Durban

Durban
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       122     28 21       108     29 21       93     28 21       73     26 18       47     25 14       30     24 11       59     23 11       31     23 13       71     24 15       105     24 17       117     25 19       120     27 20 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       4.8     82 70       4.3     83 70       3.7     82 69       2.9     79 64       1.8     77 58       1.2     74 52       2.3     73 51       1.2     74 55       2.8     74 60       4.1     75 63       4.6     78 65       4.7     80 68 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Durban has a large bay that was protected from the seas by a land spit now known as The Point. This bay formed a natural harbour.

Durban was originally called Port Natal by the Portuguese mariner Vasco da Gama who sighted the bay on Christmas Day, 1497. The city was founded as Port Natal by British settlers in the 1820's and became part of the British Empire in 1842. It was renamed Durban in honour of Sir Benjamin D'Urban, Governor of the Cape Colony.

In the years immediately preceding the European settlement of the area, Shaka, king of a small African clan known as the Zulu, built up his strength, making the Zulu people the dominant African tribe in the area.

The hot and humid climate was ideal for growing sugar and after the first railway was built in 1860, sugar became the principal export from the area. Indian workers were brought in on contract to work the sugar cane plantations. When their contracts finished, they were offered return trips to India or land to the value of the return trip. Many chose to stay making this one of the largest population centres of Indians in the world.

After the discovery of coal in North Natal and gold in the Witwatersrand, Durban expanded rapidly and, excluding the Mediterranean, became one of the largest port in Africa.

Its warm climate and ample beaches have made it one of South Africa's premier holiday areas. Zulu and English are the most common languages in Durban.

The best way to get around Durban is by car. Check that you have the latest updated street maps and/or GPS device as some street names have changed. It also helps to have a list of old and new names as some of the new names are vandalized.

Durban People Mover buses feature CCTV cameras and wheelchair-friendly ramps. They run from 6AM until 11PM every 15 minutes. These buses stop in the CBD, the Victoria Street Market, the Workshop, Suncoast Casino, Ushaka Marine World and along the beach route. (R4 per trip, valid for 1 hour on a hop-on, hop-off basis; R10 for a full day pass on a hop-on, hop-off basis).

To travel between the Berea suburbs and the city its cheaper to travel by Mynah buses, R5 off-peak (8AM-3:30PM), peak R6. The Mynah buses depart from the Workshop Terminus (Pine Street Terminus) every 30 minutes to Musgrave, The Ridge, Kensington, Mitchell Park/Florida road, Tollgate (cnr Aliwal/Smith streets), to South Beach/Ushaka, North Beach/Suncoast (in Pixley ka Seme [West] Street, opposite the City Hall).

The Aqualine buses to the suburbs (depart from the Pine Street Terminus) are usually within 5 minutes of the schedule every hour. Peak cash fare can be quite steep. A weekly coupon can save you up to 35% of the cash fare. Fare, bus route & time table enquiries (+27 31 309-5942/3). However, due to the ongoing dispute, some routes have to be suspended.

• To Bluff (route 330/338/411/418 )
• To Queensburgh catch either one of these four buses, Malvern (route 112), Montgomery road (route 113), Shalcross/Hillview (route 140), Pinetown/Westmead (*route 840/842/843/849). Service suspended.
• To Glenwood catch either one of these four buses, Berea Beach (route 022/023), Umbilo (route 007), Glenmore (route 086), Manor Gardens (route 084).
• To Umhlanga Rocks/Gateway Mall catch the Aqualine bus (route 716/705) outside Nando's in Pixley ka Seme (West) street, departs every hour.
• To UKZN catch the Howard College bus (route 070)/Westville campus (route 075). Service suspended
• To Pinetown/Westville central/Westwood mall, catch Aqualine Pinetown/Westmead bus (route 855,857,858,870,871,873,877,886).Service suspended
• To The Pavilion mall catch the Aqualine bus (route 853/860) route 853 departs from the Workshop terminus and route 860 departs from North Beach near Blue Waters hotel/Suncoast casino. Service suspended

Most buses depart on the hour every hour, check the bus schedule. Please note that sometimes to get to your destination, you might have to catch a couple to three buses. When not sure about bus route number, ask the locals or the bus driver (tell him the nearest landmark to your destination). Mynah buses do not have route numbers, only the destination will be displayed on the electronic display in front of the bus. You must flag the bus down to stop at the bus stop. It is advisable to have the exact change before you board the bus and get a receipt!

