Windermere

2 Tekweni Backpackers Hostel

Durban Beach Front
The beach front is where it's all happening - from busy executives slipping in some surf time come lunch, to holiday makers nationally and from all over the globe. Along the beach you'll spot local grommets (Durbanite surfers), small markets selling beaded products as well as traditional healers collecing sea water to use as 'muti' (medicine). Don't forget the array of restaurants, malls and local shops to peruse at your will

1 Beach Hotel

Tropicana Hotel

Glenashely
One of Durban's northern suburbs, which together with Umhlanga and La Lucia, has collectively come to represent one of the most desirable parts of Durban to holiday in. It's a place of secure complexes and has a way of life that includes beaches, shopping malls and sunny days galore!

4 On The Beach

Umhlanga

5 Holiday Inn Express Durban Umhlanga

About Durban:
Durban is located on the east coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and in the municipality of eThekwini. It is the third largest city in South Africa and the busiest port in Africa. 

Durban offers excellent urban vibes, including a mix of design, art, music and food - peppered with fascinating cultural influences. Even in winter there's lots to experience, especially with snow-capped mountains, top game reserves, country meanders and loads of other top attractions nearby.

Durban is South Africa's most popular domestic holiday city and it's easy to see why. It has miles of soft, sandy swimming beaches, great surfing and warm weather all year round. 

Head to the ocean for a fishing charter or chill out on a sunset sundowner cruise. Take in the marine life at Ushaka Marine World and burn up some energy at Water World.

Getting There:
By plane
Durban International Airport (formerly Louis Botha Airport) is now closed. The King Shaka International Airport, at La Mercy 40km north of Durban has been completed and is fully operational. 

Taxi fares from the new airport to the hotels on Marine Parade and centre of Durban can cost well over R400 ZAR (~US $53). However, next the taxi rank, there is an airport shuttle bus service that leaves every hour on the hour (or as soon as the bus has several passengers) for R80 ($ 10.50) per person, though it may take longer to reach your hotel. 

By bus
All national carriers and the Baz Bus offer regular services to Durban. 

By train
The central train station is in the city centre. 

Spoornet operates daily inter-city trains to Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg, with a weekly service to Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Cape Town. You can also get to Port Elizabeth or East London by changing trains in Bloemfontein. 

MetroRail operates frequent commuter trains to various suburbs of Durban and towns nearby (such as Pinetown and the resort towns of both the south coast (eg. Kelso and Park Ryne) and the north coast). 

Getting Around:
By car
The best way to get around Durban is by car. Be sure to check that you have the latest updated street maps and/or GPS device. 

By bus
Durban is attempting to upgrade its public bus system in time for the world cup; however, problems with the union sometimes makes buses unreliable. 

Durban People Mover buses feature CCTV cameras and wheelchair-friendly ramps. They run from 6AM until 11PM every 15 minutes. These buses stop in the CBD, the Victoria Street Market, the Workshop, Suncoast Casino, Ushaka Marine World and along the beach route. (R4 per trip, valid for 1 hour on a hop-on, hop-off basis). 

To travel between the Berea surbubs and the city its cheaper to travel by Mynah buses, R2.40 off peak (8AM 3:30PM), peak R3.80. The Mynah buses depart from the Workshop terminus every 30 minutes to Musgrave, The Ridge, Kensington, Mitchell Park/Florida road, Tollgate(cnr Aliwal/Smith streets), To South Beach/Ushaka, North Beach/Suncoast (in Pixley ka Seme {west} street, opposite the City Hall). 

The Aqualine buses to the suburbs (depart from the Pine street terminus ) are usually within 5 minutes of the schedule every hour. 

Most buses depart on the hour every hour, check the bus schedule. Please note that sometimes to get to your destination, you might have to catch a couple to three buses. When not sure about bus route number, ask the locals or the bus driver (tell him the nearest landmark to your destination). Mynah buses do not have route numbers, only the destination will be displayed on the electronic display in front of the bus. Please note that you must flag the bus down to stop at the bus stop. It is advisable to have the exact change before you board the bus and get a receipt! 

By metered taxi
Registered taxis are common, generally safe and relatively inexpensive. Taxis do not rove and hence need to be called so that one can be fetched from your pick up point. A lot of these will conduct point to point transfers, airport shuttles, and corporate transfers. 

By minibus taxi
There are also group taxis, referred to as "combi taxis" (or "minibus taxis"), that are impossible to miss as they're brightly decorated and always have music pumping. There is always someone hanging out of a window making the hand gestures that indicate whether there are seats available and where the combi is going. 

Minibus taxis are very common and less expensive than metered taxis. Strictly speaking, they are minibuses that take people to and from work, they stick to set routes and they are generally not suitable for tourists unfamiliar with the area they are going to; when in doubt stick to metered taxis or buses. There are minibus taxis plying same routes as Mynah buses,They are more frequent and faster then buses. 

By Rickshaw
Rickshaw rides are offered to tourists along the beach front, for amusement rather than getting around. Watch out for the many ups and downs in the ride; the tipping back of the rickshaw cause the contents of your pockets to fall out!

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