Connecting African Culture Through the Seas
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
If you could choose just one word to describe Durban, “fusion” comes to mind. “Durbs,” as the locals call this coastal city of 700,000, is a place where the old and new collide, urban and rural blend, and the term “melting pot” was practically invented.
At once both gritty and posh, the city teems with crumbling, peeling buildings that bump up against brand new skyscrapers; sleek cosmopolitan restaurants that sit cheek by jowl with rough-edged dive bars; and five-star boutique inns that compete with inexpensive homey B&Bs and the mass-market high-rise hotels that line the famous Golden Mile.
With temperatures averaging about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 C) year-round and more than 300 days of sunshine, Durban’s focal point is its string of white sand surf beaches that are lapped by relatively warm seas. The main promenade, with its amusement park rides, kiddie pools, and colorful street vendors emanates a gentle charm which harks back to a slower-paced era. But the modern, impressive uShaka Marine World, one of the world’s largest aquariums, is also here, featuring the southern hemisphere’s most diverse collection of sharks.
Thanks to the largest concentration of Indians in South Africa, Durbs proudly sports a multi-cultural vibe. From the onion-domed mosques which dot the skyline, to the city’s most famous dish, bunnychow, the Asian influence here is undeniable, and inextricably linked with the history and appeal of Durban.
Durban is a sporty city as well, boasting a sleek new stadium that rose up shortly before the 2010 World Cup, and it’s also home to some of the best scuba diving in the country in the abundant offshore reefs. And even though Durban is a major metropolis, nature is always close at hand: the Botanical Gardens, Phezulu Safari park, and the majestic Valley of 1000 Hills, prove that there’s no shortage of spots to get out and hike, smell the roses, or see native wildlife.
Safety: Most of the violent crime in Durban is confined to the poor townships outside the city, where tourists rarely venture. But some crime does exist in the city center. To stay safe, avoid walking alone in dark and deserted areas, especially back alleys off the main beach area. The Point Road area, between downtown and the port, is also iffy day or night. Only carry as much cash as you’ll need for the day or night and leave your credit cards, passport, and valuables in the hotel – no need to flaunt your wealth. When in crowded areas keep an eye out for pickpockets and also street children, some of whom have been known to carry knives.
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
The tropical, laid-back coastal city of Durban in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province has a lot to offer visitors, from miles of golden sandy beaches and the beautiful year-round warm weather, …