Registered taxis are common, generally safe and relatively inexpensive. Taxis do not rove and hence need to be called so that one can be fetched from your pick up point. A lot of these will conduct point to point transfers, airport shuttles, and corporate transfers. The ones that can be recommended for the Durban and surrounds are:

• Umhlanga Rocks Taxis (Ucabs), ☏ .  (updated Mar 2020)
• Eagle Taxis, ☏ .  (updated Mar 2020)
• Shashis taxis, ☏ , .  (updated Mar 2020)

There are also group taxis, referred to as "combi taxis" (or "minibus taxis"), that are impossible to miss as (in Durban) they're brightly decorated and always have music pumping. There is always someone hanging out of a window making the hand gestures that indicate whether there are seats available and where the combi is going. Minibus taxis are very common and less expensive than metered taxis. Strictly speaking, they are minibuses that take people to and from work, they stick to set routes and they are generally not suitable for tourists unfamiliar with the area they are going to; when in doubt stick to metered taxis or buses. There are minibus taxis plying same routes as Mynah buses, they are more frequent and faster than buses.

Metrorail KZN runs a network of commuter trains in and around Durban. The schedule is mainly aimed at commuters and safety has been an issue.

Rickshaw rides are offered to tourists along the beach front, for amusement rather than getting around. Watch out for the many ups and downs in the ride; the tipping back of the rickshaw cause the contents of your pockets to fall out, into the coffers of the drivers!

Uber is quite popular in Durban and SA, as is offers any fast and reliable taxi service. It's often cheaper than a metered taxi.

• JNC Helicopters, Hangar 1, Virginia Airport Glenashley, ☏ , FlightOps@choppers.co.za. JNC Helicopters offers VIP travel to and from any South African city, and an infinite number of tourist flight combinations, from 20-min sight-seeing flights to complete tours that take you around any part of South Africa. 
• King Shaka Aviation, Hangar 4, Virginia Airport, Durban North, ☏ , fax: +27 31 563-5450, russell@kingshakaaviation.com. King Shaka Aviation is a helicopter charter operator specializing in VIP charters, scenic flights to numerous local venues, air-lifting operations & utility services. 
• BAC Helicopters (Helicopter Rides, Tours and trips), Greystones heli port 135 Old North Coast Road Glen Anil, ☏ , info@bacheli.com. Offers helicopter tours, rides and trips up the Golden Coastline of Kwa-Zulu Natal from Durban, including Game Reserves or the Drakensberg Mountains. 

