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Introduction As with most cities, Durban has developed around the geographic features of the area. Durban is bounded in the south by the Bluff, a range of green clad hills separating the sea from Durban Bay, and stretches northwards beyond the Umgeni River to the highland of Durban North. Inland lies Berea, a ridge of hills encircling the flat, central part of the City. Being a coastal city, Durban is constantly affected by the warm sea current flowing down its shoreline. This makes the humidity levels of the area high. The coasts to the north and south of Durban enjoy beautiful beaches and warm water. The Agulhas Current travels southward down the KwaZulu-Natal shoreline, and is one of the most powerful currents in the world. Surfing is one of the main activities on the many beaches, where you will find Surf Lifesavers with numerous signs demarcating areas where swimming is safe. Angling and boating activities are also very popular. On the shoreline of the city center is the Golden Mile , a stretch of beachfront properties that boast leisure amenities and high-rise hotels. Along the ocean, a public promenade stretches from Durban's Harbour area in the south, right along the edge of the city and the sea, to the natural boundary of the Umgeni River in the north. All along this beach-front are public attractions, good surfing, a funfair, and a great range of hotels. The main beaches are the Country Club, Battery Beach , North and South (where there is a family theatre) and Addington. Lifesavers work on all these beaches. Umhlanga, to the north of Durban, and Amanzimtoti, to the south, continue this long stretch of beaches and resorts. The climate is tropical most of the year, with the summer thunderstorms bringing a slight relief from the humid atmosphere that prevails. The hills above the city are more temperate. The vegetation on the coastal regions are very abundant and tropical, and visitors to the area will see an amazing range of plants, trees, and flowers not found in other parts of South Africa. City Center Metropolitan Durban, or eThekweni in Zulu, is the largest, most vibrant city on the East Coast of South Africa. There is a harbor and an international airport, both conveniently located close to the city. The city center bustles during the day and, amidst the museums and civic buildings of colonial heritage, you will find yourself at the heart of a truly African city. It is a “cultural curry” of different communities, including British, Indian and Zulu. At night, however, the city center empties and can be unsafe, as each community returns to their distinct suburb. You will find the colonial heritage of the city and a distinctly African pulse concentrated in the small area between Aliwal and Gardiner streets and on the parallel roads of Smith, West and Pine (Tourist Information office is situated on Pine Road). Golden Mile The Golden Mile extends along the Marine Parade with the Snell Parade to the north and Erskine Parade to the south. The beaches are the main attraction and contrast well with the strong skyline. There are restaurants, entertainment and amenities galore, but, beyond the beach-front development, the area becomes somewhat seedy and should be treated with caution after dark. The Seaworld Aquarium is an established attraction and includes over 1,000 fish, with sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins too. The oft-photographed Zulu and Rickshaw Men can be found nearby: a curious emblem of this culturally diverse city. Indian Quarter To the eastern side of the center is the Indian Quarter, found along Grey Street running north from West Street. The Jumah Mosque , found in this area, is reputably the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Two markets are of note here; the Oriental Bazaar and the Victoria Street Market . This area has also become home to Zulu herbalists selling “muti” for traditional medicine and rituals one can head for Russell Street Extension where these sellers congregate. Harbor The Harbor is the ninth largest in the world (over 4,500 acres) and the most important in South Africa. At its mouth there are two piers - the Point to the north, at the far end of the Golden Mile, and the Bluff to the south. The Bluff is a 4km long, narrow spit, which shelters the Bay. On the city center side of the Bay is the long Victoria Embankment where you will find various memorials and museums and have the opportunity to take a cruise or just view the boats. Berea/Kloof/Botha's Hill On the ridge to the west of the city is the suburb of Berea. Berea is home to several places of note. The popular Musgrave Center , a shopping and entertainment emporium, the Killie Campbell Africana Museum , a must for those interested in Zulu culture, and the Botanical Gardens (established 1849) are all highly recommended. Some distance beyond Berea, on the eastern edges of the city, is Kloof the high-end residential area, which is worth a drive around if only to see how lovely such an area can be. After Kloof, Botha's Hill extends along the Valley of the 1,000 Hills, and you will find yourself in spectacular countryside. Durban North/Umhlanga On the northern side of the city are the Umgeni River Mouth and the swanky area of Durban North. The Bird Park on its northern bank is highly recommended. Just north of the city is Umhlanga, a popular holiday area noted for its fine beaches, surrounding environment, and excellent leisure and shopping centers. While there, take a walk in the Nature Reserve, situated around the lagoon. While you are in Umhlanga the Shark's Board offers fascinating tours of their research facility if dissected sharks pique your interest, that is! Back to Durban Overview |
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