Durban

Durban Holidays - KwaZulu Natal Tourism
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Durban is KwaZulu-Natal's largest city and the third largest in the country. The naturally formed harbour is the busiest in South Africa, and provides a vital link for trade and industry.

Impressive hotels line what's known as the Golden Mile, a fun-seeker's paradise, where a subtropical carnival atmosphere prevails.

The promenade is a colourful hub dotted with African women selling traditional handicrafts, Zulu rickshaw drivers, leisurely strollers, joggers, sunbathers and surfers surveying the sea swells. Holiday makers are attracted to the year-round summer sunshine playground, which offers an incredible choice of leisure options.

The beaches are protected by shark nets offering secure swimming under the watchful gaze of lifesavers, and there are numerous swimming baths and paddling pools on offer for those not wishing to venture into the Indian Ocean. A whole day can be spent at Water World, which is a firm favourite with children. Yachting and windsurfing are some of the popular water sports as is angling. Organised boat and deep-sea fishing trips are also available.

A visit to uShaka Marine World is a must where sharks, turtles, and stingray to name a few, are on display in large tanks, and many of the marine life are hand-fed by scuba divers in the tanks at meal times. Daily seal and dolphin shows are held at the dolphinarium.

Durban plays an important role in sport in South Africa. Each year the Mr Price Pro competition takes place on the beach, where local and international surfers converge to battle the waves. Greyville Race Course is the venue for the annual July Handicap, South Africa's premier horse race. Thousands of runners from all over the country including foreigners take part in the Comrades Marathon, an annual long-distance running event held between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. King's Park Stadium, home of the Natal Sharks Rugby Team is host to many an international rugby match, and the complex includes a soccer stadium, cricket ground and an Olympic swimming pool. Moses Mabhida Stadium, known as the 'sporting cathedral', is host to the biggest and best sporting events, as well as offering a variety of experiences and attractions for fun-seeking families. Regular golf competitions are held at the Durban Country Club and Beachwood courses.

An Exotic Flavour

Restaurants, pubs, action bars and discos abound, and there are dozens of shops and shopping centres available for non-stop shopping. The Indian Market is a conglomeration of bazaars and stalls selling everything from curries to Indian saris adding a touch of the exotic. Regular tours in and around Durban introduce visitors to it's cultural diversity.

With King Shaka International Airport only 30 minutes away, Durban is the perfect holiday venue for travellers.