a relentless quest to expose the
cheapest flights
in, to and from South Africa
a relentless quest to expose the
cheapest flights
in, to and from South Africa
Formerly known as "Port Natal", Durban is the largest town in Kwazulu-Natal and known for its warm swimming waters and tropical weather. South Africa's largest harbour is in Durban.
Durban's Umhlanga suburb has the southern hemisphere's biggest shopping mall - the Gateway Centre, which boasts 18 movie theatres, an IMAX theatre, more than 60 restaurants, a 4000-square metre skating rink, the world's highest indoor climbing rock and more than 300 shops.
Durban's famous north beach pier
There are not as many international flights to Durban airport, so coming from overseas you may need to fly via Johannesburg International Airport. There are frequent flights from Johannesburg to Durban, and if you're in Cape Town, there are also frequent flights from Cape Town to Durban.
A new airport is planned to be built at La Mercy (30km north of Durban) - completed by December 2009 and commissioned in the first quarter of 2010; however the building is subject to an environmental impact assessment (Mount Moreland, a small village about 2km from the proposed runway will bear the brunt of the aircraft noise). The airport will be built by the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), a government subsidiary, and will form part of the proposed Dube Tradeport industrial development zone. The proposed airport has been referred to as King Shaka International Airport, but the official naming process has not yet begun.
Durban International Airport will be de-commissioned in the first quarter of 2010, and may become a dugout harbour.
Translux, Greyhound, Intercape and the Baz Bus connect Durban to the major South African cities.
Durban is connected via the N2 national road to East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Durban is connected via the N3 to Johannesburg. When renting a car, ensure that you get a sedan with a closed boot as valuables are safer there.
The train station offers connections to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Durban's port is the busiest in Africa.
uShaka Marine World is the largest marine theme park in Africa. Remember to take your swimming costume. Phone uShaka Marine World at 031-328-8000.
80 shops & restaurants |
Phantom Ship with its Shark Bar, Cargo Hold, Upper Deck Restaurant & Aquarium |
Wet & Wild slides and rides |
Snorkel lagoon |
Dolphin & seal stadiums |
Durban Botanic Gardens |
Beaches (including Umhlanga Rocks) |
Wavehouse |
Fitzsimons Snake Park (240 Lower Marine Parade, ph 031 337 6456) |
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Maritime museum |
Mitchell Park |
Funworld |
Crime is a serious issue throughout South Africa. Travellers should be vigilant at all times, especially at bus stations, airports and traffic lights as organised gangs are known to operate there. You should be careful at all times in the city of Durban and by the beachfront. Carjackings are common in this city. Muggings can occur anywhere at any time. When renting a car, ensure that you get a sedan with a closed boot as valuables are safer there.
In 5 December 2006, a 26-year-old official of a French swimming team was raped at the beachfront paddling pools. In the evening, she had gone for a walk with a male swimming official; her male friend was held down while she was gang-raped. The rape happened a day after plans were unveiled to boost security at the beachfront during the festive season.
Earth Mother Organic |
Taste of India |
Pizzetta Pizzeria |
Peel's Honey Shop |
Roma Revolving Restaurant |
Harvey's |
13 August 2006 |
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10 August 2006 |