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| Durban
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Durban is blessed with balmy weather all year
round, making it a perfect holiday paradise.
The beachfront is bordered by five star hotels
and luxury apartments, all of which have an
idyllic view of the Indian Ocean.
The Central Business District, a hive of activity,
is within easy reach of all hotels and convention
venues. If however, you wish to travel further
afield, there is a very competent public transport
system running throughout Durban, as well as
an abundance of taxis. |
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The
tour offered from Durban is : |
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Durban
is a major gateway to Africa and is also the largest
and busiest port city on the continent. Due to this,
there is an extensive road network leading to and from
any destination in South Africa. Durban International
Airport, is only a 10 minute drive from the City and
is serviced daily by domestic flights, as well as international
flights. The International Convention Centre, centrally
located, is an innovative, world class convention centre
which can cater for conferences of up to 5000 people.
KwaZulu-Natal is a world in one province : to the North
of Durban can be found the best of African game reserves
and pristine beaches; to the West lie the majestic Drakensberg
Mountains and temperate Midlands; while to the South
there await superb golf courses, fishing spots and miles
of subtropical coastline.
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| Climate |
Durban
is famed for its mild, sunny winter climate and year-round
"fun-in-the-water" weather. Durban is blessed
with an abundance of vegetation and a subtropical climate
with sunshine for at least 320 days a year. Temperatures
range from 16°C and 25°C during the winter months
of June, July and August. Summer temperatures can reach
32°C with relatively high humidity during the hot
season. |
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| Beaches |
Durban's
beaches are characterised by soft, golden sand, palm
trees and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The main
beaches are shark netted and patrolled from sunrise
to sunset by trained lifeguards who have an impressive
track record in beach safety. The main beaches also
have change and shower facilities as well as an array
of restaurants and bars. Those who crave seclusion can
find many remote beaches along the coast which are not
patrolled. |
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| Parks |
Durban
has more than 50 reserves, developed parks and specialised
gardens. They are maintained by the City's Parks Department
which has 4 500 hectares of parkland and undeveloped
open space under its control. The most renowned garden
in the city is the Botanic Gardens, a rich 20 ha botancial
and park haven at the foot of the Berea, and minutes
from the city centre. |
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| Nature
Reserves |
Durban
and its surrounding areas boast a number of small to
medium-sized nature reserves. At first these appear
to be simply green islands in the urban landscape, but
some of the larger reserves (such as Silverglen and
Stainbank) offer surprising accessibility to African
wildlife within the city limits. Large fauna include
vervet monkeys, several buck species and even zebra.
Additional attractions include tours, walks and community
projects such as the Sangoma (witch doctor) training
facility at Silverglen. |
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| Birding/Wildlife |
Durban
is richly endowed with tropical flora which attract
a large variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy the
best in birdwatching at such spots as the Amanzimtoti
and Umgeni River Bird Parks. The province of KwaZulu
Natal has some magnificent game reserves containing
the "Big Five" but you don't even have to
go that far! The city of Durban itself hosts a surprising
number of conservation areas - ranging from coastal
mangroves to indigenous bush reserves housing some of
Africa's larger game |
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| Shopping |
Shop till
you drop in one of Durban's many shopping malls or browse
the weekend markets for original and second hand clothing,
crafts and gifts. Street side vendors offer flowers,
fresh fruit and leather goods at knock down prices. |
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| Cultural
Durban |
If cultural diversity were the criterion
for choosing the capital of the new South Africa,
then Durban would be the only city in the running.
In a country dubbed the Rainbow Nation, this port
city is blessed with the most vibrant mix of the ethnic
and cultural paint brush. The metropolis is home to
three major social groupings, each with its own rich
history and traditions.
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| Museums |
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KwaZulu Natal's rich history is documented
in a number of fascinating museums in and around the
city. The development of Durban into the city we know
today can be viewed from a number of important perspectives.
The history of apartheid is found in the Kwa Muhle
museum, seafaring memorabilia can be found in the
Maritime museum and the history of Indian indentured
labour is shown in photographic and document form
in the Durban Cultural and Document Centre.
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| Theatre |
Durban's theatre scene has something
to offer for everyone. Whether you enjoy mainstream
classics or fringe productions, Durban is a goldmine
of talent.
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| Crafts |
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African arts and crafts have existed
for centuries in traditional societies. Parents were
responsible for transmitting the folklore, poetry
and craft traditions to their children. In urban areas
the lack of suitable raw materials for craftwork has
resulted in the use of alternative materials, such
as plastic bags to weave floormats or telephone wires
to weave baskets, which has led to some innovative
and creative work. Durban has some very special Art
Centres working on ambitious educational projects
to futher the talents of local people.
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The
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