The great natural harbor of Port Natal, on whose shores the city of Durban now stands, was thought by early Portuguese navigators to be a lagoon at the mouth of a large river. They called the harbor Rio de Natal (Christmas River), as its discovery fell on Christmas Day in 1497. The name Durban was acquired in 1843 when Port Natal was renamed for Sir Benjamin D'Urban, the Cape governor who had ordered the British annexation of Natal.
Durban became a municipality in 1854 and a city in 1935. Today it is one of the principal cargo ports on the African continent, a center for industry and a major holiday resort. With a population of almost one million people, Durban is a bustling, subtropical city with a warm, more often hot and sultry climate that favors the luxuriant growth of trees and gardens. It is considered to be the Asian capital of South Africa with a massive Indian population.
While the downtown area is predominantly Muslim, Hindu Durban lies to the north of the city center. It was here in the Phoenix Park Settlement that Mahatma Gandhi set up his retreat center in 1903, from where moral support was drawn for the Indian demonstrations of 1913.
Durban's 21st-century economy can largely be credited to the immense amount of cargo passing through its huge port, as well as to the thousands of Transvaal holiday makers who, since the 1930s, have turned the city's beachfront into a popular playground.
Its most dominant landmark is the handsome Grey Street Mosque, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. |
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| The ship is scheduled to dock at the Passenger Terminal. The city center can be reached on foot in about 10 minutes. However, walking is not recommended. Metered taxis are generally available at the pier. |
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| Shopping offers an exciting pastime in Durban, although some shops downtown are closed on Sundays. In the Passenger Terminal, stands display a wide range of curios and handicrafts. Intricately woven baskets and beadwork make for especially attractive souvenirs. Bargaining is expected. Shopping malls offer one-stop shopping and are usually open on Sundays as are the shops at Ushaka Marine World. The local currency is the rand. |
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| With the largest Indian population in South Africa, Durban has good Indian restaurants all over the city, including the Ulundi in the Royal Hotel, a Durban institution. |
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Natal Sharks Board
The Natal Sharks Board is recognized as an expert in shark attack prevention and offers guided tours of the shark nets and Durban’s Golden Mile.
Casino
A recently opened Casino on the beachfront near the Golden Mile features slot machines and gaming tables, as well as several restaurants and shops. It is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Ushaka Marine World
This new marine center is open on weekends. Its shark tanks and dolphin show are fast becoming popular attractions. Dolphin shows are at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Admission fee 80 rand (at time of writing). The complex also has a variety of shops.
Beaches
Durban boasts a stretch of golden beaches. Most offer facilities including changing rooms, shark nets, lifeguards and fast-food outlets.
Private arrangements for independent sightseeing may be requested through the Tour Office on board. |
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