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KwaZulu-Natal. Always More - Wozani |
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The metropolis of Durban is the key city and kick-off point of any visit to KwaZulu-Natal. It is a bustling, subtropical city on the shores of the warm Indian Ocean, and is the second largest city in the country. The Durban/Pinetown conurbation is the largest, and fastest growing commercial centre in the province. The richness of the vegetation is evidence of year-round warmth. The city and its surrounds are resplendent in the colours of indigenous and exotic flowering trees, shrubs and gardens. As a meeting place of east and west, Durban offers a wealth of exciting cultural differences - from African to European to Asian - in a colourful conglomeration. Architectural variety is expressed in the Victorian houses of the Berea, in the Hindu temples, the largest Mosque in the Southern Hemisphere in Grey Street, the skyscrapers in the CBD. The well-known Grey Street area also provides the visitor with the pungent perfumes of curries and spices, and the exotic colours of Indian women in traditional dress as Durban is home to the largest Indian population outside of India. Durban itself is surrounded by African township communities with their own rich and colourful cultural activities, and which have a strong impact on the city’s culture. There are numerous murals designed by township groups adorning walls throughout the city. In recent times the townships have become a popular destination for foreign visitors and a number of tour companies offer trips through these areas. Here visitors can experience typically vibrant African neighbourhoods where music plays night and day, goats and chickens wander the streets, and the many taverns provide a warm welcome. The harbour, once a natural lagoon, is the largest and busiest in South Africa today. The bay also gives Durban its Zulu name, eThekwini. Durban, already established as a gateway to the Indian Ocean as well as to the rest of Africa, has the potential to become a leading global city. Visitors arriving by boat enter the harbour mouth between the piers and against the green backdrop of the Bluff, a long unspoilt forested pennisula which provides protection from ocean winds. From the harbour there are uninterrupted views across the central city up to the residential Berea Ridge, dotted with the pinks and purples of jacaranda and tibouchina, the yellows of cassia, the reds of the flamboyant trees and the dark shiny greens of palms. Across the Point from the harbour lies the Durban beachfront, or the Golden Mile, so named due to the large number of hotels, restaurants, night clubs, curio sellers and dozens of other attractions which can be found there. The area is also the beginning of the Durban beaches which stretch from the Point northwards as far as the eye can see. Sailing, snorkelling, scuba, swimming, surfing, fishing - all of these activities and more are on offer. Along with watersports, the city also provides a wealth of music, theatre, museums, art galleries, monuments, shopping centres, sports stadia and, of course, Durban’s famous nightlife. Further inland from the city one eventually reaches the steep slopes and plunging gorges of the beautiful Valley of 1000 Hills where rural communities live according to age-old traditions. Here are situated craft villages, safari parks and sites offering traditional Zulu dancing. Durban affords an ideal meeting place for mega-conventions and its multi-million rand International Convention Centre and adjoining luxury Hilton Hotel complex is the focal point of a booming conference industry. The adjacent Durban Exhibition Centre adds even greater possibilities to these facilities.
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KwaZulu-Natal. Always More - Wozani |
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www.tourism-kzn.org - the official web site of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority |
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EMail: info@tourism-kzn.org. Telephone: (+27 31) 304 7144. Fax: (+27 31) 305 6693 |
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Postal Address: KZNTA, P.O. Box 2516, Durban 4000, South Africa |
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Street Address: 303 Tourist Junction, 160 Pine Street, Durban 4001, South Africa |
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Copyright © KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority and Zula Rock 1998-2000, except where otherwise noted. |
