The people of Durban are culturally diverse; of African, Western and Eastern influences. The Zulus settled in Durban long before the 1820's and form the largest single ethnic group here. Thereafter the Europeans arrived and there are still many Durbanites of British descent. The Indians were originally brought in as indentured labourers in the 1820s to work in the cane fields and there are more Indians living in Durban than in any other city outside of India. Later, traders, business people and professionals from all over the world followed, and today Durban is the busiest container port in Africa and a top tourist destination in South Africa.

Shakaland
Zululand is the heart of the famous Zulu nation founded by King Shaka. It has a colourful history and a strong culture of traditions which continue to be upheld. To experience the Zulu culture, take a 2-hour drive from Durban to Shakaland and take part in Zulu dancing, spear making and beer drinking. 035 460 0912/www.shakaland.com

Woza eNanda
Meet local residents and visit a few of Durban's important historical sites in the township eNanda. As part of the Woza eNanda tour, you will visit the home of Mahatma Gandhi, as well as the institution where Nelson Mandela cast his first vote, which resulted in a Democratic South Africa. You can also visit a Shembe village. Contact the Inanda Community Tourism Bureau. 031 519 2555

Important Religious Places

• The Jumma Musjid Mosque in central Durban is the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere and can accommodate 5000 people. 031 306 0026
• The Hare Krishna Temple of Understanding in Chatsworth is a beautiful building, designed in the shape of a lotus flower. 031 403 3328
• The Emmanuel Cathedral opened in 1904 in Durban’s inner city. This landmark building was a centre of intense political activity in the 1980s. 031 306 3595

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Outdoor Adventure and Family Fun

•   Durban Skatepark - 133 Lower O R Tambo Parade, Beachfront - 031 335 3700 / nadasenj@durban.gov.za

•   uShaka Marine World - 1 Bell Street - 031 328 8000 / www.ushakamarineworld.co.za

•   Wavehouse - Shop G83, Gateway - 031 584 9400 / kim.perry@wavehouse.co.za / www.wavehouse.co.za

•   Umgeni Steam Railway - 087 808 7715 / www.umgenisteamrailway.co.za

•   Ten Pin Bowling - Gateway - 031 566 5668 / bowlingdisc@gatewayworld.co.za

•   Durban Skatepark - 133 Lower OR Tambo Parade, Beachfront - 031 335 3700 / nadasen@durban.co.za

•   Mini Town - 144 Snell Parade, North Beach - 031 337 7892

•   Bicycle Hire - 914 Umgeni Road, Durban - 031 312 2559 / 082 773 6870 / vikif@vodamail.co.za

•   Rock Climing - The Rock - Gateway - 031 584 9400

•   Science Centre - Gateway - 031 566 8040 / info@gatewayworld.co.za

•   Fantasy Forest - Gateway - 031 566 1897

•   Gateway Skatepark - Shop G83 - 031 584 9400 / kim.perry@wavhouse.co.za / www.wavehouse.co.za

•  Durban Ice Rink - 81 Somtseu Road, North Beach - 031 332 4597 /  info@durbanicearena.co.za, www.durbanicearena.co.za 

•   Ricksha Bus City Tour - 40 Boscombe Place, Beachfront - 031 368 1253 / mashesha@mweb.co.za

•   Sky Adventures - Cato Ridge Airfield - 073 334 7911 / wendy@skyadventures.co.za / www.skyadventures.co.za

•   Sky Dive Durban - Eston, opposite Ithala Private Game Reserve - 072 214 6040 / vernon@skydivedurban.co.za

•   Sugar Terminal - 51 Maydon Road - 031 365 8100

•   Helicopter Rides - Sheltam - Main Terminal, Virginia Airport - 031 563 8361 / flightops@choppers.co.za

