Exploring All That Durban Has to Offer
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Durban Coastline - Courtesy of YoTut on Flickr
The glittering capital of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal region is a hive of water sporting activity. I checked out MyDestination.com/Durban to see what the region was all about but this city really is all about the beach.
Durban’s endless stretch of golden sand and vast crashing waves draw surfers from all over the globe. I was mesmerized by the diverse array of people enjoying their day as I sat on my towel beneath the clear blue sky. There were families of all ethnicities lounging and playing on the sand, teenagers enjoying a game of beach volley ball, city slickers taking a lunch time jog, swimmers, sun worshipers and of course surfers.
Now I’d tried surfing before and knew, to my dismay, that I’m not very good at it, so all I could do was watch in envy as those wave slaves rushed out for the curls and awesome breaks. Durban is even home to South Africa’s only surf museum.
Pools in Durban - Courtesy of BBMExplorer on Flickr
The beachfront may not be the prettiest of architectural wonders, with its rows of high rise hotels, but the shining structures are an attraction in themselves, all be it a modern and slightly kitsch one. The giant pool complex and snake park are great for a family day.
Architecture aside, this area is a hub of activity and an excellent place to hang out and enjoy the fun, even for those who prefer not to expose their skin to the sun’s rays or throw themselves to the mercy of the ocean. As I moseyed along the walkways, amongst the craft stalls and curios, I found this area a perfect place to watch the world go by.
The port here is the busiest in Africa, but as well as the huge container docks there are two yacht clubs and a fabulous cultural spot called the Bartle Arts Trust Centre were you can find music, visual arts, coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
Durban Fruit and Vegetable Market - Courtesy of Mister-E on Flickr
Durban is home to a wide variety of nationalities and cultures. With the Victorian Sugar Plantations came a large population of Indian workers, many of whom settled here and started their own businesses. There is a vast spice market, excellent range of eastern food to be had and some lovely temples and mosques to visit.
No visit to Durban would be complete without a trip to the Point. It’s not advisable to wander around this area at night as it has a poor crime record, but by day a drive along Point Road will afford you the spectacle of once beautiful but now abandoned Art Deco warehouses and factories. It may not be like this for long though as rumour has it the developers are moving in with the intent to make this the new cool place to be, turning the broken structures into loft style apartments and fashionable shops and bars. Maybe next time I go I will be able to enjoy the Point from a whole new perspective.
