Overview
Take a trip to Durban on your South Africa Vacation
Durban is found in the province of KwaZulu-Natal on the east coast of South Africa and is the country’s third largest city on a South Africa vacation. It is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa.
The region that makes up Durban has been inhabited since 100,000 BC, however, the modern history of the city did not begin until 1824. Under British Lieutenant F.G. Farewell, a crew of twenty-five men arrived from the Cape Colony and established a settlement on the northern shore of Port Natal. Henry Francis Flynn, an adventurer, was successful in befriending the Zulu King Shaka after helping him recover from a stab wound. In return, Shaka granted the men a 30-mile strip of coast. This area was named d’Urban after Sir Benjamin d’Urban, the governor of the Cape Colony. The sugar cane industry was introduced in the 1860s and with it came immigrant labourers from India.
Much of this Indian population remained and today, Durban hosts the largest Asian community in the African continent and the largest Indian population outside of India. Tourists are drawn to Durban for its year-round sunshine and for the Golden Mile, the city’s popular beachfront on a South African vacation.
Uhmlanga, a resort town just 16 km north of Durban is considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. A favourite holiday destination for domestic and international tourists, Durban offers exciting dive options, whale watching, cruises, trendy eateries and a friendly and diverse atmosphere.
Uhmlanga, a resort town just 16 km north of Durban is considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. A favourite holiday destination for domestic and international tourists, Durban offers exciting dive options, whale watching, cruises, trendy eateries and a friendly and diverse atmosphere.
At a Glance
Languages
Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, EnglishCurrency
South African Rand (ZAR)What do the experts say?
Skip the more commercial wineries and visit artisanal producers—you’ll find sparkling wines and small-batch reds that are absolutely world-class.
Djembe drumming at GOLD in Cape Town is an immersive African experience through their 14-dish food safari and unique live entertainment.
The game viewing in Kruger and Eastern Cape always draws me back—it’s truly superb.
South Africans are famously warm—when you’re new in town, you're often invited to a braai, our way of welcoming people through food.
South Africa is a wonderful starting point for Africa. It's got some of the top cities in the world, stunning food and wine, and exceptional value for money.
Durban tours
Durban
Group of young people practice lifeguard traini...
The city skyline and beach are popular photo op...
Fishing on the beach in Durban is a popular pas...
Milky waves and rocky shore beach of Umhlanga n...
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
DurbanMostly Sunny
30°C / 87°F
11mm / 0.4"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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