• The Bike and Bean Café - The "Bike" element of "The Bike & Bean" will offer rentals of various paraphernalia such as bicycles, skateboards, roller skates and boogie boards for the sportier clientele and umbrellas, deck chairs and/or games for the more leisurely clientele. Also on offer are bicycle city tours, bike lock up facilities and locker hire. With various bicycle accessories on sale such as helmets, spare tubes, water bottles etc. and a workshop on the premises for general maintenance of the equipment and repairs thereto. The workshop will also be able to offer repairs to any walk in clients that may need any on-the-spot repairs such as patching punctures on bicycles or changing of tubes, setting of gears etc. - 290 Snell Parade, Durban, 4025 - 082 773 6870 - Hours: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Segway Tours - Moses Mabhida Stadium Tour,  Moses Mabhida Stadium and Beach Tour , Moses Mabhida Beach Tour , UShaka Beach Tour, Moses Mabhida All Access Tour  - Shop 16A, 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Avenue, Durban, South Africa - 031 303 4534 - Download PDF for more information

• Sky Car - Monday – Sunday 09:00 to 17:00, Last SkyCar Trip at 16:30 - Nomusa Zikode - +27 (0) 31 582 8222 

• Durban Country Club Golf Course - To book a tee time or for any general query, contact the Country Club Pro Shop on 031 313 1719. Download PDF for more information.

Durban boasts a unique range of market experiences. These include pavement vendors selling arts and crafts, street markets selling curries and spices, handmade crafts and everything else in between.

Essenwood Market
You can find everything from local clothing, jewellery and food, to plants and
herbs at this market, which opens every Saturday at Berea Park in Musgrave
from 09h00-14h00. Steven Dlamini Road, Berea - 031 208 1264 / www.essenwoodmarket.com

Shongweni Farmers Market

The Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market in Assagay specialises in organic
foods, fresh produce and traditional crafts. Saturdays, 06h30-10h00.
Cnr Alverstone and Kassier Roads, Shongweni - 083 77 1674 / www.shongwenimarket.co.za

Victoria Street Market
This vibrant Indian Market with its colourful stalls filled with spices, saris and
curios is a favourite with tourists. Open daily. Cnr Denis Hurley & Berta
Mkhiza Streets - 031 306 4021

The Midlands Meander

The Midlands Meander is South Africa's first, largest and most popular arts and crafts route. Weavers, potters, woodcrafters, leather workers, artists, metalworkers, wine makers, herb growers, cheese makers, beer brewers and more can be found along the meander.

Tel. 033 330 8195 / www.midlandsmeander.co.za

I Heart Market
A monthly market that shows off Durban’s creativity, with everything from
original art to edgy T-shirt designs, bespoke interior design items,
independently crafted jewellery and delicious home-prepared meals.
It is held at the most iconic location - Moses Mabhida Stadium - on the
first Saturday of every month. http://iheartmarket.blogspot.com

Wonder Market
Held at Chris Saunders Park near Gateway the Wonder Market promises “food, craft and treasure”. Stalls selling everything from fresh local produce to hand-crafted jewellery, flowers, intricately woven baskets, and clothing. The park has a wonderful setting with trees and flowerbeds creating a pretty backdrop to the stalls and guest bands. Held on the first Sunday of every month - 079-747-7661 / www.wondermarket.co.za

More Durban Markets

• Beach Road Night Market, Beach Road, Amanzimtoti - 031 9037359
• Church Square Market, Opposite City Hall, between Dr Pixley Kaseme and Monty Naicker Streets
• Farmers' Market, Riverside Road, Sports Centre, Amanzimtoti - 031 903 4534
• Stables Fleamarket, Jacko Jackson Drive - 031 312 3752
  Morrison Street Market, 8 Morrison Street, Rivertown Precinct. Open Sundays 08h00-14h00. www.facebook.com/pages/Morrison-Street-Rivertown

The Midlands Meander
The Midlands Meander is South Africa's largest arts and crafts route. Weavers, potters, woodcrafters, leather workers, artists, metalworkers, wine makers, herb growers, cheese makers, beer brewers and more can be found along the meander - 033 330 8195 / www.midlandsmeander.co.za

NATURE RESERVES & GARDENS

Get Out Into The Wild
You don’t have to go far from Durban to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the African bush. There are numerous game reserves and nature reserves up and down the KZN coastline as well as inland. Explore them on horseback, foot or in the comfort of your own vehicle.

