Durban was formerly known as Port Natal. It is largest city of KwaZulu-Natal province and chief seaport of South Africa, located on Natal Bay of the Indian Ocean. European settlement began with a band of Cape Colony traders led by Francis G. Farewell, who charted the port in 1824 and named the site Port Natal. Land was ceded to the group by Shaka, the Zulu king (whose right to take that action is disputed), and the Old Fort (now a museum) was built. Durban was founded in 1835 on the site of Port Natal and was named for Sir Benjamin D’Urban, the governor of the Cape Colony. In the late 1830s and early ’40s the Boers clashed with the British over control of Durban. It became a borough (town) in 1854 and was created a city in 1935.
Durban is the third most populous city in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town and the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. Located on the east coast of South Africa, Durban is the busiest port in the country. It is also one of the major centres of tourism because of the city's warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches. Durban forms part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which includes neighboring towns and has a population of about 3.44 million, making the combined municipality one of the biggest cities on the Indian Ocean coast of the African continent. It is also the second most important manufacturing hub in South Africa after Johannesburg. In May 2015, Durban was officially recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities, Durban was one of the host cities for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Sprawling along the coast, Durban is overlooked to the south by the Bluff (hills separating the landlocked bay from the sea) and stretches across the Umgeni River to the heights of Durban North. Its civic and business centre is on flat land, rising gently to the slopes of the white residential district of the Berea, a ridge of hills encircling the harbour and beach. Durban’s numerous parks include the Botanic Gardens with its orchid house, Jameson Park and its rose gardens, and Snake Park with its collection of poisonous reptiles.
The city is home to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Durban-Westville (founded 1961), originally for Indian students (although non-Indians were admitted from 1979), and the University of Natal (founded 1910). There are several museums and black and Indian markets. Cultural and sporting events are held in Moses Mabhida Stadium, part of the larger King’s Park Sporting Precinct, a commercial, retail, and leisure district.
Where is Durban
Durban is located on the east coast of South Africa, looking out upon the Indian Ocean. The city lies at the mouth of the Umgeni River, which demarcates parts of Durban's north city limit, while other sections of the river flow through the city itself. Durban has a natural harbour, Durban Harbour, which is the busiest port in South Africa and is the 4th-busiest in the Southern Hemisphere.
History of Durban
Archaeological evidence from the Drakensberg mountains suggests that the Durban area has been inhabited by communities of hunter-gatherers since 100,000 BC. These people lived throughout the area of present-day KwaZulu-Natal until the expansion of Bantu farmers and pastoralists from the north saw their gradual displacement, incorporation or extermination. Little is known of the history of the first residents, as there is no written history of the area until it was sighted by Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who sailed parallel to the KwaZulu-Natal coast at Christmastide in 1497 while searching for a route from Europe to India. He named the area "Natal", or Christmas in Portuguese.
Abambo People
In 1686 a ship from the Dutch East India Company named 'Stavenisse' wrecked off the eastern coast of South Africa. Some of the survivors made their way to the Bay of Natal (Durban) where they were taken in by Abambo tribe under leadership of Chief Langalibale. The crew became fluent in the language of the tribe and witnessed their customs. They told that the land where the Abambo people lived was called Embo by the natives and that the people were very hospitable.
On the 28th of October 1689 the galiot 'Noord' traveled from Table Bay to the Bay of Natal for the purpose to fetch the survivors of the crew and to negotiate a deal to purchase the bay. The Noord arrived on the 9th of December 1689 where after the Dutch Cape Colony purchased the Bay of Natal from the Abambo people for 1650£. A formal contract was drawn up by Laurens van Swaanswyk and signed by the Chief of the Abambo people, the crew of the Stavenisse acted as translators.
First European settlers
In 1822 Lieutenant James King, captain of the ship Salisbury, together with Lt. Francis George Farewell, both ex-Royal Navy officers from the Napoleonic Wars, were engaged in trade between the Cape and Delagoa Bay. On a return trip to the Cape in 1823, they were caught in a very bad storm and decided to risk the Bar and anchor in the Bay of Natal. The crossing went off well and they found safe anchor from the storm. Lt. King decided to map the Bay and named the "Salisbury and Farewell Islands".
