Durban
Durban is South Africa's third largest metropolis, and Africa's biggest and busiest harbour, but is better known as a mecca for holiday makers and is a unique mix of the colonial European, Indian and Zulu communities. This is reflected in the architecture, fashions, sights and sounds of the city. As one of the country's popular holiday destinations, Durban is well known for it's superb beaches - known as the Golden Mile, they stretch 6km along the sandy shoreline. Durban is also a starting point for visits to Zululand, the battlefields and the water-based wildlife reserves of the St Lucia region.
Durban Hotels
Oyster Box Umhlanga Rocks
This newly re-opened luxury boutique hotel, with 86 individually designed rooms, stands on Umhlanga's prestigious beachfront, only a short drive from Durban. Together with an abundance of colonial charm, sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, lush landscaped tropical gardens and direct beach access, together with the bars, restaurants, swimming pools and spa, this property offers everything for the discerning traveller.
| Nov 09 - Apr 10 |
$380 |
$610 |
| May - Oct 10 |
$310 |
$750 |
Included: Breakfast.
At the Southern Sun North Beach hotel you're just a few steps from the beach, and a short drive from the city centre. This is the perfect family hotel in Durban and is minutes away from a host of the city's tourist attractions. All 285 comfortable rooms offer ocean views, an outdoor swimming pool, bright, sunny breakfast room and restaurant with friendly, personal service
| Nov 09 - Sep 10 |
$145 |
$250 |
Included: Breakfast.
Splendidly restored to create charming hotels of the utmost class, either at Quarters Florida Road with 23 ensuite rooms or Avondale with 17 ensuite rooms, these boutique properties offer modern sophistication with old-fashioned hospitality in the heart of Durban, but just a short drive from the beach. With an all female management team they are committed to making your stay memorable.
Included: Breakfast. Seasonal supplements apply.
The Balmoral is an elegant hotel in Durban offering 95 ensuite rooms and boasting a 40 metre long terrace where one can enjoy drinks overlooking the Indian Ocean. Fully renovated, the hotel still reflects its historic and stately facade, to make it one of Durban's most elegant hotels along the 'Golden Mile'. Located a short walk from the city centre, the hotel delivers service & style in a friendly atmosphere.
| 01 Jan - 30 Apr 2010 |
$135 |
$198 |
| 01 May - 30 Sep 2010 |
$89 |
$140 |
| 01 Oct - 31 Dec 2010 |
$130 |
$192 |
Non Sea Facing Rooms including Breakfast
This modern hotel is situated on the famous "Golden Mile" overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests will enjoy fine service and hospitality at one of Durban's premier hotels. The light, spacious lobby is the focal point where friendly, efficient staff provide a warm welcome. All 449 air-conditioned rooms are well furnished and offer every amenity. The hotel has three superb cosmopolitan restaurants offering a choice of cuisine from authentic Japanese to ethnic Indian and two bars offering light snacks and a range of South African wines. There are two outdoor pools and a Fitness Centre.
| 01 Feb - 31 Dec 2010 |
$150 |
Durban Day Tours
From the dramatic peaks of the Drakensberg mountain range to traditional Zulu villages, magnificent game reserves, historic battle sites and the warm Indian Ocean lapping onto wide, sandy beaches, KwaZulu-Natal is a tourist's paradise. Discover the treasures of this region.
Half Day Tours
Durban City Tour
Departs Daily
The ideal introductory tour of Durban, which has been shaped by the early Colonial settlers, the indigenous Zulu population and the Indians who arrived as indentured laborers in the 19th Century - this is truly a city of contrasts.
- Drive along the 'Golden Mile' (Beach front area).
- Learn about the City Hall and its humorous history.
- Visit the Phansi Museum - home to a collection of Southern African artifacts and traditions, including beadworks,headrests, Zulu clay pots and various other treasures. (Closed on Sundays).