The Valley of 1000 Hills
The Valley of 1000 Hills is steeped in Zulu history and offers the most magnificent views. 25-minute drive west of Durban. 47 Old Main Road, Botha’s Hill. 031 777 1874

PheZulu Safari Park
offers game drives, restaurants with views over the valley, a snake and crocodile farm, and authentic Zulu culture, rituals and dancing. 031 777 1000 / www.phezulusafaripark.co.za

Go on safari in the Tala Private Game Reserve, just a 30-minute drive from the Valley of 1000 Hills. Tala offers luxury accommodation and exquisite restaurants. 031 781 8000 / www.tala.co.za

Shongweni, Inanda and Hazelmere Dams
These are three major dams close to the city that provide exciting outdoor experiences. Enjoy game drives, nature trails, bird watching, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, a variety of water sports and relaxing at scenic picnic sites. 031 766 9946 / www.msinsi.co.za

Durban Botanical Gardens
The Durban Botanical Gardens was established in 1849 and is one of Africa's oldest gardens. Situated close to the city centre, it is home to a collection of sub-tropical trees, palms and orchids.  It has lakes, ponds, a fern dell, a sunken garden, palm walk and the Living Beehive. The Living Beehive was a joint Cop17 legacy project, an extraordinary walk-through physical steel structure covered with a living room and walls made up of indigenous plant species. Sydenham Road. 031 322 4000 www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za

uMngeni Green Hub
The Green Hub is Durban's central portal for eco-tourism information and bookings. Based at the uMngeni River Estuary, near the mangrove swamps, the Hub arranges canoe trails, nature and heritage trails in the area and throughout Durban, and has bikes for hire. Open 09h00-17h00 daily. Blue Lagoon Park, Stiebel Place. 082 492 6804

More Nature Reserves & Gardens

• Beachwood Mangroves - 031 274 1150/082 559 2839 - Book by appointment
• Paradise Valley Game Reserve - 031 702 3443 – Open: 07h30 - 17h00
• Palmiet Nature Reserve - 031 203 70675 – Open: 07h00 - 15h30
• Inanda Nature Reserve - 031 766 9946 – Open: 05h00 - 19h00
• Crinkley Bottom Park and Lodge - 031 763 4149
• Jamieson Park - 031 303 2275 – Open: 07h30 – 16h00

SPAS

• African Sensations Solar Spa. Tel. 031 207 5564 - bookings@africansensations.co.za
• Armani Day Spa. Tel. 031 916 6744 - rianette@armanispa.co.za
• Art of Beauty. Tel. 031 916 7019 - art.of beauty@telkomsa.net
• Bali Grand Spa. Tel. 031 903 8790 - garth@baligrand.co.za
• Beauty Treats Spa. Tel. 031 572 3389 - nashika@digiclub.co.za
• Beauty Treats Spa. Tel. 031 572 3389 - nashika@digiclub.co.zaKimaya Day Spa. Tel. 031 266 9885 - info@kimayaspa.co.za / www.kimayaspa.co.za
• Limelight Spa. Tel. 031 463 1044 - limelightspa.co.za / www.limelightspa.co.za
• Makaranga Spa. Tel. 031 764 94344 - reservations@africanpridehotels.com
• Mangwanani Sibaya African Day Spa. Tel. 0860 55 00 55 - thandekam@mangwanani.co.za / www.mangwanani.co.za
• Palm Boulevard. Tel. 031 566 6936 - info@pallm-boulevard.co.za
• Polished Body Spa. Tel. 031 561 1750 - info@polishedbodyspa.co.za
• Riverside Spa. Tel. 031 563 7327 - spariverside@iafrica.com / www.riversidespa.co.za
• Rosewater Spa. Tel. 031 811 3007 - info@rosewaterspa.co.za
• Sanaquam Urban Sanctuary Spa. Tel. 086 199 9181 - reception1@sanaquam.com
• Sandawana Spa. Tel. 031 764 2978 - salon@sandawana-spa.com
• Spa on Fairway. Tel. 031 573 1700 - enquiries@healthspa.co.za
• Suncoast Spa. Tel. 031 314 7900 - suncoastspa1@southernsun.com
• The Spa at the Oyster Box. Tel. 031 514 5072 - spa@oysterbox.co.za

You can party all night in Durban! Just be sure to stay awake and watch the beautiful sunrise over the warm Indian Ocean the next day.

Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World
One of the biggest entertainment centres in Durban, ‘Suncoast’ houses casinos, restaurants and cinemas, the popular nightclub Café Vacca Matta, conference facilities and a hotel. It is located opposite the world-renowned Moses Mabhida Stadium and close to several other hotels along the beachfront.
Suncoast Boulevard, Marine Parade - 031 328 3000

Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom
This landmark Zulu-inspired casino has over 1000 slots, just over 24 touch-bet roulette machines, as well as roulette, blackjack and poker tables. It also includes the iZulu Theatre, Krakatoa nightclub, and the Mangwanani Sibaya luxurious day spa. Sibaya is a 25 minute-drive north of Durban.
1 Sibaya Drive - 031 580 5000

More Night Clubs

• Joe Cool’s - 137 Lower Marine Parade - 031 332 9697
• Tiger Tiger – Growthpoint Rugby Stadium - 031 303 9762
• The Boulevard – 153 Florida Road - 031 303 763
• Vacca Matta - Suncoast Casino - 031 368 535
• Origin, 9 Clark Road, Glenwood – 031 201 9959
• Tokyo, Harvey Road - 072 380 0790
• Absolute, 258 Florida Road
• Rocca Bar, Balance Road – 082 561 8889
• Fuego, 11 Albert Terrace – 083 395 5220
• Cape To Cairo, Mahatma Ghandi Road - 031 368 3517

Theatres

• Barnyard Theatre - Shop F222, Gateway - 031 566 3045
• BAT Centre - 45 Maritime Place, Small Craft Habour - 031 332 0451
• Catalina Theatre - 18 Boatman Road, Wilson's Wharf - 031 305 6889
• Elizabeth Sneddon - UKZN, Howard College Campus - 031 260 2296
• iZulu Theatre - Sibaya Casino & Entertainment - 031 580 5555
• The Playhouse - Cnr Anton Lembede & Acutt Streets - 031 369 955

Durban is one of the few cities in the world that offers world-class surfing waves right on its doorstep. Because our waters are warm all year round, you can enjoy many other ocean-activities such as swimming, jet skiing, canoeing, windsurfing, kite surfing and fishing. Durban's mild weather makes it both a summer and winter holiday destination.

Surfing
Good surfing conditions can be found along the length of Durban beachfront, particularly New Pier, North Beach and Battery Beach. For more experienced surfers, the Bluff and North Coast offer powerful breaking waves and the South Coast is home to some world-class point breaks.

uShaka Marine World and Sea World Aquarium
This spectacular aquarium is designed as an underwater shipwreck and is one of the five largest aquariums in the world, with a Dolphinarium, dive tank and a reef for snorkelers. uShaka Wet 'n Wild offers heart-stopping water slides and a 450 m river ride that takes you past the shark tank. uShaka Village Walk features an interesting mix of shops and restaurants, and don’t miss fine dining on the 'Phantom Ship'. 031 328 8000 / www.ushakamarineworld.co.za

KZN Sharks Board
The KZN Sharks Board in Umhlanga has a display hall with life-size replicas of sharks, fish and rays. They offer a 25-minute presentation on the work they do and the importance of sharks in the marine ecosystem. You can also experience a 20-minute shark dissection. 031 566 0400/www.shark.co.za