In 1824 Lt. Farewell, together with a trading company called J. R. Thompson & Co., decided to open trade relations with Shaka the Zulu King and establish a trading station at the Bay. Henry Francis Fynn, another trader at Delagoa Bay, was also involved in this venture. Fynn left Delagoa Bay and sailed for the Bay of Natal on the brig Julia, while Farewell followed six weeks later on the Antelope. Between them they had 26 possible settlers, but only 18 stayed.
On a visit to King Shaka, Henry Francis Fynn was able to befriend the King by helping him recover from a stab wound suffered as a result of an assassination attempt by one of his half-brothers. As a token of Shaka's gratitude, he granted Fynn a “25-mile strip of coast a hundred miles in depth.” On 7 August 1824 they concluded negotiations with King Shaka for a cession of land, including the Bay of Natal and land extending ten miles south of the Bay, twenty-five miles north of the Bay and one hundred miles inland.
Farewell took possession of this grant and raised the Union Jack with a Royal Salute, which consisted of 4 cannon shots and twenty musket shots. Of the original 18 would-be settlers, only 6 remained, and they can be regarded as the founding members of Port Natal as a British colony. These 6 were joined by Lt. James Saunders King and Nathaniel Isaacs in 1825.
Things to Do in Durban
The enchanting coastal city of Durban is a popular tourist destination in South Africa, where visitors can enjoy all sorts of fun activities for the entire family. Whether you chose to go swimming or visit a museum, there is never a dull moment on the KwaZulu-Natal coast – here’s our pick of the most exciting activities and sights in Durban.
Visit Golden Mile Beachfront
The Golden Mile beachfront is a famous destination for joggers, surfers, sunbathers, bikers, water sports enthusiasts and for those in the mood for a relaxed stroll. The popular ‘mile’ is actually a 4-mile (6.5km) stretch that extends from Blue Lagoon South to Addington Beach and Durban Harbor. The name stems from the golden sand beaches along the coastal edge of the city. There is a wide pavement that makes it easy to walk, jog or bike the route. Or you could join the many surfers, kite boarders and sandcastle architects and soak up the warm sun.
Tour uShaka Marine World
A trip to Durban is incomplete without spending a day at the 40-acre uShaka Marine World theme park. The park has four sections, the highlight of which is uShaka Sea World. It is the fifth-largest aquarium in the world, designed around five shipwrecks where you can go scuba diving and participate in other fun activities. uShaka Wet ‘n Wild features the highest water slide in the southern hemisphere. uShaka Beach is a sandy beach with a large pier that goes out into the ocean, and finally, uShaka Village Walk simulates an African village with restaurants, cafés and other shops.
Enjoy Durban Botanical Gardens
Durban Botanical Gardens was established in 1849 by Dr Charles Johnston on the edge of the Berea Ridge. The 37-acre property is Durban’s oldest public institution and Africa’s oldest surviving botanical garden. It is a place of interest because of its many living fossil plants. These pre-dinosaur cycads (seed-producing plants extending back 250 million years) face possible extinction in the wild. A visit to Durban Botanical Gardens provides a rare opportunity to see these ancient plants up close.
Walk the Beach
With its subtropical climate and more than 300 days of sunshine every year, spending a day at the beach is possible almost every day in Durban. If you consider yourself a decent surfer, you might want to try the South Coast for world-class surfing. Addington Beach is the preferred choice if you are planning a fun day on the beach for the entire family. Bay of Plenty is the destination for volleyball tournaments. The Golden Mile beaches are conveniently located closest to Durban’s city center (which is probably why they are so popular), and if these options aren’t enough, you could also try Umhlanga Coast.
Tour KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Boat Tour
Shark attacks in Durban are extremely rare because the beaches along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline are the only ones in South Africa protected by shark safety gear. While in Durban, why not stop by Umhlanga and join the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board crew for a boat tour on an early morning? Enjoy watching the safety system at play and learn about sharks, and you may even get to see dolphins, turtles and rays.
View the Umhlanga Lighthouse from Lighthouse Bar
The red-and-white candy-striped lighthouse in Umhlanga is always a glowing fascination to visitors. Why not view the splendid structure while sipping a refreshing cocktail? Located on the premises of The Oyster Box hotel, Lighthouse Bar is a colourful establishment with a fantastic view of the Umhlanga Lighthouse and the beach. Don’t miss a beautiful sunset evening with live music in the background at this romantic rendezvous spot. Try their signature drink, the Umhlanga Schling, made with ingredients unique to Durban such as cane sugar and cane spirit.
