Durban

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South Africa - Durban

Durban, the second most populous city in South Africa, is the central area of the ‘eThekwini’ metropolitan municipality.

It is the biggest city in KwaZulu-Natal Province and is renowned as the busiest port in Africa. It is also the world's ninth busiest port.

In addition, the city is a key tourism centre, largely due to its warm subtropical climate and beaches.
Durban is home to one of the country’s most well-known pre-colonisation nations - the great Zulu nation. The city is a mixture of African, European and Asian influences. With its captivating history of immigrants from across the globe, the city is often described as a ‘cultural melting pot’. Since the arrival of the first Europeans and Indian labourers, the city has cultivated a style and feel that is all its own.

In one major survey of six South African cities, Durban was voted the friendliest, and is widely considered by many in the know to be among the world’s most welcoming cities.

Economy

The Durban Metropolitan Area has a considerable and diversified economy, with robust manufacturing, tourism, transportation, finance and government segments.

Among other factors, the area’s economy is boosted by its coastal location and sizeable port. The area boasts an economy that instils significant confidence, with the benefits of a sub-tropical climate, successful local government and solid infrastructure investment.

Durban's economic development has been gaining importance for several decades. The city’s sugar terminal is the largest in the world and became one of many mainstays of Durban's economy, along with the tourism industry. In recent years, Durban has also established itself as the South Africa’s premier convention centre.

Seven key reasons for Durban’s attraction as an excellent business and leisure locale are widely cited:

• Award-Winning Municipality:  The city is considered to possess the best run and financially best local government on the African continent, and has been the recipient of various awards recognising it as the best-run city in South Africa.  In addition, international credit rating agencies have given Durban investment grade credit ratings of AA+.
• Lifestyle of Business & Pleasure: Durban is considered to be a place that offers an equally attractive environment for living and working here.
• Large Human Resource Base:  The city attracts a large contingent of skilled labour, and is the home of Africa’s largest university.
• Highest Growth Rates: Durban’s economic growth rates are higher than the country’s average and that of the other major centres worldwide.
• Infrastructure Leader:  The infrastructure base here is considered to be the best on the continent, including Africa’s best electricity distribution, a vast roads network, the best and largest water treatment and supply base, and a superior telecommunications network.

Combined, these “Super 7” factors make Durban exceedingly attractive to business and leisure residents alike.

Leisure Activities

Durban is the country’s sub-tropical beach escape haven. The city overlooks an extensive, golden beach that is likely Africa’s most culturally diverse location.

The ideal climate of the metropolitan area, with agreeable winters and balmy summers attracts Expats and tourists from far and wide, and the pleasant weather affords Durban’s residents the ability to enjoy a wide choice of outdoor activities.

Bordered by sugar cane fields and subtropical vegetation, Durban is the ideal place to take a tour of one of the townships or explore the harbour, which was once a natural lagoon. Visitors who arrive by boat come into the harbour mouth between the piers and against the green backdrop of the Bluff, a long untouched forest peninsula that provides protection from ocean winds. The harbour offers endless views across the central city and of the residential Berea Ridge.

The ‘Golden Mile’ lies on the other side of the harbour, a beautiful beachfront lined with hotels. Water sports are among the most popular pastimes here, including swimming, scuba diving, surfing, sailing, and fishing.

For leisure-seekers not interested in the beautiful beaches, fear not. Durban has loads to offer. Theatres, art galleries, shopping centres, museums, and an exciting nightlife are but a few of your leisure choices. Durban has something for everyone.

Durban's cultural attractions are considered among its most alluring leisure activities. Visit Zulu cultural villages, take a tour of townships or explore the stunning Temple of Understanding.

Durban’s Botanical Gardens on Sydenham