Scuba Diving

• African Dive - Ifracombe, Umkomaas - 082 889 9403 - www.africadive.co.za
• Aliwal Dive Centre - 4 Salisbury Road, Umkomaas - 039 973 5025 - www.aliwaldivecentre.co.za
• Calypso Diving - uShaka Marine World - 1 King Shaka Ave, 4056 - 031 332 0905 - www.calypsoushaka.co.za - Dives cost R 280.00, if you are diving on Fontao or Coopers Wreck, there is a R40.00 distance surcharge totalling R320.00.  Night Dives are R350.00.  Air fills are included in the dive. They fill Nixtrox and have Scubapro gear for hire at R50.00 per item or R250.00 for full kit.
• Oceanworx - 1 Maclean Street, Umkomaas - 039 973 2578 - www.oceanworx.co.za
• Underwater World - Mahatma Gandhi Road - 031 332 5820

Xpression on the Beach - Surf and SUP lessons and Board Rental
074 134 1232 - 17 Erskine Terrace, Addington Beach, Durban - Download PDF for more information

Shopping Malls

• Arbour Crossing - Oppenheimer Road, Amanzimtoti - 031 904 2064
• Galleria - Cnr Moss Kolnik and Arbour Roads, Amanzimtoti - 031 904 2233
• Gateway - New Town Centre, Umhlanga - 031 514 0500
• La Lucia Mall - 90 William Campbell Drive, La Lucia - 031 562 8420
• Windermere Centre, 163 Lilian Ngoyi Rd - 031 312 5959
• Musgrave Centre - 115 Musgrave Road, Berea - 031 201 5129
• Pavilion - Jack Martens Drive, Westville - 031 275 9800
• The Workshop - Samora Machel Street, CBD - 031 304 9894
• Westwood Mall - 16 Lincoln Terrace, Westville - 031 279 2160

Car Hire

• Avis Car Rental - 031 452 3500 - www.avis.co.za
• Budget Rent a Car - 031 561 6073 - www.buget.co.za
• Europcar - 031 304 9023 / 031 408 1809 - www.europcar.co.za
• First Car Rental - 031 335 8400 / 0861 178 227 - www.firstcarrental.co.za
• Hertz Car Hire - 031 580 5555 - www.hertz.co.za
• Imperial Car Hire - 031 263 1260 - www.imperialcarrental.co.za
• Tempest Car - 031 408 1416 / 031 368 5231 - www.tempestcarhire.co.za

Metered Taxis

• Bunny Cabs - 031 332 2914
• Checker Radio Taxis - 031 465 5573 - checkertaxis@mweb.co.za
• Comfort Cabs - 031 564 0996 - comfortcabs@webmail.co.za
• Eagle Taxis - 031 337 8333 / 0800 330 336 - touring@eagleafrica.co.za
• Mozzie Cabs - 086 066 9943 - brad@mozzie.co.za
• Umhlanga Express - 082 268 0651 / 083 555 5324 - umhlanga-express@live.com
• Zippy Cabs - 031 202 7067 - zippycabs@mweb.co.za

Consulates

• Angola - 324 Florida Road, Morningside - 031 312 6516
• Australia - Buro Crescent, Mayville - 012 423 6000
• Austria - 10a Princess Anne Place, Glenwood - 031 261 6233
• Belgium - Sunrise Close, Morningside - 031 303 2840/1
• Canada - Suite 9, Tinsley Height, 225 Musgrave Road, Berea - 031 202 3432
• Chile - 67 Venice Road, Berea - 031 202 3432
• China - 45 Stirling Crescent, Durban North - 031 563 4534
• Denmark - 185 Cato Road, Glenwood - 031 202 9396/7
• France - 031 573 1554
• Germany - Deloitte & Touche House, 2 Devonshire Place - 031 266 3920
• Greece - 671 Margaret Mncadi Road - 031 301 4880/1
• Hungary - 031 251 4000
• India- 2nd Floor, 1 Kingsmead Blvd, Kingsmead Office Park - 031 332 7020/1
• Italy - The Embassy Building, 199 Anton Lembede Street - 031 368 4388/98
• Korea - 031 563 6280
• Lesotho - 2nd Floor, Westguard House, Cnr Dr Pixley Kaseme & Dorothy Nyembe Streets - 031 307 2323
• Madagascar - 467 Innes Road, Morningside - 031 312 9704
• Malta - 285 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Glenashley - 031 572 2041
• Mauritius - 11th Floor, Mercury House, 320 Anton Lembede Street - 031 305 1744
• Mozambique - Room 2719, 27th Floor, 320 Dr Pixley Kaseme Street - 031 304 0200
• Netherlands - Standard Bank Building, 135 Musgrave Road - 031 266 9291
• Norway/Sweden - Sanlam Centre, Musgrave - 031 303 5212
• Pakistan - 6 Durban Club Place - 031 304 8836
• Philippines - 031 301 7041
• Poland - 031 266 9792
• Portugal - Suite 1612, 320 Dr Pixley Kaseme Street - 031 572 7705
• Romania - 031 267 2228
• Spain - 10a Poynton Place, Musgrave - 031 208 7737
• Switzerland - 031 568 2457
• United Kingdom - 68 Armstrong Avenue, La Lucia Ridge - 031 572 7259
• United States of America - 31st Floor Old Mutual Centre, 303 Dr Pixley Kaseme Street - 031 305 7600