• 1 Durban Botanical Gardens, ☏ , fax: +27 31 309-1271, dalzellc@durban.gov.za. Visit on a Saturday and see a mixture of cultural wedding parties having their photos taken. 
• Berea. This is a long ridge overlooking the harbour, city centre and beaches. Once covered with coastal forest, it is now completely built up. 
• 2 Moses Mabhida Stadium. The new landmark of Durban, built for the football World Cup 2010. Catch the Skycar or walk to the top of the stadium, where you will have a stunning view of downtown Durban and Berea. 
• 3 City Hall. There is an art gallery and outdated science museum inside, and a public library. (updated Sep 2020)
• 4 Mahatma Gandhi Settlement. Tours available. 
• 5 Durban North Japanese Gardens, ☏ . Free. 
• KwaZulu Natal National Parks.  
• 6 Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, Coedmore Ave, Yellow Wood Park, ☏ . 06ː00-18ː00 daily. This is a good place to see some zebras and gazelle and get away from it all within the city limits, but you have to book ahead to see the gallery and castle on site. (updated Sep 2020)
• Crocodile Creek. In the ‘sugar town’ of Tongaat (a few miles past Umhlanga) you will find Crocodile Creek, on the Tongaat river in sub-tropical bush. This creek is home to over 7000 Nile Crocodiles, alligators, caiman, snakes and other reptiles. The farm includes bush and hill trails, a waterfall, river plains and thatched buildings with tree top walkways. An awesome place to spend a day, refreshments are available and you can also browse through the shop which sells curios, crocodile leather goods and even croc dishes. 
• 7 Hare Krishna Temple, 50 Bhaktivedanta Swami Circle Unit 5, Chatsworth, ☏ . 11ː00-13ː00 M-F, 10ː00-13ː00 Sa-Su. It is a nice escape if you are looking for some religious or even aesthetic/meditative grounds tourism, plus there is a vegetarian restaurant there. (updated Sep 2020)
• 8 Wilson's Wharf, ☏ . 08ː00-23ː00 daily. Your typical maritime scene for chilling and feasting on seafood. It's not quite as extravagant as Fisherman's Wharf or anything but anyway. (updated Sep 2020)

• 9 MINITOWN, 114 Snell Parade, North Beach. Kitschy attraction where famous places are represented in miniature. (updated Sep 2020)
• 10 Mitchell Park Zoo, 10 Ferndale Rd. 08ː00-16ː00 daily. For when you don't want to go on a safari. (updated Sep 2020)

• 11 Durban Natural Science Museum, 234 Anton Lembede St.  (updated Feb 2017)
• 12 KwaMuhle Museum, 130 Bram Fischer Road, ☏ . The history of Apartheid in Durban. Free. (updated Feb 2017)
• 13 Durban Cultural and Document Centre, Corner of Epsom and Derby Street, ☏ . The history of Indian indentured labour. Free. (updated Feb 2017)
• 14 Old Court House Museum, 77 Aliwal Street, ☏ . M-Sa 8:30AM-4PM; Su and public holidays 11AM-4PM. The museum features a number of collectables in the foyer, including an extensive miniature car collection.The Daphne Strutt Costume Room features fashion from throughout the 20th century, interesting accessories such as cigarette cases, bags, shoes, jewellery and hats enhance the display. A number of rare Art Deco and Nouveau pieces make this exhibition a must for aficionados. Free. (updated Feb 2017)
• 15 Port Natal Maritime Museum, Samora Machel St, ☏ . 08ː30-15ː45 M-Sa, 11ː00-15ː45 Su. Here you get to walk around inside a couple of tug boats and a military ship as well as visit an indoor exhibit area. R10. (updated Sep 2020)
• 16 The Kwazulu Natal Society of the Arts, 166 Bulwer Rd, ☏ . 09ː00-17ː00 Tu-F, 10ː00-17ː00 Sa, 10ː00-15ː00 Su, closed M. Showcases local and African art. Some food available on premises. (updated Sep 2020)

The beach strip is frequently patrolled by policemen, there are CCTV cameras and many lights at night. As everywhere else, there are several basic safety rules to follow. Avoid dark, deserted areas, and do not go out alone in the early hours of the morning. The promenade along the beach is safe to walk, but do not venture to the side and back roads of the hotels.

Avoid the Point Road (aka Mahatma Gandhi Road) area at all times.

At night, it is still a good idea to stick to the main streets and not go out at night unless you are very familiar with a particular area. Avoid the usually busy central business district, which is empty after dark. Above all, use common sense.

Remember, you're a tourist, not a celebrity. Dress down to blend in with the people in the CBD (keep the fancy stuff to a minimum).

The harbour area is quite safe, as are the shopping malls and higher residential areas.

The Point, the area between downtown and the port, is known for prostitution and cheap hotels and has a higher crime rate (although parts are undergoing a massive redevelopment). Avoid walking here alone or at night and take cars or metered taxis if you need to go to this area.

Street children can be a problem, and it's best to keep clear of them. Many sniff glue, carry knives, and act quite unpredictably.