Follow Inanda Heritage Trail
The Inanda Heritage Trail forms part of the Freedom Route, which recognizes important historical areas in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The trail begins at the Inanda Township, home to the Ohlange Institute, where in 1994 Nelson Mandela voted in South Africa’s first democratic elections. The Inanda Heritage Trail encompasses key historic sites that have been pivotal to the shaping of South Africa as it is today. Some of these sites include Gandhi’s Phoenix Settlement, where Mahatma Gandhi nurtured his passive-resistance philosophy, and the Inanda Seminary, one of South Africa’s oldest schools for girls, founded by American missionaries in 1869.
Dine at The Cargo Hold
If you choose to visit uShaka Marine World, be sure to book in for lunch or dinner at The Cargo Hold, located on board the infamous Phantom Ship, where guests can dine in fine style surrounded by the deep blue in one of Durban’s most remarkable settings. Enjoy some of the spiciest, fruitiest and most exotic flavors procured from the freshest produce in KwaZulu-Natal, and sample expertly prepared meals while witnessing the beautiful ocean view and the sharks swimming in the tank. Try the grilled crayfish or langoustines, a mouthwatering dish prepared with herbs, spices, lemon and olive oil.
Go to Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World
Located at the northern end of the Golden Mile, Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World is a complex that houses cinemas, many restaurants, a beach bar, its own semi-private beach and, of course, a casino. If you visit during the months from September to January you will see many recreational cyclists who use the casino grounds as a base for their training rides up the North Coast. The casino offers both smoking and non-smoking areas where you can test out your luck in a comfortable environment.
Swing into Moses Mabhida Stadium
One of the host stadiums for the 2010 World Cup, this multipurpose sporting arena has evolved into a venue for a variety of surprising activities. A particular highlight, if you’re feeling brave, is the appropriately named Big Rush Big Swing, where you can strap yourself in and dive 80m (263ft) to experience the world’s biggest swing
Sports & nature
Durban is South Africa's holiday makers dream and with all it has to offer, it is imperative one would need some sort of direction on the where to go to find the best holiday attractions. In Durban, there is so much to see and do, and so the avid tourist is almost limitless on how to spend their time in a city as great as Durban.
Golden Mile
The Golden Mile stretches from Vetchies pier in the south to the iconic Suncoast Casino, and from end to end, there is endless expanse of beautiful beaches, world-class restaurants and exciting entertainment for the whole family. The gorgeous Indian Ocean beckons so if the weather is great, bring the umbrella, the towels and an assortment of bats, balls and boards and spend the whole day in the dazzling Durban sun!
uShaka Marine World
With Africa's largest marine theme park, and the 5th largest aquarium in the world, uShaka is truly must-see; from its daring rides and aquatic pools for the young and the old to its extensive collection of ocean life. It has both fresh and salt water, the recreation of a massive shipwreck and a collection of boutiques, all tied in with an indigenous African theme. There's hours of activities from water rides, dolphin displays and great food to the shopping experience in the Village Walk and the fascinating aquarium. And there is luxury accommodation within minutes like the Silversands Resort and the Durban Spa.
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are by far the best picnic spot in Durban. There are over 475 species of tree, including South Africa’s oldest Jacaranda and an Encephalartos Woodii - a cycad that is acknowledged to be the rarest plant in the world – transported from the Ngoye forest almost 100 years ago. The largest palm and cycad exhibits are found here too and the herbarium, the Braille trail and the tea garden are some of the many lures to these stunning grounds.
Umgeni River Bird Park
Home to over 3000 indigenous and exotic birds, the Umgeni River Bird Park is only 10 minutes from Durban's beachfront. The park itself is about 4 hectares and is located at the foot of the very precipitous cliffs of the famous Umgeni River. There are many endangered species found here and the grounds are surrounded by tumbling waterfalls, palm trees and lush tropical plant life.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium
The Moses Mabhida Stadium is named after a local working class hero and is sited next to the ABSA Stadium. It's a world class, multi-purpose stadium designed and built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is a momentous icon in the Durban skyline. It has a rather extraordinary arch known as the Arch of Triumph, and from the top the entire city and the coastline can be viewed from over a 100 meters up.