Medical

•   24-hr Trauma Hospital - 031 204 1377

•   Addington Hospital - 031 327 2000

•   Albert Luthuli Hospital - 031 240 1000

•   Crompton Hospital, Pinetown - 031 702 0777

•   Entabeni Hospital - 031 204 1300

•   Kingsway Hospital - 031 904 7000

•   McCord's Hospital - 031 268 5700

•   Parklands - 031 242 4000

•   St Augustine's - 031 268 5000

•   Umhlanga Hospital - 031 560 5000

•   Westville Hospital - 031 265 0911

Ushaka Marine World

Games

•   TEN PIN BOWLING

•   MINI GOLF

•   GO KART RACING

•   POOL TABLES

•   VIDEO GAME ARCADE

At Gateway Theatre of Shopping Tel: (031) 566 2332

Mini Excursions

Valley of a Thousand Hills- 25 minutes Heritage Market, Old Main Rd, Hillcrest - 20 min Crocworld, Scottburgh Tel: (039) 976 1103

Hare Krishna Temple, Chatsworth (031) 403 3328 Tala Game Reserve Tel: (031) 781 8000

Helicopter Trips

Tel: (031) 563 9513

Deep Sea Fishing

Its a great afternoon, the suns out, the miss is nagging and doing your head in. So you gather your troupes via a couple of short phonecalls and excuse yourself for a tame afternoon of fishing with the boys. What the ladies wont understand is that this is a male bonding/commradery session of note, a nice yacht, some sunscreen, warm clothes, lots of liquid and pills [just in case you get the dreaded sea sickness or better yet the preventative pill] obviously your 'fishing' equipment and don’t forget your six pack of ice cold beers. Think the river runs through it, only a upgraded, mid sea version. You and your men going out to sea, great music blaring from your super cool yacht [hired or rented] will do just as nicely,[be prepared for petrol costs, they can be wicked]. Mid sea, there you are ,wind through your hair, feeling relaxed ,light hearted banter and the competitive streak kicks in, who's going to be the first to catch something? who will catch the most? who will catch the rarest fish? or the biggest? As the afternoon drifts on, the fun and talks will continue, maybe getting deeper [or depending on alcohol consumption] lose all meaning and drift into light hearted silliness. By the time you return to shore all will be forgiven, all will have settled into perspective, you'll have something great to make for dinner. Maybe you'll even spot a Coelacanth who knows. The possibilities are endless.

Boat Cruises

Hakuna Matata - 031 301 1953 - enquires@hmcharters.co.za - The Marina, Harbour

Ocean Safaris - 084 565 5328 - infor@airandoceansafaris.co.za - uShaka Marine World

Isle of Capri - 031 305 3099 - bsjvr@mailbox.co.za - 17-18 Boatmans Road, Wilson's Wharf

Royal Natal Yacht Club - 031 301 5425 - club@rnyc.org.za - Yacht Mall, Margaret Mncadi Road

Aquarazia - 082 519 5000 - dynoman@iafrica.co.za - The Marina, Harbour