- Stop at Durban's Botanic Gardens, founded in 1849 and home to a fine mix of African, Asian and American trees.
- Discover the rich Indian history of Durban and enjoy a taste of the unique 'Bunny Chow' cuisine.
Ushaka Marine World
Departs Daily
Explore the wonders of ocean life at Durban's exciting world-class facility - uShaka Marine World.
- Packed with over 30 indoor and outdoor themed exhibits.
- View exhibits of South Africa's unique Indian and Atlantic Ocean marine life.
- Home to Africa's largest dolphinarium.
- Enjoy the spectacular and entertaining dolphin, seal and penguin shows.
Full Day Tours
Drakensberg World Heritage Tour
Departs Tue, Thu, Sat
As if the stunning mountain scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains were not enough, our visit to the World Heritage Site of Giant's Castle incorporates a viewing of the enigmatic Bushman paintings.
- Enjoy a 3km round trip hike to the site of the caves adorned with the Bushmen's legacy (average level of fitness required).
- Guided tour of the Bushman paintings, dating back 2 000 years.
- After working up an appetite, enjoy a hearty lunch, which is included.
- Return to Durban via the Midlands Meander Route, with its many craft and farmers markets.
Shakaland Tour
Departs Mon, Wed & Fri
Experience traditional Zulu culture and customs at the largest Zulu kraal in all of Zululand, packed into one exhilarating day.
- Sample some traditional Zulu beer.
- Enjoy the grace and energy of the Zulu dancers.
- Witness the skill and artistry that goes into spear, shield, beadwork, pot making and the building of their huts.
- Visit an iSangoma (witchdoctor).
- A delicious lunchtime feast is included.
Durban Highlights Tour
Departs Daily
Enjoy a full day tour discovering the cultural and historical contrasts of the city, before being enthralled at Durban's hottest attraction; uShaka Marine World.
- Drive along the 'Golden Mile' (Beachfront area).
- Visit the Phansi Museum - home to a collection of Southern African artifacts and traditions, including beadworks, headrests, Zulu clay pots and various other treasures. (Closed on Sundays).
- Stop at Durban's Botanic Gardens, founded in 1849 and home to a fine mix of African, Asian and American trees.
- Discover the rich Indian history of Durban and enjoy a taste of the unique 'Bunny Chow' cuisine.
- Enjoy the spectacular and entertaining dolphin, seal and penguin shows.
Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift Tour
Departs Wed, Fri
*A specialist Battlefield Guide is available at a surcharge on request. KwaZulu-Natal is rich in Anglo-Zulu war history, where two of the most famous battles fought between the Zulu and British Armies have taken place.
- Visit the eerie battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift.
- Lunch is included.
- View some of the most spectacular scenery in KwaZulu-Natal.
Sani Pass/Lesotho Tour
Departs Mon, Wed & Fri
Note: A passport is required & visa conditions may apply For those with a sense of adventure, a 4x4 drive up the highest road pass in Africa will certainly provide you with a small dose of adrenalin. For your efforts, it will reward you with its breathtaking scenery.
- Drive through the rolling hills of the Midlands to the town of Underberg.
- Board a 4x4 vehicle, the only means by which to tackle the Sani Pass.
- Enter the Kingdom of Lesotho - another stamp for your passport!
- Visit a nearby Sotho Village, for a taste of local culture.
- Enjoy a light lunch in the highest pub in Africa, with incredible views.
- Visit the magnificent Howick Waterfall on your return (time permitting).
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Tour
Departs Tue, Thu, Sat
*Optional open safari vehicle game drive is available at a surcharge. Spend a day on safari in the magical Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa and famous for its highly successful white rhino conservation programme.
- The reserve is home to 84 species of game, including the 'Big Five'.
- There is an impressive 425 different types of birds,at last count!
- Lunch at Hilltop Camp (or similar) included.
- Hilly terrain affords some of the most incredible views over the reserve.