Sightseeing in Durban - what to see. Complete travel guide

Durban is one of the richest cities in the country and a popular resort in South Africa. Tourists from all over the world know Durban as a place with numerous interesting bazaars and amazing beaches with golden sand. It is hard to find a more picturesque city on the continent. The territory of Durban is conventionally divided into two regions. The old district is the location of historical buildings, an Indian quarter, shopping centers, and numerous restaurants. The other, a newer part of Durban, is the location of the city’s hotels. This part of Durban stretches along the ocean coast.

Archaeologists discovered that the territory near modern Durban was already settled 100,000 years ago. The Khoisan peoples were the first settlers in the area. Later, Bantu tribes invaded the territory and killed them. At the end of the 15th century, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama together with his crew visited this place in attempts to find a new sea route from Europe to India. He named the area “Natal”. First “white” settlers appeared in the region only in the 20s of the 19th century. These were the British, and Lieutenant Francis George Farewell was their leader. However, the new settlers first had problems with the Zulu people. Only after the establishment of relations between the local leaders and white settlers, the British got a strip of land.

In June 1835, during a meeting with thirty-five white colonists, it was decided to found a new city, Durban. The settlement got this name in honor of British governor Sir Benjamin D'Urban. After that, colonists made a big number of plantations in order to grow sugarcane. However, Africans didn’t want to work for the British, and so the latter had to bring workers from India. As people were hired for almost twenty-five years, there was no reason for them to return back home afterward. Many people stayed in Durban and continued living in the city, forming a big Indo-Pakistan community. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Have you come to Durban in order to relax at the coast of the Indian Ocean? There will be no trouble finding a suitable place for beach recreation in Durban. All beaches in the city – there are many of them – have a soft surface with golden sand. Old palm trees adorn charming avenues, and the coastal water is always warm and pleasant. When visiting one of the local beaches, tourists do not need to worry that sharks might attack and injure them. Almost all beaches have protective nets that do not let predators approach the coast, so nothing can spoil your vacation or scare your child. It is important to mention that there have been no cases of shark attacks in Durban for thirty years.

Moreover, there are always rescue teams at the beaches. These are professionally trained people who always keep an eye on everything that is going on. That being said, vacationers need to stay alert when swimming. From time to time, a small jelly-fish can swim close to the coast. Do not touch it because there is a risk of getting a burn wound. However, even if you get a burn there is no need to worry because this injury is not dangerous. Simply visit the beach rescue team because they have a special remedy for such cases. Fans of diving will be pleased to see the incredibly beautiful underwater world of the region.

When reviewing beaches in Durban, it is first worth mentioning the ones that have the “Blue Flag” label. This award signifies compliance with all international environmental and safety standards. A well-developed infrastructure and professional staff make such beaches very comfortable. Margate Beach is one of the best beaches in the region. It is hard to find a better place for surfing and swimming. The beach is crowded on weekends, so there are many bars and restaurants where visitors can order delicious and refreshing cocktails.

Ramsgate Beach is one more amazing coastal area. It is situated to the south of Margate Beach. This is a calm place that is the right choice for family picnics and everyone craving for peace and silence because this beach is located at some distance from the noisy central beach. Do you like strolling in calm and secluded places? There is a perfect area for this purpose – the road to the lagoon. Besides this area, there is one more beach that is located at some distance from the city – Marina Beach. As a rule, there are not many people here. Despite a comfortable location and shallow coastal water, this beach deprives some infrastructure, and this is the reason why it is rare to see vacationers here.

There is an international airport at a distance of 15 kilometers from the central part of Durban. Upon arrival, tourists can take a bus to the city center. These buses are regular and depart from the airport several times a day. Naturally, tourists can get a taxi or rent a car directly at Durban airport. Cars for rent are available for extended periods of time, so you can get a vehicle for the period of your vacation in this gorgeous city.