1.800.557.2841
Durban city beachfront skyline - South Africa
Durban city beachfront skyline
Home/Destinations/Africa/South Africa/Durban
South Africa

Durban

Overview

Take a trip to Durban on your South Africa vacation.

Durban is found in the province of KwaZulu-Natal on the east coast of South Africa and is the country’s third largest city on a South Africa vacation. It is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa.

The region that makes up Durban has been inhabited since 100,000 BC, however, the modern history of the city did not begin until 1824. Under British Lieutenant F.G. Farewell, a crew of twenty-five men arrived from the Cape Colony and established a settlement on the northern shore of Port Natal. Henry Francis Flynn, an adventurer, was successful in befriending the Zulu King Shaka after helping him recover from a stab wound. In return, Shaka granted the men a 30-mile strip of coast. This area was named d’Urban after Sir Benjamin d’Urban, the governor of the Cape Colony. The sugar cane industry was introduced in the 1860s and with it came immigrant labourers from India.

Much of this Indian population remained and today, Durban hosts the largest Asian community in the African continent and the largest Indian population outside of India. Tourists are drawn to Durban for its year-round sunshine and for the Golden Mile, the city’s popular beachfront on a South African vacation.

Uhmlanga, a resort town just 16 km north of Durban is considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. A favourite holiday destination for domestic and international tourists, Durban offers exciting dive options, whale watching, cruises, trendy eateries and a friendly and diverse atmosphere.

At a Glance
LanguagesZulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English
CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
Travel Stories

Get Inspired About South Africa.

Destination Specialists

The Experts in Tailor-Made Travel

When working with Goway, you dream it, we plan it. Rely on the passion and expertise of our Destination Specialists to craft the trip that’s right for you. 

Meet the Team
Africa
Newsletter
Unlock Even More

Sign up to our newsletter to unlock travel Specials, Inspiration, and Expert Guides right to your inbox.

Exclusive Savings
Insider Contests
Trending Guides
New Specials
New Specials
Discover
Start Planning
Start Planning
Follow Along
Follow Along
Call 1.800.557.2841
Contact Us
BC Reg. #833-0; TICO Reg. #1543989; CST #2070685-20Offices located in CA, US, AUS© Copyright 2024. Goway Travel
Chat