Durban is the gateway to KwaZulu Natal and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, the world famous Drakensberg and South Africa's beautiful wildlife parks. Durban is one of the fastest growing urban areas in the world. Its port is the busiest in South Africa.Durban is blessed with balmy weather all year round, making it a perfect holiday paradise. The beachfront is bordered by five star hotels and luxury apartments, all of which have an idyllic view of the Indian Ocean.
The Central Business District, a hive of activity, is within easy reach of all hotels and convention venues. If however, you wish to travel further afield, there is a very competent public transport system running throughout Durban, as well as an abundance of taxis. Durban is a major gateway to Africa and is also the largest and busiest port city on the continent and also one of the 10 largest in the world. Due to this, there is an extensive road network leading to and from any destination in South Africa. Durban International Airport is only a 10 minute drive from the City and is serviced daily by domestic flights, as well as international flights. The International Convention Centre, centrally located, is an innovative, world class convention centre which can cater for conferences of up to 5000 people.
Durban is a sporting paradise. The sunny climate combined with a wealth of facilities makes for a year round sporting extravaganza. Water sports such as surfing, body boarding, sailing and scuba diving are obvious favorites given Durban's proximity to the warm Indian Ocean. Rugby, soccer and cricket are also very popular with Durban boasting world class stadia for all major sports.
Durban is the gateway not only to the coastal beach resorts of the province, but also to the rolling hills and plains of the Natal Midlands and their backdrop: the majestic, jagged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, which border the province in the west and cradle the nearby mountain kingdom of Lesotho.
Festivals and event
Durban International Film Festival: Each July/August the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), the oldest and largest festival in Southern Africa, presents over 250 screenings celebrating the best in South African, African and international cinema; with filmmaker workshops, industry seminars, discussion forums, community engagement events, competitions and much more.
MTN Durban Fashion Week: For all fashion lovers! June every year. For all fashion-lovers!
Hotels and Accommodation
Golden Mile: All of Durban's main hotels are located along the Golden Mile and the beachfront properties are a mix of residential apartments and tourist hotels. Development boomed in the 1970s. The area is home to some of the most premier hotel chains and attractions, like Sun coast Casino, Entertainment World, ushaka Marine World and many beaches. In addition to the big hotels, the Golden Mile offers many other attractions.
Umhlanga: If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, choose Umhlanga, just north of Durban. The area has plenty of excellent hotels and resorts, a lovely coastline, great beaches, wonderful opportunities for long walks and bird watching around the lagoon. Umhlanga Rocks has many luxury hotels and apartments right on the beach, many of which offer exceptional views of the landmark lighthouse. Other places of interest in Umhlanga are the Umhlanga Country Club and Mount Edgecombe Country Club in nearby Mount Edgecombe.
How to get to Durban
The easiest route for international travelers to Durban is via Durban International Airport, which is about 15kms south of the city centre. Durban is equally accessible by rail from Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique via Johannesburg. Various long-distance coach services from all over the country connect Durban from neighboring countries, and the city is served by a myriad of highways, notably the N2 from Cape Town and the N3 from Johannesburg.
By Air
Durban national airport formally Louis Botha Airport is the main airport serving the city of Durban and is 15 Kilometer south of the city center. Flights to and from destinations throughout the world are offered, although visitors commonly arrive at the airports in Cape Town or Johannesburg and then transfer to the city on a connecting flight. All other international flights will enter the country through either Cape Town or Johannesburg. A new international Airport is under construction 40 KM north of the city at La Mercy. The journey time from London to Durban is 12 hours, 20 minutes.
By Bus
All national carriers (e.g. Intercape, Greyhound) and the Baz bus offer regular service to Durban.
When to visit Durban
The best time to travel to Durban is during the summers when temperatures sizzle, rainfall ceases and outdoor excursions are easy to plan. Despite the occasional thunderstorm, summer is the best time to book flights to Durban.
Budget travelers might want to visit Durban during the winters. However, temperatures can drop and rainfalls are frequent, making it quite a chilly adventure. The upside is that flights and hotels are cheaper and there are fewer crowds, which means shorter lines.
For more details or booking cheap flights to Durban please call our reservation experts on 02079936219 or visit our website http://www.cheapdurbanflights.co.uk/.
