Destination overview

Durban is a sophisticated cosmopolitan city where east meets west - a city beneath which beats the pulse of Africa. Durban is the playground of the Zulu Kingdom. It's an exciting place to discover, shop, experience the nightlife, explore natural and cultural marvels, and to relax. Durban Metro beckons visitors to this sublime paradise and the addition of three invaluable elements to the ever-evolving, ever-widening portfolio of irresistible attractions makes this a holiday destination with something for everyone.

Here you will find the magnificent environment and cultural wonders of the Valley of a Thousand Hills, the long and tranquil beaches of the South, and the up-market ambience of the historic and culturally-rich Umhlanga.

Leisure facilities abound in Durban. Visit uShaka Marine World, Wilson's Wharf on the Victoria Embankment and the nearby BAT centre. Enjoy fine and traditional dining, entertainment and shopping in scenic surroundings where you can shop til you drop in modern shopping malls. Grey Street and the Warwick Triangle boast vibrant local shops and markets, while beachfront stalls sell traditional arts and crafts.

Enjoy the excellent entertainment at the city's theatres and clubs or take a township tour. Durban Metro is where the proud Zulu nation meets East and West - a wealth of influences to entertain and enthral with traditional warrior dancers, mystic fire-walkers and colonial heritage. Sample the unique vibrancy of township life, the finest curries outside India and a calendar filled with thrilling, spectacular events.

Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, Durban Metro after dark is abuzz with elegant lounges, funky taverns and cosy inns, distinctive local theatre and live music, trendy clubs, pubs and discos. Dance until dawn and catch the sun rise over the vast Indian Ocean horizon - this is nightlife in a modern, authentic African metropolis.

But, if it's peace and sheer beauty you are after, head for Durban's nature sanctuaries and parks. The Botanical Gardens are of particular interest - ask about their Music by the Lake evenings - wonderful music played by KZN's Philharmonic Orchestra in stunning surrounds.

Africa's bewitching seaside playground in the sun, Durban has, from its earliest days, possessed a special charm - a certain mystique that adds something extra to the meeting of warm Indian Ocean, radiant golden sands and lush sub-tropical greenery. Just a breath away from central Durban, the expansive evergreen western inland route opens her arms for you to explore and enjoy. Zululand Safari and Game Parks, the Battlefields Route, the Drakensberg Mountain Range (Barrier of Spears) and the Coastal Routes (Dolphin and Sapphire Coasts) are all within a day trip away.

While the estate golf courses inland feature high on the list, you can also tee-off alongside the ocean or pause on the green as the field thunders by on race day. But should you fancy entertainment of the indoors variety, there are always the slot machines and gaming tables of Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom.

All the delights of the city are linked by efficient transport services - the same network that connects you with the star attractions a little further afield. No less than two World Heritage Sites wait among the majestic Berg, teeming Bush, endless Beach and monumental Battlefields that lie within easy reach. The outer west area of the city extends from Kloof inland and includes the beautiful Valley of 1,000 Hills, up the winding and picturesque Botha's Hill.

Botha's Hill, midway between the beaches of Durban and the Kwa Zulu Natal provincial capital Pietermaritzburg, enjoys the most commanding views on the coastal side of the Drakensberg. At about 800 metres above sea level, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Berg and the ships on the Indian Ocean.

Overlooking the world-famous Valley of 1,000 Hills with its living Zulu museum and many other cultural and natural attractions, Botha's Hill is on the route of the Comrades Marathon and Dusi Canoe Race. Named after Carolina Botha who opened the first inn there in 1849 to cater to wagoners, Botha's Hill has maintained this spirit of hospitality.

Shongweni Dam, Game Reserve and Polo Grounds are nearby, as are Inanda and Nagle Dams as well as Tala Game Reserve. On a clear day the views into the great valley are breathtaking, and you must take a visit to a traditional Zulu homestead where you can learn more about the Zulu culture.

Make time to travel along the wagon route of yesteryear from Durban into the hinterland. It is a leisurely wander that needs to be enjoyed in an unhurried manner. Surrounded by thousands of hills that literally roll as far as the eye can see, it is easy to ascertain how the route got its name. The views create a breathtaking backdrop to the wealth of creative talent in the area. On the 1,000 Hills Experience you can visit an authentic Zulu cultural village, take in a host of interesting bric-a-brac shops, stop off at curio stalls, have lunch or simply sip tea in some of the magnificent tea gardens and restaurants overlooking those thousands of hills.

Also out this way are many shopping centres such as the much-enjoyed Hillcrest Heritage Market with its beautiful rose gardens - a perfect place for a Sunday breakfast with the family, or after your mountain bike ride through Giba Gorge!

Amanzimtoti is situated to the south of the centre of Durban and is a popular seaside destination for the family. Follow the beaches at Doonside, Warner Beach, Winkelspruit and Illovo leading to Metro Durban's southern boundary at the Mkomazi River. Named the Place of Whales by King Shaka after marvelling at the giant creatures basking in the river mouth, the broad Mkomazi River's southern bank is crowned by the spectacularly sited town of Umkomaas.

Umkomaas is worth an extra mention because 5 kilometres offshore lies the internationally-renowned scuba-diving combination of Aliwal Shoal and the Nebo - a steamer that sank in 1884.

Zulu Kingdom is a holiday destination unlike any other - a vast array of thrilling adventures - beginning with the charismatic, multi-faceted and progressive Durban, a city the Zulu people know as Thekweni. When you come to visit you’ll find so much to see and do you’ll have to manage some cunning planning to fit it all in!