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Durban — travel, stays & events guide
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Durban, South AfricaOpen-Meteo forecast.
Durban city overview
Durban is South Africa's subtropical Indian Ocean city, famous for its warm surf beaches and the country's largest Indian community outside India.
City facts
Airport baseKing Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Known forDurban Golden Mile, uShaka Marine World, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban Botanic Gardens
RegionSouth AfricaSouth Africa
Time zoneAfrica/Johannesburglocal time
Founded100historical origin
City history
Archaeological evidence from the Drakensberg mountains suggests that the Durban area has been inhabited by communities of hunter-gatherers since 100,000 BP.
He named the area Natal, meaning "Christmas" in Portuguese. Abambo people In 1686, a ship from the Dutch East India Company named Stavenisse was wrecked off the eastern coast of South Africa.
On 28 October 1689, the galiot Noord travelled from Table Bay to the Bay of Natal to fetch the surviving crew of the Stavenisse and to negotiate a deal for purchasing the bay.
A formal contract was drawn up by Laurens van Swaanswyk and signed by the chief of the Abambo people, with the crew of the Stavenisse acting as translators. First European settlers By 1822, James.
On a return trip to the Cape in 1823, they were caught in a severe storm and decided to risk the Bar and anchor in the Bay of Natal.
The modern city of Durban thus dates from 1824, when the settlement was established on the northern shores of the bay near today's Farewell Square.
During a meeting of 35 European residents in Fynn's territory on 23 June 1835, it was decided to build a capital town and name it "D'Urban" after Sir Benjamin D'Urban, who was the governor.
The force arrived on 4 May 1842 and built a fortified camp that was later known as The Old Fort.
On 4 May 1843, Britain annexed the Natalia Republic after prior negotiations with Voortrekker leaders, annexing Natal eight days later.
In 1844, Natal became a district of the Cape Colony under a lieutenant-governor. Durban's historic regalia When the Borough of Durban was proclaimed in 1854, the council had to procure a seal for official.
The crew became fluent in the tribe's language and witnessed their customs.
Farewell & Company entire and full possession in perpetuity” of a tract of land including "the port or harbour of Natal" and land extending 16 km (10 mi) south of the Bay, 40 km.
Only six of the original eighteen would-be settlers remained, and these six can be regarded as the founders of Port Natal as a British colony.
Zulu-Voortrekker tensions led Governor George Thomas Napier, fearing the loss of Port Natal, to dispatch a force under Captain Thomas Charlton Smith to establish British rule in Natal.
Worth seeing
Durban Golden Mile
Durban Golden Mile is a named stop in Durban worth keeping on the route when it fits the day's transport, timing and neighborhood plan.
uShaka Marine World
uShaka Marine World is a named stop in Durban worth keeping on the route when it fits the day's transport, timing and neighborhood plan.
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Moses Mabhida Stadium is a practical event or leisure landmark in Durban; check schedules and access before pairing it with the rest of the day.
Durban Botanic Gardens
Durban Botanic Gardens adds outdoor time to a Durban stay, with open space, views or waterfront breathing room between denser city sights.
Victoria Street Market
Victoria Street Market gives Durban a concrete street-life stop, with food, everyday shopping and local movement that helps visitors read the city.
Umhlanga Rocks
Umhlanga Rocks gives Durban a greener or more scenic stop, useful when the route needs views, shade, walking space or a slower hour.
Stay overview
Base along the Golden Mile for an easy first Durban stay near the beach, uShaka Marine World and Moses Mabhida Stadium, or choose Umhlanga for calmer beaches and shopping malls. Berea and Morningside suit travelers wanting quieter, hillside stays with easy access to the centre.
Hotels & areas
Durban hotel choice depends on priorities: the Golden Mile suits first-time visitors wanting beach access and central sights, Umhlanga suits upscale beach stays near the airport, and Berea or Morningside suit business travelers and longer, quieter stays.
Golden Mile / Beachfront
The Golden Mile beachfront runs along Durban's main promenade, lined with hotels, surf schools and the uShaka Marine World aquarium.
Best for: first visits, beaches, familiesCompare staysUmhlanga
Umhlanga is an upscale beach suburb north of the centre, known for its lighthouse, malls and calmer stretches of sand.
Best for: beaches, shopping, upscale staysCompare staysBerea
Berea is a leafy hillside district above downtown, offering guesthouses and views back over the city and harbour.
Best for: quiet stays, viewsCompare staysMorningside
Morningside is a central residential area near restaurants and offices, convenient for business travelers wanting a quieter base.
Best for: business trips, longer staysCompare staysFlights & airports
King Shaka International Airport (DUR) arrival plan
- King Shaka International Airport (DUR)King Shaka International Airport, Durban, South Africa
King Shaka International Airport sits around 35 kilometres north of the city near Umhlanga, connected by the Airport Shuttle bus and metered taxis.
Rental cars
Durban day-trip car use
A rental car helps for day trips along the KwaZulu-Natal coast or into the Midlands, though the Golden Mile and Umhlanga are easily covered on foot or by taxi.
Compare rental carsTravel tips
Best base
Choose the Golden Mile for beach access and central sights, or Umhlanga for a calmer beach base near the airport.
Bunny chow
Try bunny chow, Durban's signature curry-filled bread loaf, at one of the city's long-running Indian restaurants.
Airport transfers
Take the Airport Shuttle bus or a metered taxi from King Shaka International Airport for the roughly 40-minute ride into town.
Beach safety
Swim at lifeguard-patrolled beaches along the Golden Mile and check flag warnings, since currents can be strong.
Nearby ideas
Nature
Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg Mountains rise a few hours inland, offering dramatic hiking and views for travelers extending beyond the coast.
Wildlife
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is a Big Five game reserve north of Durban, one of the best places in South Africa to see rhino.
Nature
Valley of a Thousand Hills
The Valley of a Thousand Hills offers scenic Zulu cultural villages and viewpoints on a half-day trip inland from the city.
Upcoming events
No upcoming Durban events in the shared event index yet.