Durban★★
Durban (Zulu: eThekwini) is South Africa's third-largest city and the antithesis of Cape Town: less glamorous, but rougher, more genuine, warmer. The water temperature here rarely drops below 20°C even in winter — Durban has the warmest city beach in South Africa.
Highlights
- Golden Mile: The 6 km long beachfront promenade from uShaka Beach to Blue Lagoon. Surfers, joggers, fishermen, and rickshaw drivers (the colorfully decorated rickshaw runners in Zulu costumes). Safe and lively.
- Victoria Street Market: The huge Indian market in the heart of the city. Spices, textiles, leather goods, and the best Bunny Chow in town (see Food). Haggling is a must!
- uShaka Marine World: Ocean-themed park with one of the largest aquariums in the Southern Hemisphere, water park, and restaurants. 220 ZAR (€11).
- Moses Mabhida Stadium: The 2010 World Cup stadium with the iconic arch. You can take a cable car to the 106 m high arch (60 ZAR) — or do the Big Rush Big Swing: the world's largest swing (80 m drop!). 750 ZAR.
- Durban Botanic Gardens: Africa's oldest botanical gardens (est. 1849). Orchid house, palm grove, perfect for a quiet stroll. Free.
Food in Durban
Durban has the best Indian cuisine in South Africa — and perhaps the best outside of India. The Indian community (about 1 million people) brought their culinary traditions with them starting in 1860.
- Bunny Chow: THE Durban dish. A hollowed-out white bread filled with curry (lamb, beans, or chicken). Messy, delicious, unique. Best at Hollywood Bets Bunny Bar or Britannia Hotel.
- Durban Curry: Spicier and more aromatic than the Indian standard. The best restaurants: Little Gujarat (vegetarian, Grey Street) and Oyster Box Hotel (upscale curry buffet in Umhlanga).
