Durban Accommodation

KwaZulu-Natal Attractions

Durban

Durban is less that 1 hours flying time from Johannesburg and is situated in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, on the east coast of South Africa. This sophisticated cosmopolitan city of over 3 million people, set on Natal Bay, benefits from year-round warm waters and is one of South Africa's top holiday destinations. There is a great selection of Durban Accommodation from Boutique Hotels, Guest Houses, Hotels, Self Catering accommodation to budget Backpacker Accommodation.

Durban is host to one of Africa's best managed, busiest and most important ports. This exciting city offers activities and experiences for all and opportunities for you to just relax and soak up the atmosphere. Durban nightlife offers something for everyone with the many bars, restaurants and thriving nightclub scene. Visit the Francis Farewell Square which is lined with palm trees and is the heart of old colonial Durban. There is also a lively street market with statues commemorating times gone by.

Along Durban’s “Golden Mile” you will find a stretch of beaches frequented by keen surfers but which are also ideal for swimmers and body-surfers alike. The waters are protected by shark nets and lifeguards patrol during the day to ensure safe conditions for all. We recommend you stroll down the promenade that stretches along the Durban waterfront stopping off at the many restaurants, pubs, shops and of course the uShaka Marine World aquarium. The uShaka Marine World is a recent addition to the Durban beachfront and houses an underwater aquarium, a restaurant on a sunken shipwreck, many different water activities and speciality shops. You will also find a penguin habitat and snorkelling lagoon full of coral fish along with Wet and Wild which has the highest water slide in South Africa.

Other attractions include Wilson’s Wharf on the Victoria Embankment, and Grey Street and Warwick Triangle which boast busy and lively local shops and markets. You could wander past the many beachfront stalls that sell traditional arts and crafts or enjoy the excellent entertainment on offer at the city's theatres and clubs or perhaps take a township tour.

If you are after some peace and sheer beauty then you should make for Durban's nature sanctuaries or parks. At the Botanical Gardens you should ask about their 'Music by the Lake' evenings – where you can be entertained by music played by KZN's Philharmonic Orchestra in wonderful surroundings.

At Umgeni River Bird Park you can see over 3000 exotic and indigenous birds as well as 4 waterfalls, lush vegetation and several endangered species. The park is a perfect place to visit and enjoy all that is on offer.

Durban is a very active city and provides an ideal climate for many sporting activities such as the Comrades Marathon which is the most grueling marathon in the world attracting one of the largest fields of competitors. In addition you have the July Beach Festival, music concerts and many different beach sports. The city has a world-class sporting precinct with Football and Rugby Stadia, international cricket facilities, Olympic size swimming pool, fantastic golf courses set beside the ocean and the new award winning A1 Grand Prix street track.

Durban spans the area from the internationally-known Umhlanga Rocks in the north, to one of the best diving sites in the world, Aliwal Shoal, in the south, and west to the majestic Valley of a Thousand Hills. There is variety of Durban accommodation options from hotels, guest houses, self catering venues to campsites and backpackers accommodation.

Lonely Planet recently listed Durban in its top 10 family beach holiday cities league.

Note: Durban like many major cities around the World suffers from crime and common sense should always prevail. You should be aware of pickpockets in the market areas and along the promenade, and be careful at night.

Places to stay in KwaZulu-Natal | Itineraries in KwaZulu-Natal