Welcome to Durban
Nestled between the Drakensburg mountains and the warm Indian Ocean, Durban is perfectly situated as a holiday destination.
The coastal areas surrounding Durban, are known for their tropical beaches and great surfing. While inland the KwaZulu Natal midlands have more of a European feel with undulating summer green pastures, forest and plantation. The dramatic Drakensburg mountain range and the beautiful game reserves are all in close proximity to Durban.
Heading northwards into Zululand, one has the option of many fantastic safari experiences and tropical diving at Cape Vidal or Sodwana Bay.
Sites to experience from Durban
Sani Pass and Lesotho
For those with a sense of adventure, a 4×4 drive up the highest road pass in Africa will certainly provide you with a hefty dose of adrenalin. For your efforts, you’ll be rewarded with its breathtaking scenery. From Durban, head through the green hills of the Midlands towards the little country town of Underberg. Here you will need to board one of the licensed 4×4 vehicles, the only form of transport equipped to tackle Sani Pass! You rise from the starting point at 1544m all the way up to a dizzying 2876m! This is the spot where both Ford and Nissan chose to showcase their newest vehicles, and it is a challenging climb for any vehicle. The road was first ascended by a vehicle in 1948 by a RAF spitfire pilot in an old Land Rover, but we do it in a little more comfort.
You will need your passport (and check for visa requirements) as you enter the Kingdom of Lesotho who’s motto is “Peace, rain, prosperity”.
Lunch is best enjoyed at the highest pub in Africa – truly – and, it stands to reason, the views are utterly breathtaking.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and St. Lucia
Situated in the heart of the Zululand lies the magnificent Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, not only is the park home to 84 species of game and the Big 5, but it’s the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa and world-renowned for its highly successful rhino conservation program which started at the turn of the 20th century when there were less than 20 rhino’s left. Luckily with the efforts of the park, this number is up to almost 10,000, 1600 of them residing in this park.
A quick drive from Hluhluwe to the coast, you can visit the iSimangaliso Wetland Park found right next to the town of St Lucia. This park was proclaimed a world heritage site due to the rich biodiversity, natural beauty and unique ecosystems. Centered around the vast Lake St. Lucia, the park is home to large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, pelicans and flamingos. Elephants, giraffes and leopards inhabit the grasslands and forests of the nearby Western and Eastern Shores with amazing turtle viewing at Cape Vidal.
Durban and Umhlanga
Durban is South Africa’s 3rd largest city serving as the gateway to the KwaZulu-Natal province, it is known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. The beachfront promenade of this coastal city is known as the “golden mile” and stretches from uShaka Marine World to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium, host for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
The Durban Botanical Gardens showcases African plant species in a lush, peaceful and tranquil atmosphere Founded in 1849 – the immaculate gardens house a fine mix of African, Asian and American trees, not to mention a superb orchid house. There is also the fascinating Kwa Muhle Museum (closed Sundays) where we uncover the pasts harsh system of labour control.
The more fashionable Umhlanga is situated a short drive further up the coastline with its famous 5-star beach hotels like The Beverly Hills and Oyster Box hotels, fantastic shopping at The Gateway and pristine beachfront with iconic lighthouse.
The Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg, a World Heritage Site, should be a part of every journey to South Africa and a favourite among artists, photographers, fishermen, birders, campers or hikers to escape to for stunning vistas, clean air and beautiful sunny skies.
Known to the Zulu people as uKhahlamba meaning “Barrier of Spears”, the Drakensberg has an undulating, dominating beauty and forms a majestic semi-circular border between the inland mountain kingdom of Lesotho and South Africa. Split into 3 regions, the Northern, Central and Southern Drakensberg all have plenty to offer for adventures, activities and exciting places to visit and explore.