The African continent is a true paradise for exotic lovers, pampering tourists with the hot sun and the alluring excitement of adventure. This continent contains 54 states on its territory, each of which is attractive for natives of temperate climates in its own way.
But lately travelers are often attracted to South Africa. This country is famous not only for the favorable climate typical of the continent, but also for the indescribable charm of the wildlife of South Africa. Durban is the third largest city in this state, a resort and center of agglomeration, known for its controversial, but rich history. This is a place once visited by famous travelers, and now collecting tourists from all over the Earth.
Historical and geographical information
The start of the history of the city, which began in June 1835, was laid by a meeting of white colonists, at which it was decided to establish it on a vast plot of land donated by a Zulu leader to a certain Henry Finn in gratitude for the service rendered. In this way, a geographical location called Durban in South Africa appeared on the world map.
The main part of the city is located on steep hills that rise above the coast of the Indian Ocean. The climate here is subtropical: humid summers, mild winters, where frosts are extremely rare. The majority of the population are blacks. There are about 70% of them. There are Indians, as well as white. Most of them are young people who speak English, Zulu and some other languages.
Transport
The city has settled on the coast, so it is not surprising that the port is the main attraction of Durban. In South Africa, it is considered one of the largest, ranks third in size and first in congestion.
The explanation for this is simple, because this geographical point, located on the coast of the vast ocean, is a center of tourism. It captivates with ethnic diversity, original, fantastic in its diversity architecture, endless beaches, warmed by year-round warm current. In fact, the port of Durban in South Africa is older than the city itself, because the latter was formed in the area of the settlement, which was called Port Natal, which, in turn, arose on the territory of the bay of the same name.
In addition, there is an airport opened in 2010. According to statistics, it serves about 5 million people a year. From there planes fly to all cities of the country and even to other continents. But tourists who want to enjoy African landscapes from the train window are most attracted by rail. At the same time, long-distance trains depart from the Durban station in South Africa to Johannesburg and Cape Town, having bought a ticket for them, you can gain unforgettable impressions for the rest of your life.
Coast
The coast of the city is full of attractions that allow you to relax and unwind. But more than others, tourists and locals chose a section of the beach called the Golden Mile, so the description of the city of Durban in South Africa without it simply cannot be complete. This is a vast territory, covered with golden soft sand of the most attractive quality and divided by a huge number of piers.
For the safety of tourists, the beach is protected from penetrations and sudden attacks of predatory sharks by strong nets. This precaution allows fans of the subtropical sun and warm African waters to swim safely. This place is a paradise for surfers. Particularly famous among the masters and lovers of this sport, part of it, called "South Beach".
The coast is also full of nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, shops, always full of people. Among the most memorable sights are the dolphinarium, water park, and the Sea World aquarium. Surfing Museum and Skate Park may also be of interest to tourists.
Exotic nature and signs of civilization
The nature in this distant land is simply amazing, inspired and unique. You can verify the veracity of this statement by examining the neighborhood of Durban. Photos of South Africa perfectly demonstrate the peculiar wild beauty of local landscapes. The fact that the neighborhood will take on a highly developed civilization is often especially original and surprising: first-class hotels and modern highways with pristine nature and a half-wild way of life of the indigenous population, which has preserved its centuries-old customs to this day.
One of the most picturesque corners of this area is the Valley of a thousand hills, located 45 km from the city itself. This is an area actively visited by tourists, where many excursions are organized for them, especially impressive lovers of African exoticism and ethnicity.
Here it is possible to observe first-hand life of Aboriginal people, to study their life, culture and original local traditions. The valley itself spread out along the channel and tributaries of the Mngeni River. Rafting along its waters, travelers and fans of sports recreation have the opportunity to visit many stunning sights: a snake garden, a bird park or a crocodile farm.
Zulus
This area belongs to the province of Kwazulu-Natal. And its indigenous people are the Zulus, who did not always live in peace and harmony with the white-skinned aliens of South Africa. Durban is based on the territory that once knew the fierce bloody feuds that began in 1824 with the arrival of the British ship in this area.
Nowadays, the indigenous inhabitants of this region are always happy to meet guests-tourists and show them their stunning ritual dances, mysterious rites and ancient crafts, among which weaving of original bead jewelry is considered to be especially famous. With such accessories, as well as feathers, the Zulu love to decorate their clothes, demonstrating the peculiarities of local color.
It is widely known that the indigenous population of this area and the art of their healers, possibly affecting tourists not so much with medical skills, but with singing under the drums and mysterious magical movements. One would like to believe that they really know how to conjure.
Leading University in Africa
KwaZulu-Natal University, located in a suburb of Durban in South Africa (photo can be seen below), is considered the leading institution of higher education in Africa, eloquently proving that science and the achievements of civilization have completely taken root in this distinctive land in this distinctive land. This educational institution was founded in 1961, as a university college.
It was intended at that time mainly for immigrants from India. Later it was transformed, expanded and began to accept black students into its ranks. Until 2004, it was called "Natal University." This is a multidisciplinary institution, which includes eleven departments, whose representatives played an important role in the development of African science. In particular, local scientists have earned respect by looking for ways to treat HIV infection and tuberculosis, which have become a huge problem for the local population.
St. Paul's Church
Tourists from Europe, as evidenced by reviews of Durban in South Africa, it is interesting to visit St. Paul's Church, which is rightfully one of the most notable local attractions. It was erected by the British in 1853. True, the original building in the last century was significantly damaged by fire, but was restored again. Visitors to these parts are especially curious to learn that St. Paul is believed to patronize travelers here. Therefore, to come to pray about their problems and needs for tourists in this church is considered doubly useful.
Indian quarter
Arriving back in 1844, the English colonists seriously engaged in the cultivation of sugar cane. However, they did not succeed in attracting Aboriginal people to work on plantations in the vicinity of the city; therefore, immigrants from India came to this region to cultivate land in large numbers. Most of them settled in this territory, taking national roots. The Indian quarter, breathing the indescribable atmosphere of the East, exists in the city to this day. As can be concluded from the reviews of Durban, in South Africa the largest and most impressive mosque is located in this area.
In addition, a visit to the local bazaar, where there is a chance to purchase fantastically rare exotic fish, jewelry, Indian and African souvenirs, can be extremely exciting. And the ability to bargain with their sellers not only becomes exciting entertainment for visitors, but also pretty much saves money in their pockets.
The present of the city
Tourists who come to Durban during their stay in the city may also encounter its problems, which include the high crime rate and a significant number of HIV-infected people among the local population. However, the struggle against these negative factors is underway, and some successes have already been achieved along this path.
And the local authorities have good reasons for efforts, because the tourism business is considered here among sectors of the economy a profitable income. In addition, the port brings significant benefits, which provides an undoubted advantage for this metropolitan area compared to the largest in South Africa, Johannesburg, as well as other megacities.