Sightseeing OverviewDurban is best known for its long,
sweeping beaches, and is very popular with the
surfing community. A major focus for visitors is the
Golden Mile, a long stretch of beachfront lined with
hotels,
restaurants and other visitor amenities including the
Seaworld aquarium. A key attraction in this area are the
colorfully costumed Zulu rickshaw men, unique to Durban, who offer rides along the seafront.
Away from the seafront, the
Indian Quarter is a fascinating district (Durban has a large population of south
Asian ethnic origin). Here, the
Jumah Mosque is supposedly the largest such building in the southern hemisphere, and its
spice market is a colorful stop on the sightseeing trail.
The
Victoria Embankment is home to numerous
museums, while a short distance to the north of the city, across the
Umgeni River, attractions include a large
bird park.
Tourist InformationTourist Junction160 Pine Street
Tel: (031) 304 4934.
Website:
www.durban.kzn.org.za Tourist Junction is located in the former railway terminus building in the heart of the city center (CBD) district. As well as tourist information and accommodation booking services for the whole of Kwazulu-Natal, the center offers an African art center and numerous souvenir and curio shops.
PassesVisitor passes are not currently available in the city, however, the numerous city tours available provide the most convenient way to take in the attractions, attraction admissions being included within the tour price.
Key Attractions:uShaka Seaworld Aquarium
A large saltwater aquarium complex featuring sea life from both the Indian and Atlantic oceans, offering both indoor and outdoor entertainment and exhibits. It also has what is claimed as Africa’s largest dolphinarium. The underground section is entered through a huge ‘shipwreck’.
1 King Shaka Avenue
Tel: (031) 328 8222.
Website:
www.seaworld.org.zaAdmission charge.
Durban Art Gallery
Containing collections from Europe, Asia and Africa dating from the 15th century to the modern day, the
DAG is also notable for the monthly ‘Red Eye Art’ event, featuring the work of young South African artists, designers and performers.
Smith Street
Tel: (031) 311 2264.
Website:
www.durban.gov.za/Durban/Tourism_and_Leisure/museums/dagAdmission charge.
The Campbell Collection
Although open by appointment only (the best way to see this museum is as part of an organized tour) this is well worth the effort. It includes the
Mashu Museum of Ethnology, a major collection of native cultural items, and a major photographic and literary archive.
220 Marriott Road, Berea
Tel: (031) 260 1722.
Website:
www.durban.gov.za/eThekwini/Tourism_and_Leisure/museums/other_museums/Campbell Admission included in tour price.
Kwa Muhle Museum
Housed in the notorious former Native Administration Department, from which Durban’s labor control system was administered in apartheid times, this museum tells the tale of darker times, and aims to offer an unbiased interpretation of life for ordinary South Africans under the ‘old’ regime.
Please note that this museum is closed for renovation until August 2007.
130 Ordnance Road
Tel: (031) 311 2237.
Free admission.
Umgeni River Bird Park
Home to a large collection of exotic bird species from all over the world, this attraction features daily free flight shows in a specially constructed arena. The park is situated in a landscaped former quarry.
Riverside Road
Tel: (031) 579 4600.
Website:
www.umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za Admission charge.
Further Distractions:Natal Sharks Board
The
Natal Sharks Board is responsible for ensuring beach protection, but its headquarters are open to visitors, who can view displays about sharks and rays, and an audiovisual presentation, and then watch a real shark being opened up in a dissection demonstration.
1A Henwood Drive, Umhlanga
Tel: (031) 566 0499.
Website:
www.shark.co.za
Sugar Terminal
One of the biggest such facilities in the world, with storage capacity of 500,000 tons of sugar, the
South African Sugar Terminal is open for guided tours focusing on the sugar production and refining industry.
Maydon Wharf
Tel: (031) 365 8100.
Website:
www.sasa.org.za
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