Located in KwaZulu-Natal province on the country's east coast and home to the continent's busiest port, Durban South Africa is a very popular destination for tourists. Durban's approximately 3 million inhabitants make the city the third most populous in the country. Both international and domestic visitors are drawn to Durban in South Africa for its mild, subtropical climate, numerous beaches, and the variety of other outdoor activities. Whether your travel to Durban is driven by business or pleasure, the variety of attractions guarantees an enjoyable stay.

One of the main tourist attractions in Durban South Africa is the Golden Mile, a stretch of beachfront along the Indian Ocean that's lined with hotels and resorts. The Golden Mile runs from South Beach to the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World, and it is the prime place in Durban for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and other water sports. Most of the beaches along the Golden Mile are protected from sharks by nets and also are patrolled by lifeguards.

At the South Beach end of the Golden Mile is another major attraction: uShaka Marine World, a massive waterpark which is home to one of the largest aquariums in the world, and many sharks! Stroll along the Golden Mile's promenade to sample South African dining and shopping, all the while enjoying seaside views. Because the Golden Mile is packed with so many attractions for visitors, this a prime place to secure Durban hotels.

South Africa Map

If you're tired of beachfront entertainment, you can explore an entirely different slice of Durban's natural surroundings by escaping to botanical gardens and nearby nature parks. Another fun thing to do during Durban vacations is to browse the Vic, or Victoria Street Market, an Indian market that hints at Durban's giant Indian population, which is the largest outside of Asia. At the market, which is located on the corner of Victoria and Crown Streets, you'll find everything from spices and sauces to produce and prepared food to fish and fine handicrafts.

Sports fans may want to time their travel to Durban to coincide with special events, such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup, as Durban's newly constructed stadium will be one of the locations for the event. Durban holds allure for other kinds of sport enthusiasts too, particularly surfers, who take advantage of the waves along the Golden Mile.

It is certainly possible to make Durban vacations one of several stops on South African vacations, as Durban is relatively well served by railway transportation. There are two long-distance passenger routes, a daily service to and from Johannesburg and a weekly service to and from Cape Town via Kimberley and Bloemfontein, as well as a local train that services Durban and the surrounding areas. Visitors who have rental cars for Durban vacations can get around the city via highways.

With beaches, water sports, shopping, and dining, the bustling and balmy Durban South Africa offers a wealth of attractions to fill every moment of your trip. Whether your travel to Durban is part of a family vacation, honeymoon, business trip, or summer getaway, it is sure to be a trip to remember.