Durban, the largest coastal city in KwaZulu-Natal, is a bewitching seaside playground in the sun, possessing a certain mystique. A rich heritage holds sway over Durban where the proud Zulu nation meets East and West, a wealth of influences that have created a vibrant cosmopolitan city. Traditional warrior dances, colonial heritage, mystic firewalkers, all merge together to create a fascinating ménage.

The city of Durban, with radiant golden beaches, and lush sub-tropical greenery has a wide portfolio of attractions. On the beachfront is the world famous uShaka Marine World, Africa’s largest theme park, featuring dolphin and seal stadium, exotic tropical fish and the menacing shark tank. A short distance away is the Fitzsimons Snake Park, an important venom research centre. Numerous churches, mosques, temples, museums, galleries, botanical gardens and nature reserves are to be found, oases of peace and tranquillity amidst the busy city. Shopping centres abound and are a shopper’s paradise where traditional clothing and souvenirs are available.

Walking tours will provide insights into Durban’s varied history, taking in the majestic City Hall, Playhouse Complex and the Vasco da Gama Clock. An oriental tour will take you to the stately Emmanuel Cathedral, Adjmeri and Madressa arcades and the Victoria Street Market. Many other places of historic interest are to be found in this bustling metropolis.

A sportsman’s paradise, Durban offers angling, world-class golf courses, shark cage diving, scuba diving, surfing, boogie boarding, helicopter flips, snorkelling, windsurfing and much, much more.

The 2010 Football World Cup has brought out the best in South Africa. A new stadium, the Moses Mabhida Stadium, was constructed in the city to cater for this prestigious international event and will remain as a testament to the love of soccer by all South Africans. This is a notable example of our architectural achievements and will be in use for generations to come.

To the west of Durban lie the Midlands with KwaZulu-Natal’s capital city, Pietermaritzburg. Set in the midst of rolling hills, Pietermaritzburg is home to quaint antique shops, markets, restaurants, art galleries and museums. And of course, the city is the beginning or end point of the world-renowned Comrades Marathon. Well known to visitors such as Gandhi, Mandela and Twain, Pietermaritzburg recalls past days of history and splendour.

The imposing Drakensberg, a 200 km long mountainous wonderland, is a world heritage site. Thousands of paintings depicting the daily life of the San people, who once resided in the area, are to be found on rock faces throughout the region. For the active sportsman, the mountains are there to climb and white water rafting and abseiling can be arranged. Many hiking routes offer a ‘calmer’ pace where on the upper and lower slopes one can watch out for the 290 species of birds, 48 species of animals or the rare plant life found in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.

During the 1800s and 1900s, KwaZulu-Natal reverberated to the sound of famous names and events; Zulu wars, Shaka, Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Colenso, Spioenkop, Ladysmith, Churchill, Blood River, General Louis Botha, Cetshwayo and many more. Today these names and places are marked with sombre memorials recalling those turbulent times in the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefield area of South Africa.