Durban

This is the third largest city in South Africa, it's the largest city in Kwa Zulu Natal and has a reputation for its broadly liberal outlook. It is also one of the worlds great beach holiday destinations.

The city was named for D'Urban, a Cape Colony governor, in 1835 and it enjoyed mixed fortunes over the years until the British annexed it from the Boers in the early 1840's. At this point, its development as a trading port began.

The weather is glorious year round although it can become uncomfortably sticky during high summer.

The beaches - of which there are more than 10- are patrolled and protected by Shark nets. The surfing matches anywhere in the world.

There are a number of galleries and museums and an excellent Seaworld. As befits any South African city, sporting facilities abound and include all manner of adventure pursuits as well as world class golf courses to the south of the city.


Durban is home to a large number of people from the Indian sub continent, mostly these people descended from indentured Indian labour that was brought into the country to work the extensive cane fields in the 1860's. A form of slave labour by any other name.

Durban has the countries largest mosque and a huge Hare Krishna temple. It is a fast growing place and Africa's biggest port. All of which combine to make Durban a city with a very positive, energetic atmosphere.