Umhlanga Rocks Beachfront
Umhlanga Rocks is KwaZulu Natal's 'Beverly Hills', only better and by the sea. This up market area has become one of South Africa's top vacation destinations and is highly sophisticated with a refined charm found nowhere else in the country. As far as the beachfront goes, it's no different from the metropolis it lies in front of, as it is clean, safe and full of activities. And when the day is done and the energy is low, check into the Cabana Beach or Breakers Resort.
Valley of a 1000 Hills
The Valley of 1000 Hills is an unharmed and very beautiful part of KwaZulu Natal. It's formed around the vale created by the Umgeni River and its tributaries and is one of the best kept secrets that a tourist in Durban has the pleasure of experiencing. Its serenity and splendor are unmatched and it attracts artists, photographers and traders to its exclusivity. There's a lot to see, eat and do as the hills are littered with friendly pubs, team gardens and exhilarating views over the dams below.
Bat Center
The BAT Center is a culture community center located in the small craft harbor. It commemorates all unique arts and cultures that are on offer and through this allows for local, faceless talent to thrive.
Blue Lagoon
Durban locals often make their way to these eminent lagoons, for a big of evening romance. The salty sea air is all around and combined with the steady ebbing and flowing of the river mouth make this a place of serendipity and soulfulness. The bird life is also abundant too, so keep your eyes open for the African fish eagle or the Goliath herons that lurk in and around these parts. Blue Lagoon is also a haven for the resident fisherman.
City Hall - Natural Science Museum
Durban City Hall and the Natural Science Museum are a definite must for the whole family. It combines the magnificence of hundred-old architecture with the knowledge and intrigue of times and eras past. From dinosaurs to Dodos, the museum is well covered and provides a lovely outing for everyone interested in the mysteries of science and history.
Nightlife info
Whether you want to drink your sorrows away, or dance till you drop, you can make it happen in Durban.
Tilt
Upmarket club - balcony and lounge areas make for a refreshing break from the dance area, that's generally packed with Durban's sleekest. One-off Trancentral parties with uplifting trance and hard house. the night club you don't want to miss out on, in Durban.
Bellagio
You'll love the classic, all-white interior in this stylish bar and club from the creators of the Zeta Bar. sip a cocktail as you mix with Durban's elite in this sophisticated chill-out spot ideal for the older crowd.
E²
Durban's newest place to buy hot fashion and chill : E² is open from 10h00-21h00 weekdays and midnight on weekends. At E² we reward our customers with a free membership and a free illy cappuccino withevery purchase. E² specializes in illy and lindt products. Come try our amazing coffees which are made with top of the range water filters and organic milk. E² is fast becoming famous for our decadent Lindt cappuccinos.
News Cafe
Rowdy cigar lounge, cocktail bar, coffee bar and restaurant.
Blue Bottles
At the mouth of the harbor with a sun deck offering a 360-degree view of Durban and surroundings. Meeting, eating and drinking venue with 150-seater restaurant, four bars and real '70s dance music.
Beanbag Bohemia
Restaurant, cigar bar and cocktail lounge. Vibey mixed crowd; funky house and acid jazz; occasional theme party. Wickedly SUPERB.
Billy the BUM's
Cocktail bar for Basic Upmarket Socialites (BUMs). Best cocktails in town. Tuesday ladies' night. Billy the BUM's is the place to start your evening out if you can pull yourself away to go anywhere else. All the beautiful people go there, and the atmosphere is fantastic. The service, the quality of the drinks and the food is superb. It has the best vibe in town.
TRAXX NIGHTCLUB
From tearing up dance floors under the Mediterranean sun of the White Isle, to filling out stadiums in South Africa, partying it up in the Nordic seas on a huge ocean liner, to nostalgic nights at some of the UK’s most prestigious clubs; Miss Lashes has seen more of the party than most.
De La Sol
As cool as its deep-blue walls and velvet bar stools and as sexy as the mirrored mosaics above its curvy counter, De La Sol is a popular Durban hang-out. DJs and musos provide the music, cocktails flow and light meals are available. Catch DJ Funky G, Les the Tiger and St Nicholas spinning '80s and '90s greats, house and hip-hop.
THE LOUNGE
Durban's No 1 Alternative Venue - 5 bars, pool tables, lounges and a great crowd, visit our website for more information! .
