Durban

New 7 Wonders Cities

Durban is South Africa’s great subtropical port, facing the warm Indian Ocean along a beachfront known as the Golden Mile. It is the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal, the heartland of the Zulu kingdom, and also home to one of the biggest communities of Indian descent outside India, a legacy of indentured labourers brought to work sugar plantations from the 1860s. Both inheritances shape daily life. The Warwick Junction market area and the Victoria Street Market offer spices, textiles and crafts; bunny chow, a hollowed loaf filled with curry, is Durban’s signature dish; and Zulu language and traditions are visible in music, beadwork and festivals. The seafront promenade, stretching for several kilometres from the piers to Blue Lagoon, draws walkers, cyclists and surfers, and uShaka Marine World combines an aquarium with water-park attractions. The Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the 2010 World Cup, offers cable-car and arch experiences with views over the city. Beyond the centre, the Berea ridge, botanical gardens and nearby Valley of a Thousand Hills show a greener side. The climate is mild in winter and hot and humid in summer, with a rainy season. As in many large cities, visitors should use sensible safety practices, such as using licensed taxis or ride-hailing at night and getting local advice on neighbourhoods. Durban makes a good base for the Drakensberg mountains and the game reserves of northern KwaZulu-Natal.