Durban is a truly cosmopolitan city. In KwaZulu-Natal, the Zulu king reigns over the Zulu people, but you will also find many reminders of the time when Queen Victoria was the reigning queen of the land. In addition, wherever you go in Durban, you will be aware of the large Indian population, descendents of the Indians who came to South Africa to work in the sugar cane fields. Durban, with its warm tropical climate, is epitomised by the sea, surf and sun. The best accommodation is in one of the many hotels along the "Golden Mile" of beach front, but take care not to book into one of the hotels two or three streets back as these establishments are invariably not very savoury. Many of the beachfront hotels have open air coffee shops and restaurants overlooking the beach where you can spend many lazy hours. All along the beachfront you will find Zulu ladies sitting on their mats and chatting amongst themselves as they create beautiful beaded hats, bowls, doilies and other items. Spread out on a cloth in front of them or laid out in a stall are an array of curios. Prices here are fairly reasonable but you can compare prices and should bargain down if you feel the price is too high. Also on the beachfront are the rickshaw carts. There used to be rows of these carts lined up with each rickshaw puller whistling and shouting to attract your attention. Now there are only about twenty registered rickshaw-pullers in Durban as the cheaper and faster three-wheeler "tuk-tuks" have taken away much of their business. The ride in a rickshaw is really special and the pullers in their magnificent head-dresses adorned with beads and other decorations, whoop and whistle as leap up and down pulling you down the Beachfront. They have an additional charge if you want your photograph taken sitting in the cart, but it is well worth the price to have the picture. The rickshaw ride is a little scary as you feel that you may topple over, but it is unique to Durban and must be experienced. uShaka Marine World in Mahatma Ghandi Street is a theme park with a dolphinarium and large aquaria, a water-based adventure park and a shopping mall. uShaka Marine World has the largest and most modern aquarium in the southern hemisphere, with underground viewing galleries extending 500 meters through a series of four superbly designed old ship wrecks. The aquarium contains many types of fish, including several sharks, amongst them the spotted ragged-tooth. Marine World presents dolphin shows, seal shows, penguin presentations, shark dives and ray feeding, both day and night. uShaka Marine Village Walk is also a great shopping location with over 80 speciality stores and restaurants. The Cargo Hold Restaurant, in the stern of the Phantom Ship, with super views of the ocean and the shark tank, is one of the very best places to dine in Durban. The setting is spectacular and the food matches the setting. Booking is essential. The Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa, is just 10 minutes outside Durban center, and close to the Umgeni River Bird Park with its walk-through aviaries, waterfalls and rock faces. The main feature at the park is a conservation promoting free-flight show including Macaws, a Cape Vulture and the endangered Wattled Crane. This is always a good show. For those who are adventurous, a climb over the high arches of the Moses Mabhida Stadium offers a spectacular view of Durban and surroundings. This is similar to the bridge walk in Sydney.
Many street and area names in Durban have changed in the past decade and some people still use the old names, which causes confusion. Victoria Street Market, now simply called "The Vic" is still a great place for finding bargain clothing, leather goods, jewelry and spices, but nothing can beat the "Indian Quarter" or what used to be known as the "Grey Street" area, filled with Indian women in sari's, men in both modern and traditional dress against a background of high-pitched Indian music. Textrim is one of several fabric shops selling glittering, glossy sari material at give-away prices. Madressa Arcade in the Grey Street area is a narrow alley of tiny shops and goods spilling out into the street. Don't miss the Watch and Clock shop, the barber shop and the tailors who make up clothing on site. Finally, you can visit the fish market, but be warned that it is noisy and smelly. When hunger strikes, try the curries at Little Gujarat or eat what everyone in Durban eats as they hurry about their business - a Bunny Chow of hot curry in half a loaf of bread.
Be sure to (rent) hire a car and head straight to The Pavilion, voted by many insiders, as well as outsiders, as the hot spot to be. For all your shopping and eating needs, make it your first stop.
These beaches have been occupied by many a surf enthusiast since the early 1970's, and why not with it great waves and impeccable beauty. Most popular beaches frequented by humans are protected by shark nets so you don't get gobbled up on holiday. The KZN Shark Board monitors and maintains these nets daily. They take their jobs very seriously, ensuring public safety and scientific study. You can tour KZN Shark Board and see their current exhibits and studies. If you have a weak stomach or are simply a crazed animal rights activist, this may not be for you. They teach you a deep respect for this fierce, majestic underwater creature. Surf Betties, strap on that bikini and head on down to North Beach and catch a far out surf contest. This is a regular occurrence here at North Beach, and also a great place to meet people and mingle. The tanning is pretty superb too. And just around the corner you'll find the local hangouts for post surf drinks and grub. For the best food and shopping around, the Indian District wins, hands down. You can haggle at the local shops and you'll get more than you bargain for. The food is amazing, and the portions are huge. Come ready to chow down. They also cater to vegetarians. As for beauty and nature, I recommend Durban Botanical Gardens, you'll want to hit your favorite yoga pose and never leave. For fun in the sun and deep hidden beauty, Durban awaits.
Durban Car Hire Welcomes you to the Coastal City
Welcome to Durban, the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal and also the third largest city in the entire nation of South Africa. On arrival at Durban, many things await you. There are the beautiful beaches, the subtropical climate and the nearby fauna and flora which offer you the opportunity to sample many things.
The Durban's popular tourism destinations are the best and you will appreciate a lot. You would for sure love moving from one destination to another. The city has well developed transport systems such as road, rail, sea among other available transport methods.However; no means of transport can offer you the exceptional level of convenience than Durban car hire. It is not only very effective but also affordable. Cheap car hire makes it possible to cover many destinations within a short period of time. Durban city is home to South Africa's biggest container terminal. Many imports and exports come through this city thus making it an important economic resource to South Africa. So many people from different cultural backgrounds live in this city. Durban is also within the proximity of the national parks and the historic sites that are found in Zulu land. While there, you can be sure that you will be at a position to travel to these great destinations without many struggles with the help of Durban car hire.