Board- learned about the different shark species at KZN Sharks
Board. This is the only organisation of its kind in the world and a leader in shark conservation and research.
Follow the crew aboard their boat as they carry out their early morning inspections of the shark nets around
Durban waters or witness live shark dissection and see what goes into the belly of a
shark.
Valley of a Thousand Hills -
Experience Zulu culture, take a trip to the Valley of a Thousand Hills and spend a day immersed in the rich
and colourful Zulu culture. At the traditional village, you can witness the brewing of traditional beer,
enjoy an authentic Zulu meal and meeting a Sangoma which is a traditional
healer.
Durban cuisines have many
influences. There are dishes prepared with a hint of Portuguese style of cooking, visitors can also
enjoy traditional African fare and international cuisines. However, the most famous of all is Durban
curry with ‘Bunny Chow’, bread stuff with curry, being a hot favourite with the
locals. Durban will be hosting 7 games including a semi-final during the FIFA World
Cup.The Moses Mabhida Stadium is located in the Kings Park Sporting
precinct, an area of sporting facilities, restaurants, shops andchildren play areas. There's
even a pedestrian walkway linking the stadium to the beach.
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