The city of Durban, otherwise known as eThekwini, is situated on the east coast of South Africa, on the Indian Ocean. Durban is the third largest city in South Africa with a population of 595,000.
Durban is fondly called the surf city as it has some of the country’s top surfing spots, being blessed with warm weather all year round. The newly completed extension to the beachfront promenade now makes it the longest promenade in Sub-Saharan Africa; the promenade is 8 kilometres long extending from Blue Lagoon, past uShaka Marine World, all the way to the harbour mouth.
Durban’s harbour is the largest and busiest container port in Africa, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Durban and Richard’s Bay were among the first ports in the world to use helicopters for transferring marine pilots.
Durban has many significant art deco buildings; as a developing and emerging city in the early 1900s, the city’s architects embraced this design. Many beautiful art deco buildings can be found in the City Centre, along the Victoria Embankment, the Berea Ridge and Grey Street.
Durban has a strong link with India as the first boat carrying indentured labourers arrived in 1860; the majority of Indian labourers worked on the sugar plantations. The strong Indian influence can be felt throughout the city with the many temples, mosques and markets selling fruit, vegetables and spices. Durban is also famous for curry and bunny chow.
There is no better way to see Durban than on foot with a local!
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