Travel Guide
A natural port that has grown into one of South Africa's best-known and most popular coastal resorts. This sub-tropical city where East meets West has long stretches of sandy beaches and a beautiful, soft climate which attracts visitors throughout the year.This great holiday paradise is a melting pot of Indian, African, Asian and European influences, which has led to a myriad of styles.
Full Name
Durban
Former Name
Port Natal
Government Type
Republic
Area Size
2,292 km²
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +2 hours
Climate
Durban is famed for its mild, sunny winter climate and year-round "fun-in-the-water" weather. We have an abundance of vegetation and a subtropical climate with sunshine for at least 320 days a year. Temperatures range from 16°C and 25°C during the winter months of June, July and August. Summer temperatures can reach 32°C with relatively high humidity during the hot season.
Languages
South Africa has 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho. English is widely spoken.
Culture
Durban has a lively arts scene, which reflects the city's cultural diversity - it offers a rich choice of African, Indian and western entertainment.
History
The Portuguese seafarer Vasco da Gama arrived at the bay of the Durban of today on Christmas Eve in the year 1497, and called it "Terra do Natal", Christmas Country. Because the Portuguese had already established a good port at Maputo, they were not interested in settling in a bay surrounded by mangrove swamps and dense coastal forests. Only sporadically some pirates and ivory or slave dealers laid anchor, and it was much later, in the year 1824, that a proper settlement started, initially named "Port Natal". It was founded by merchants from the Cape Colony under the leadership of Henry Francis Fynn, who had reached a contractual agreement with the mighty Zulu King Shaka authorising them to establish a trading station. In 1835 the town was named Durban after the Cape Governor of the time, Sir Benjamin D'Urban.
Travel Information
The national airline is South African Airways (SAA). There are frequent direct and indirect flights by numerous major airlines from destinations throughout Europe and North America. Durban (DUR) (Durban International) is 18km southwest of the city (journey time - 20 minutes). Airport shuttle buses and taxis are available to the city. Facilities: Duty-free shop, car hire, bank/bureau de change, ATMs and bar/restaurant. Cruises are offered by various companies between South Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. There are main routes into South Africa from Botswana (via Ramatlabama), Lesotho, Mozambique (via Komatipoort), Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe (via Beitbridge). The major bus companies run services to and from the capital cities of neighbouring countries.
Getting Around
The Durban International Airport receives direct flights from various international destinations. Various domestic services fly frequently from the airport. These include Kulula, OneTime, SA Express and SAA. Inter-city coaches and trains are reasonably priced and depart daily for various destinations, Greyhound, Baz Bus and Magic Bus. Within Durban the Mynah Bus, is a frequent and reliable local bus service that ferries passengers between the north and south beaches, the CBD and surrounding suburbs. Taxi services include Mozzie cabs, Bunny cabs and Eagle Taxis. Mini bus taxis are also available, but there's an art to catching them. Car rental is available through all the usual companies - Avis, Hertz.
Health & Safety
Travellers arriving in South Africa from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate; otherwise no vaccination is required. There is a malaria risk in northeastern Kwa-Zulu Natal, and precautions are advised when travelling to these areas. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Tap water is safe in urban areas but sterilisation is advisable elsewhere, as there are periodic outbreaks of cholera in the poor communities of rural South Africa, particularly in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal. Drug-resistant TB has been reported throughout the country. Food poisoning is rare. Medical facilities in South Africa are good, but medical insurance is strongly advised as private hospitals expect cash upfront and public hospitals are best avoided. Visitors to South Africa should be aware of the country's high incidence of crime. Although this tends to be concentrated in pockets throughout the country, for example in the township areas, opportunistic crime is fairly widespread. Travellers should always be aware of these risks and exercise the necessary precautions. Doors should be locked when driving and one should not walk alone at night in city streets, isolated beaches or remote areas. Vigilance when using ATMs and carrying valuables. It is worthwhile noting that the South African authorities do give high priority to the protection of tourists.
National Holidays
1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 21 Mar - Human Rights Day. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 9 Apr - Family Day. 27 Apr - Freedom Day. 1 May - Workers Day. 16 Jun - Youth Day. 9 Aug - National Women's Day. 24 Sep - Heritage Day. 16 Dec - Day of Reconciliation. 25 Dec - Christmas Day. 26 Dec D- ay of Goodwill.
Currency
Rand
Electricity
220/240 volts AC
Working Hours
Office hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm.
Emergency Numbers
10177 (Ambulance) 10111 (Fire & Police)
