Located on South Africa's sublime Indian Ocean coast, Durban is a tropical, urban gem that has lost its reckless air in favour of a growing sophistication.
The golden child of KwaZulu Natal is the country's third largest city. Its leafy north western suburbs offer upmarket guesthouses, trendy bars and stylish restaurants, while the city centre nonchalantly displays flamboyant colonial edifices and art deco delights.
Durban's attractive, sweeping beaches are complemented by rejuvenation evident along the seafront, such as the huge uShaka Marine World theme park. Whale-watching, wreck-diving, fishing, kitesurfing and luxury cruises are amongst the myriad attractions scraping the city's edge.
But what really sets Durban apart from other South African cities is its rich ethnic mix. More than half of Durban's 3.5 million inhabitants are Zulu, but almost one fifth of the population is made up of Indians, creating a potent, vibrant cocktail. Visitors are sure to be enthralled by what Durban has to offer.