Dusk Till Dawn
Music starts 8pm featuring an eclectic mix of '90s electronica and '70s Bohemia, with anything from drum circles to drum 'n bass nightly. Bean-bag-and-incense ambiance. Catch drum 'n bass and trance DJs regularly. Kwaito and house music is offered to attract today's youth which seems to be interested in kwaito.
Culture and history info
The area around the bay was once covered with mangroves and inhabited by pelicans, flamingos and hippos. The earliest inhabitants were members of the Lala tribe who fished in the estuary, and hunted and grew crops in the fertile tropical forests along the coast. The first Europeans to land here were Portuguese explorers en route to the east. On 25 December 1497, Vasco da Gama sighted land and called it Natal, though this was probably off the coast of present-day Eastern Cape. The Portuguese cartographer Manuel Perestrello mapped the coast of Natal in 1576, but it was nearly 200 years after the earliest European sighting that the first trading ships arrived. In 1684 the Francis began a new era when she sailed to Natal to buy ivory.
After the relative success of the first trading expedition, the Dutch East India Company planned to open a trading post here (after buying land off Chief Inyangesi for 1000 guilders worth of beads, copper rings and iron). But after a few technical hitches involving the estuary's sandbars, trade was never really developed and in 1730 the Dutch established an alternative trading station at Delagoa Bay.
The first British traders arrived in 1823 on the Salisbury, spurred on by news of Shaka, the powerful chief of the Zulus and his Empire. Lieutenant Francis and George Farewell arrived in the Bay of Natal and were blown over the sandbars in a storm. They returned in May 1824, with Henry Francis Fynn and a group of other adventurers, and set up their first camp in what is now known as Farewell Square. Henry Fynn was the first European trader to make contact with Shaka. Fynn and the other adventurers claimed (falsely) to be envoys of King George and were well received. Fynn became a favorite of the royal household after he helped Shaka recover from a stab wound sustained during a battle. In thanks Shaka granted Fynn a huge tract of land, over 9000 sq km.
Fynn and his young colleague Nathaniel Issacs ran this area as their own personal fiefdom, taking many Zulu wives and fathering dozens of children. Fynn declared himself King of Natal and wielded power in the same brutal manner as his infamous neighbor, Shaka. Even though Fynn and his men broke many Zulu laws, including the prohibition on all but the king from trading in ivory, they were treated with great respect by Shaka.
The area remained undeveloped, however, with just a few dozen European settlers, and the British refused to annex the region. It was not until the establishment of the Voortrekker republic of Natalia in 1838 that the British felt their interests to be under threat. The capital of Natalia was in Pietermaritzburg, but settlements had also been established at Weenen and Durban, giving the Voortrekkers access to the sea. The possibility of a viable independent Voortrekker republic wasn't acceptable to the Cape Colony and an expeditionary force was sent from the Cape in 1842. Although they were besieged by the Voortrekkers on their arrival, by June of that year the parliament in Pietermaritzburg had accepted British rule. The Cape Colony annexed Natal in 1844, and the security given by becoming part of the Cape Colony encouraged many new settlers in search of land to come to Durban.
The development of the sugarcane industry in the 1860s encouraged the growth of Durban as a port and gave the city one of its most unique characteristics. Initially the sugarcane industry suffered from a lack of cheap labor, so the planters imported a large number of indentured laborers from India, who lived in conditions not dissimilar to slavery. After working off their five-year indenture contracts some returned home, but a number remained in Natal. Many continued farming and eventually came to dominate the local fruit and vegetable market. Others established small businesses and gradually built up important trade connections with India. These ex-indentured laborers were joined by a number of more affluent traders, mainly from Gujarat, who arrived direct from India to set up a business.
With the development of the Golden Mile in the 1970s, Durban was promoted as a seaside resort for white holidaymakers, particularly for families from Gauteng. During apartheid, the extensive beach was split according to color - black people were permitted to walk the length of the whole beach but, on the whites-only Addington Beach, they were not allowed to sit down or go into the sea. The late 1980s, however, saw a huge influx of workers from Zululand, transforming the fabric of the city. With the end of Apartheid came another influx: that of black holidaymakers, which gave the city the tag of 'Soweto-on-Sea' - a phrase used by both whites and blacks. However, divisions still remain: far fewer white people holiday in Durban, while the city center has taken on a distinctly African feel.
