Durban’s
sweeping golden beaches entirely justify the city’s status as one of Africa’s major resorts. For the visitor, South Africa’s second most populous city offers a colorful range of
cultural experiences to complement its
balmy Indian Ocean climate and
attractive seafront. The greater metropolitan area is known as eThekwini, but the true meaning of this word is not known.
But the city’s importance to South Africa goes way beyond its appeal to
surfers,
sun-seekers and
whale-watchers, although these activities
are all significant draws.The city is
Africa’s busiest port, and as such is an important focus for the country’s export economy. But what really makes it differ from other South African cities is its
rich ethnic mix. More than half of Durban’s 3.4 million inhabitants are
Zulu, but a significant minority is made up by those of
Indian descent, who account for almost one-fifth of the population.
White Europeans account for less than one tenth of the residents.
Modern Durban was founded in the 1830s following a gift of land by the then
Zulu King, Shaka. The settlement was named in honor of the Cape Colony governor, Sir Benjamin d’Urban. The new city suffered
mixed fortunes over the following decades, at one point being evacuated due to
fierce conflict between the
Voortrekkers and the
Zulus, but eventually passed into
British hands in the 1860s, when the
sugar cane industry was established. It was to work in this industry that many Indians were brought to the area by the British.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Durban Content
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related South Africa Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
South Africa Airport Guides:
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South Africa City Guides:
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Available Tours to South Africa:
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iExplore Cape to Cairo Experience -
$5495,
16 days
-
iExplore Namibia & Cape Town -
$2995,
9-11 days
-
iExplore South Africa & Kruger Mobile Camping -
$2450,
9 days
-
iExplore South Africa & Sabi Sands Reserve -
$3875,
9 days
-
iExplore South Africa - Black Culture Experience -
$3895,
14 days
-
iExplore South Africa Experience -
$2650,
9 days
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iExplore South Africa Family -
$3195,
8 days
-
iExplore Southern Africa - Luxury Lodges -
$5295,
10 days
-
iExplore Southern Africa Experience -
$3295,
10 days
-
iExplore Southern Africa Experience & Sabi Sand Reserve -
$6195,
11 days
-
Animal Rescue Work in Cape Town -
$1115,
14 days
-
Kruger Breakaway -
$1230,
7 days
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