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Durban city beachfront skyline - South Africa
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Durban Vacations and Tour Packages

Durban city beachfront skyline
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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.

At a Glance

Languages

Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

What do the experts say?

Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Destination Specialist
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Skip the more commercial wineries and visit artisanal producers—you’ll find sparkling wines and small-batch reds that are absolutely world-class
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Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
Djembe drumming at GOLD in Cape Town is an immersive African experience through their 14-dish food safari and unique live entertainment
Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
The game viewing in Kruger and Eastern Cape always draws me back—it’s truly superb
Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
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
Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
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

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