South African Hotels

Durban Tourism Information

Quick Facts: Durban

  • International Convention Centre Durban (ICC)
  • uShaka Marine World Park
  • Wilson's Wharf on the Victoria Embankment
  • BAT Centre
  • Many shopping malls
  • Grey Street and the Warwick Triangle feature vibrant locals shops and markets
  • Botanical Gardens
  • The largest city in KwaZulu-Natal
  • Lush sub-tropical landscape

Introducing Durban

The city area includes the following suburbs: City centre, Kloof, Marine Parade, Morningside, Musgrave, North Beach, Pinetown, South Beach and Westville.The city in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is an exciting city in which to work, play, shop, experience the nightlife and to relax.

The International Convention Centre is host to many international and local conferences, exhibitions, meetings and other events.  Leisure facilities abound in the city. Visit the uShaka Marine World Park, Wilson's Wharf on the Victoria Embankment and the nearby BAT centre.

Enjoy fine as well as traditional dining, entertainment and shopping. Many shopping malls invite the visitors with its wide range of different shops while Grey Street and the Warwick Triangle feature vibrant locals shops and markets.  At beachfront stalls, traditional arts and crafts can be found. Excellent entertainment is on offer at theatres and clubs.The city also offers beautiful nature sanctuaries and parks.

The Botanical Gardens in the city are of particular interest.  'Music by the Lake' evenings are presented which comprises of fantastic music played by KwaZulu-Natal's Philharmonic Orchestra in beautiful surrounds.

This is the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal, is a seaside playground in the sun with the warm Indian Ocean, radiant golden sands and lush sub-tropical greenery attracting many visitors every year. The excellent environment and cultural wonders of the Valley of a Thousand Hills, the long and tranquil beaches and up-market ambience of the historical and culturally rich coastal resorts provide a beautiful getaway destination for local and international leisure and business travellers alike.

No less than two World Heritage Sites wait among the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, teeming Bush, endless Beach, and monumental Battlefields which lie within easy reach from the city.

The city of Durban is home to many exciting sightseeing places which visitors enjoy such as the famous uShaka Marine World, which is a marine theme park featuring thrilling ocean activities, rides, an oceanarium, an exciting amusement park, shopping, beach activities and lots more.  Magnificent beaches line the breathtaking coastline of KwaZulu-Natal to which guests of the city are drawn too.  The beaches offer fun to everybody, ranging from safe swimming beaches for families to the wild beaches which attract surfers from all over the world.

The well-known Durban International Convention Center ( ICC) is one of the most technically advanced conference facilities worldwide. Versatility and flexibility are critical factors in the design of this state-of-the-art convention centre which hosts premier international exhibitions and conferences. As large meetings are held in the city and due to the fact of this region of South Africa being a subtropical holiday paradise, the demand for leisure as well as business accommodation in the town is excellent.

Attractions

The city and its surrounding areas feature many exciting attractions for visitors such as the uShaka Marine World and the magnificent Botanical Gardens.

  • Natal Sharks Board
  • uShaka Marine World
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife
  • Beaches
  • Golden Mile
  • Millennium Tower
  • Natural Science Museum
  • Harbor
  • Moses Mabhida Stadium
  • Umgeni River Bird Park
  • Gandhi Centenary Park
  • Temple of Understanding
  • The Indian Quarter
  • Vasco Da Gama Memorial
  • Emmanuel Cathedral
  • Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
  • Greyville Race Course
  • KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Events and surrounds

The city is home to many festivals, sports events, conferences, and exhibitions most of which take place on a yearly basis. Visitors, participants, and conference delegates have a wide selection of accommodation options to choose from in city and its surrounding areas, including Umhlanga and Ballito.

January
Dusi Canoe Marathon

February
Prickly Pear Festival

April
Wild Talk Africa: film festival and conference held in April at the International Convention Center

May

  • The Sardine Run: spectacular annual migration of vast shoals of sardines (May to July)
  • INDABA - International Tourism Exhibition at the Convention Centre

June

  • Comrades Marathon: Marathon race which alternates starting in Durban and Pietermaritzburg
  • Durban Fashion Show: an international showcase for South African fashion designers

July

  • Uprising Festival: at The Warehouse, this festival features a diverse mix of bands
  • Women's Art Festival: takes place at The Playhouse Theater
  • Vodacom Durban July: over 50,000 people gather at Greyville to see and be seen at this prestigious day in the South African horse racing calendar
  • Durban International Film Festival: takes place between the end of July to the beginning of August featuring international and South African films, documentaries and short films
  • Wavescapes: surf film festival

August
Good Food and Wine Show

September

  • Witness Hilton Arts Festival: Hilton College Theater; music, dance, theatre performance and art events during this two-day spectacle
  • Glenwood Festival
  • Mont-aux-Sources Challenge:  long distance cross-country race, starting and finishing in the Royal Natal National Park

October

  • Poetry Africa Festival: poets come to the city to celebrate their art in this annual poetry festival; readings, performance poetry, and book launches take place
  • Homemakers Expo: home improvements and latest interior design trends
  • Pick on Pay Asishove Race: two cycling events which are held at Giba Gorge, just outside the Hillcrest area

November
Nottingham Road Pink Festival: two days of dance, music, theatre, drinks and food and drink

December
Carols by Candlelight in Botanic Gardens.