Durban – Coastal Metropolis and Holiday Mecca
Durban is the holiday mecca for many South Africans, offering an endless summer climate and a carnival atmosphere, blue seas, golden beaches and entertainment for every taste. It is truly one of the country's favorite holiday playgrounds.
The city of Durban has so much to offer that it is almost impossible to list all its interests and pleasures.
A few of the places of interest not to be missed by the visitor are the beach front with its restaurants
and amusement park offering fun for the younger generation. The aquarium, Ushaka Marine World, offers a very interesting view
of life under the sea and is one of the best in the country. Displays of tricks and acrobatics by seals
and dolphins should not be missed. Durban harbor and yacht club are worth a visit and visitors may book
a pleasure cruise or visit the Maritime Museum.
The Durban Botanical Gardens are internationally known for subtropical plants, orchids and their rare
collection of cycads, the Japanese Gardens have an enchanting atmosphere and displays of flowers, ponds,
and oriental designs. There are a number of interesting museums such as the local History Museum,
Africana Museum, The Art Museum, Natural Science Museum and Camera Museum to mention a few. The Snake
Park on the beach front has a large display of reptiles from all over the world. There are also temples
and mosques which are of interest and must be visited. The Umgeni Bird Park allows visitors on walkways
to view indigenous and exotic birds at close range. Durban is also the host city for the Durban July, a highlight on the social calendar in horseracing circles.
Durban has so many places of interest that any visitor must carefully plan an itinerary to experience
all that this magnificent city has to offer.