Where to Stay in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

What is Durban known for?

Durban is known above all for its harbour and its warm-water beaches on the east coast of South Africa. The port defines the city. Sheltered by the Natal Bay of the Indian Ocean, Durban grew into the largest city of KwaZulu-Natal, its docks and seafront drawing trade and travellers to a coast that runs from the Umgeni River in the north to the Bluff in the south.

What are the main landmarks in Durban?

Durban holds landmarks that span its seafront, its parks, and its sporting life. uShaka Marine World anchors the Point. Its aquarium and water park draw families to the harbour mouth, while Mitchell Park Zoo keeps a green pocket up on the Berea, the Kings Park Sporting Precinct gathers the stadiums north of the centre, and The Cenotaph stands as the city's war memorial among them.

What is the history of Durban?

Durban began as a harbour settlement on the Natal Bay, founded in 1835 and first known as Port Natal. The bay made the town. Its sheltered water on the east coast of South Africa drew traders to the anchorage, and the port that grew there became the maritime centre of the surrounding province, gathering the trade that moved along the coast of the Indian Ocean.

From that early port, Durban spread inland from the water and up onto the ridge of the Berea. The old name Port Natal gave way to the city that anchors KwaZulu-Natal, its docks handling the goods of a growing region. Through every change the harbour endured.

From a small landing on the Natal Bay, Durban grew into the port that shaped the coast between the Umgeni River and the Bluff.

Where is Durban?

Durban lies on the east coast of South Africa, wrapped around the Natal Bay where it opens to the Indian Ocean. The setting is layered by water and ridge. North of the harbour and the flat city centre lies the mouth of the Umgeni River, the centre rises westward to the hills of the Berea, and south along the coast runs the Bluff, framing the bay that gives KwaZulu-Natal its chief port.

What is the climate of Durban?

Durban has a warm subtropical climate, humid and mild along the Indian Ocean through the year. Winters stay gentle here. Hot, wet summers bring afternoon rains to the Natal Bay and the seafront, warmed by the ocean current that washes the east coast, while the cooler season turns dry and pleasant over the city and the ridge of the Berea.

How do you get to Durban?

Durban is reached by air, sea, and road, the transport hub of coastal KwaZulu-Natal. Most travellers arrive overland or by flight. The harbour on the Natal Bay handles shipping while highways run north and south along the coast, linking Durban across the wider country of South Africa and inland from the Indian Ocean toward the interior.